Hello!
I'm about to head out of town for ~2 weeks, and need to bring my T with me. I'll only need to do one shot over the trip, but I am curious as to how I should manage the needles after the shot? It seems absurd to find some sort of needle drop/medical waste disposal for two measly needles. My conscience, however, tells me that I shouldn't just toss them in the trash and forget about it....
Maybe I'll glue the needle into its protective sheath before tossing it?
Anywho. What do you guys do about this issue?
I assume your using a box/kit to store everything at home. I would recommend putting the two sheathed needles in a old pill bottle or some small container you don't need. After that dispose of them when you done with your trip. My friend uses a Gatorade bottle at home because that is an acceptable container in our state.
What David27 wrote about putting used needles inside pill bottles and gatorade bottles. Very nice, I'd go with that.
When I did needles I used an old Nintendo DS case for travel; the little half-inch elastic bands (stylus holders) kept the used needles secure, and the larger band (meant for the DS) kept the bottle of T, new needles, syringes, and I few alcohol wipes all in a neat kit that I could just toss in my backpack and forget about.
Oh, and in some places it's illegal to put needles in the trash, as they are considered hazardous waste. I'm not sure which areas, but I wouldn't risk any trouble just for that. :o
Look up the law where you're visiting. If you bring needles (capped) to a hospital they will likely take them/dispose of them.
When you travel with prescription drugs, always use original containers that have the pharmacies info on it. That is usually enough to allay any suspicions about the T. As to the needles, if you explain why you have used needles with you, it shouldn't be an issue. I would still dispose of them as soon as convenient. Some public bathrooms have sharps containers, usually because people on insulin are getting pretty common.
Amazon has some travel size sharps containers. Enjoy your travels!
I recently traveled by air. I just kept the used needles in their sheaths and brought them home with me in my carry on. As long as you have your prescription clearly marked with your name you shouldn't have issues with any authorities but it might be awkward to explain. I think the Gatorade bottle is a good idea. Or some other thicker plastic bottle with a lid.
I am diabetic and hotels are great about helping you get rid of contaminated sharps during your stay with them, as Lord Kat said, be sure to carry your injectible meds in the prescription container they came in that has the druggist's lable with address of the pharmacy on it.
I use hospitals. They often keep sharps bins in public areas, and if they don't they are usually willing to pull one out if you ask. I'm not comfortable with ever putting my injection stuff into the regular waste stream, but I know some people use pickle jars and duct tape.