Sorry if this is wrong place to ask this, but I couldn't figure out where/how to post this. Couldn't find a new post button. My question is about an "epi-pen."
I have had a couple of episodes of difficulty breathing recently, so my doctor gave me an auto injector for...something or other that is supposed to help me breathe in an emergency. I have it in my bag and actually forgot about when I went to the US Embassy in Tokyo, but the guards there just looked it over, asked me about it, then waved me through. It will be in my carry on next time
I'm on a flight, and I'm wondering how TSA is going to react. I have the original
label from the pharmacy showing the prescription number etc, but....I have no faith that the TSA has common sense, so I'm wondering what if anything I should do about it. Any thoughts ? Thanks.

It's a good idea to have the pharmacy label with you, but it shouldn't be a problem since it's medication. See here: http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtrav...rial_1059.shtm

any kind of prescribed medicine, have the RX with you. Especially one with a needle/

Carried one for years and have been through the TSA many times and have never been asked about it by the TSA. The prescription is on the outside of the box.

I have traveled with Epi-pens in the US for 13 years and have never had a problem going through security. I was worried about this too when I first started traveling with them. It's smart of you to carry the original prescription labels with you, whether on the cases of the auto-injectors or on the original packaging.

Safe travels to you.

and I've traveled a great deal.

As I live in a place that is very hot in the summer, I take precautions with mine and carry them in a special pack made for diabetic medicines called a Frio pack. It doesn't use ice (which is a bother when traveling). You soak the inner lining in water and the evaporation of that water keeps your items from getting too hot.

I think the TSA folks have seen a jillion Epi-pens.

I do carry along the original packaging.

Big second on Frio. With the evaporative cooling it's about 10-15 degrees F below ambient, so it's not refrigeration.

I travel every week with at least two pens in my frio and a handful of needles. Never been asked even a mild question.

TSA never batted an eye over my epi pen over maybe 100 screenings.

QL

Thank you for the replies. I feel less nervous about it now. And thanks also for the info on the Frio. I'll check into that. Pleasant flying, everyone.

I've bought Frio products from Magellan's and from Amazon.com Check both for prices.

Using ice packs is too cold for Epi-pens. You just need to keep it from getting badly overheated (don't store in your car in the summer).

Ditto. I've traveled through the U.S. and Europe with an Epi-Pen and have not had any issue with it to date. I do make sure the storage tube has the pharmacy label on it, like I do with any other prescribed medication.

Safe travels to you, and to all!

Since this is TSA were talking about anything is possible (trust me i know this to well especially with meds). Make sure there is a RX label on the epi pen; make sure they dont take the caps off the pen and contaminate it.

Also be prepared to stand your ground on them not messing with or calling it contraband. Its always fun when TSA employees practice medicine without a license. As more then a few have tried to force a "voluntary surrender" of medications for which I suspect were going to be for there own personal use.

An organization that shuts down a terminal because one of their employees thinks that an insulin pump is a gun is capable of harassing you for any medical device.