Forsteo (teriparatide): Use when travelling

The storage instructions for Forsteo are as follows:

Store in a refrigerator (2°C-8°C) at all times. The pen should be returned to the refrigerator immediately after use. Do not freeze.¹

However, when travelling, the travel (cool) bag and gel packs can be used. Forsteo can be kept out of the fridge for a maximum of 36 hours up to 25°C during its 28 days in use period.²

Information available regarding travel with Forsteo:

• The Forsteo travel (cool) bag is intended only for occasional use when travelling. Do not store the travel bag itself in the freezer or refrigerator. Do not store the travel bag in a car boot.²

• It is recommended that the gel packs be frozen solid before using the travel bag. The frozen gel packs, when properly placed in the travel bag, are insulated from the Forsteo pen and do not make direct contact with the pen to ensure that the medicine does not freeze (0°C or 32°F).²

• 36 hours is the total travel time allowed per device as long as the provided travel bag is used for travelling with the Forsteo pen and the temperature that the pen is exposed to during travel does not exceed 25°C or 77°F (room temperature).²

• To ensure the cool bag remains at the correct temperature for 36 hours the gel packs must be replaced every 11 hours.²

  • Koolit^® gel packs consist of a water-soluble starch or cellulose in a plastic pouch. All Koolit refrigerants are made of high quality, non-toxic materials but are not intended for human consumption. Users who notice leaking or puffing of the bag should dispose and request new refrigerant packs.

  • Recommended Disposal: These water based Koolit refrigerants are suitable for disposal in normal waste streams. To recycle, simply cut open a thawed gel pack and dispose of its liquid content in the normal waste stream. The pouch may be recycled in centers that accept plastic.

• The Forsteo Pen should be returned to the refrigerator as soon as possible when arriving at the travel destination.²

• When travelling by air.

  • A doctor’s letter/prescription label may be required to verify the Forsteo pen belongs to the patient. Check the requirements with the airline.

  • The Forsteo Travel Bag should be brought onto the aeroplane as a carry-on. The temperature in the checked luggage area is not always controlled and may become too hot or too cold.

  • The Forsteo pen can be passed through a standard airport security scanner when travelling by air. Lilly have completed a study that showed that Forsteo is not altered by x-ray radiation found in airport scanners. Multiple passes through scanners required by the connecting and return flights of typical airline travel should not damage the Forsteo pen.²

References

1. Forsteo Summary of Product Characteristics, Utrecht, The Netherlands: Eli Lilly Nederland B.V.

2. Data on file, Eli Lilly and Company and/or one of its subsidiaries.