Gynae Travel Pack^©

A solution to the most common issues experienced by travellers abroad.

• best available treatments prescribed by a doctor
• to stop travellers' diarrhoea, treat infection and protect yourself
• instruction leaflet plus one free e-mail exchange with a doctor

With Dr Morton's - the medical helpline^© you can email or phone a real doctor at any time for more information, reassurance or advice. Our Doctors may well call you in advance of your travels to be sure you have what you need for your planned destinations

Travellers' diarrhoea

Fact: Up to 90% of Europeans will get bacterial diarrhoea whilst in developing countries.⁽¹⁾

For diarrhoea and vomiting your pack contains three courses of Ciprofloxacin to deal with the cause, and Domperidone and Loperamide to treat symptoms. Rehydration sachets replace the chemicals that are lost with diarrhoea or vomiting.

Cystitis or urinary tract infection

Fact: 50-70% of women will have a UTI in their lifetime, in 20-30% infections will reoccur.⁽²⁾

Cystitis may be a simple inflammation or due to an infection. The easy-to-use urine dipstick distinguishes between the two. Use Fosfomycin for an infection and a potassium or sodium citrate sachet for inflammation.

Contraception

Fact: You cannot rely on the contraceptive pill if you have diarrhoea or vomiting.⁽³⁾

If you are taking the contraceptive pill (for period problems or contraception) vomiting or diarrhoea may mean that the pill is not absorbed properly and therefore will not work. The pack includes condoms for use in this situation.

Infected rash or insect bite

Fact: This medicine is really good for weepy earlobes after wearing cheap earrings.

In hot and sweaty climates it is easy for cuts, rashes or insect bites to become sore and infected. Fusidic hydro cream is an antibiotic and an anti-allergy medicine that can be applied in all these situations.

Thrush, Fungal or Yeast Infection

Fact: Following a course of antibiotics 30% of women will get thrush.⁽⁴⁾

Thrush is a yeast infection that produces a burning, itchy or sore sensation. Your pack contains the antifungal Fluconazole to kill off the infectious yeast growth while the prescription-only Canesten HC cream relieves the symptoms.

Pain relief

Fact: These can be used together as they work in different ways and can be complementary.^(5,6)

When you need something stronger than Paracetamol we supply Naproxen for the most commonly reported travel problems such as; period pain, headache, toothache, muscle and backache.

Optional extras

Travellers' diarrhoea in Southeast Asia £25

Fact: Prompt treatment with the right antibiotic reduces severity and duration of diarrhoea.

In Southeast Asia (Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos etc.) and the Indian subcontinent, Azithromycin is the recommended treatment for diarrhoea. Two courses are provided in case of recurrence. Please note that Azithromycin does not have a licence for this indication even though it is commonly prescribed by doctors as the antibiotic of choice in this clinical situation, recommended in the Hospital of Tropical medicine’s review in the BMJ and supported by authoritative research from Hill and Beeching⁽⁷⁾.

Emergency Contraception £20

Fact: 95% effective at preventing pregnancy if taken within 24 hours of unprotected sex.⁽⁸⁾

Levonelle, the 'morning after pill', is for emergency use only and could be vital if you have had unprotected sex or your contraception cannot be relied upon. Make sure you take it within 72 hours.

Chlamydia £15

Fact: About 45% of infertility due to blocked tubes has been caused by chlamydia.⁽⁸⁾

Chlamydia is a common sexually transmitted disease; symptoms range from nothing to a severe illness. Doxycycline 100mg BD 7 days should be taken if you think you have put yourself at risk - for instance you have had unprotected sex.

Cold sores and Herpes £10/£15

Fact: Genital herpes can make it impossible to wee, needing hospitalisation and a catheter.⁽⁹⁾

Aciclovir cream (£10) can be applied to cold sores around the mouth and genital area. A first attack of genital herpes is very painful. Avoid it by using condoms. Attacks can be alleviated by prompt use of Aciclovir tablets (£15). Please note that Aciclovir only has a licence for herpes prevention in people whose immune systems are compromised, but it is routinely prescribed by doctors for people who are very prone to herpes breakouts under stressful circumstances or sunlight. Ask for more information if you need it.

Delaying a period £15

Fact: This works reliably and safely if started at least 3 days before the period is due.⁽¹⁰⁾

It may be very useful to delay a period if, for instance, you decide to go to a remote location or deep sea diving. This can be done easily by taking Norethisterone. Your period will be delayed until two days after the last tablet.

Persistent diarrhoea £10

Fact: Metronidazole is also useful for specific vaginal infections.⁽¹¹⁾

Giardia is a different cause of diarrhoea which is common in areas with poor water hygiene and needs specific treatment. If your diarrhoea is persistent after recommended treatments, take Metronidazole - but do not take with alcohol.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How big is the pack; I am already worried about space in my bag?

A: The pack is a similar size to a standard wash bag. You can always take the medicines out of their boxes - but you must keep the original packaging (squash them flat) both for customs and for repeat prescriptions.

Q: I already have a first aid kit, why is this necessary as well?

A: This is not a first aid kit alternative. The Gynae Travel Pack^© is specifically designed for the gynaecological problems likely to be suffered by women while abroad. A first aid kit is mainly for dealing with minor injuries.

Q: Can I travel through customs with the medicines?

A: Yes, it is perfectly legal to travel through customs with medicines that have been specifically prescribed for you. Ensure you always keep the original packaging with your name on it.

Q: How soon does the pack arrive after I have ordered it?

A: The pack will arrive the next day as long as you place your order before 10am. You will receive an email as soon as it is dispatched along with a tracking number. Alternatively, log in to your personal portal at any time to retrieve the number.

Q: Can someone else like my mum buy the Gynae Travel Pack^© for me?

A: As the Gynae Travel Pack^© contains prescription medicines, it is important to know exactly to whom we are prescribing. Your payment method helps us to identify you. However, at the sole discretion of Dr Morton's - the medical helpline^© and, so long as you can provide an acceptable explanation as to why someone else wants to pay, we may be able to accept your purchase.

Q: What if the doctor decides not to prescribe?

A: Don't worry, if we are unable to prescribe you will not be charged. If you have already been charged, a refund will be issued. If after reviewing your answers a doctor decides that it is not appropriate on medical grounds to prescribe one or more of the multiple items within the pack but that the pack without this item or items is nevertheless worthwhile, the doctor may at his sole discretion proceed without this item or items and no balancing charge will be made for this additional service or advice, which will be recorded in the doctors notes, nor for any item or items excluded. The doctor may, on occasion, recommend alternative medicines within the doctors notes. Such bespoke items may be requested by email to a GP. With Dr Morton’s Travel Pack© the first email to the doctor is free.

References

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