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ConsultationRemember to hydrate and, if things become really bad, descend to a lower altitude. If you’re climbing a mountain or expect to reach incredible heights, it may help to bring oxygen and a Gamow bag.
The scopolamine patch is a prescription strength motion sickness medication, unlike Dramamine. The patch provides longer duration of action, delivering a steady dose over several days compared to the need for frequent dosing with Dramamine tablets. The scopolamine patch’s controlled-release system ensures consistent medication levels and may result in reduced side effects like stomach upset and drowsiness, commonly associated with oral medications like Dramamine. The non-oral administration of scopolamine also eliminates the challenges of swallowing pills or experiencing nausea and vomiting. Additionally, the convenience of the patch may improve compliance by simplifying the treatment regimen. However, it’s important to remember that individual responses may vary. Initiate a consultation at Runway today for personalized recommendations based on your specific needs.
Antihistamines can potentially help clear up information to the brain, but can leave you drowsy, which may not be conducive to a great trip.
Minimize pre-travel stress (not always helpful advice, we know); pack travel accessories like pillow, sleep mask, earplugs, etc.
Saying “watch what you eat” can be reductive and too broad but be aware of water and food conditions before traveling. For milder cases, you can take bisuth subsalicylate, like Pepto-Bismol (among other brands) and increase fluids and electrolytes to replenish the body.
Common side effects may include headache, constipation, or fatigue. Consult your healthcare provider if you experience severe or unusual side effects.
Common side effects of Fluconazole may include headache, nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Serious side effects are rare but can include liver toxicity and severe allergic reactions. If you experience severe or persistent side effects, contact your healthcare provider.
Side effects of Nitrofurantoin can include headache, nausea, and changes in urine color. Severe side effects are rare but may include liver toxicity and lung problems. Contact your doctor if you experience severe or persistent side effects.
Side effects may include nausea, diarrhea, stomach pain, and, in some cases, a low-grade fever. These are typically temporary, but contact a healthcare provider if side effects persist.
Yes! Runway is available in all 50 states.
UTIs can often be prevented by staying hydrated, urinating frequently, wiping from front to back after using the toilet, and avoiding irritating feminine products. It's also beneficial to urinate shortly after intercourse. If you experience recurrent UTIs, your healthcare provider may recommend additional preventive measures.
Vivotif® is generally recommended for individuals aged six years and older who are traveling to areas where typhoid fever is common. However, it may not be suitable for individuals with certain medical conditions or weakened immune systems. Consult with your healthcare provider to determine if the Vivotif® is appropriate for you.
If appropriate, your physician may prescribe an alternative medication. You may message your physician from within your Runway Dashboard to discuss alternative treatment options with your physician.
Fluconazole is generally not recommended during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester, unless absolutely necessary. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, consult your healthcare provider before taking Fluconazole to determine the best treatment option for you.
Nitrofurantoin is generally considered safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding, but it is important to consult with your healthcare provider before starting any medication to ensure it is appropriate for your specific situation.
Zofran can be used to prevent nausea and vomiting.
The safety of the Vivotif® in pregnant or breastfeeding women has not been fully established. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, it is important to discuss the risks and benefits with your healthcare provider before taking the vaccine.
Runway consultations are specific to each traveler. We are happy to support families and groups, but each traveler will require their own consultation.
To reduce the risk of developing a vaginal yeast infection, practice good hygiene, wear breathable cotton underwear, avoid douching and using scented feminine products, and maintain a healthy diet. If you are prone to recurrent infections, your healthcare provider may recommend additional preventive measures.
Fluconazole can be taken as a preventative measure for people who are likely to become infected due to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Talk to your doctor and use as directed.
Nitrofurantoin can be used to prevent recurring UTIs. Start your consultation at Runway Health for personalized physician support.
Ondansetron (generic Zofran) can be taken before a flight. Speak with your doctor and use as directed.
Yes, Ondansetron requires a prescription from a healthcare provider.
You are not required to have a trip booked to initiate a Runway consultation.
Yes, it is important to continue practicing good hygiene and food safety measures even after receiving the Vivotif®. This includes drinking bottled or boiled water, avoiding raw or undercooked foods, and washing your hands frequently. The vaccine provides significant protection, but no vaccine is 100% effective.
Runway does not accept insurance. While each insurance plan is different, many insurance providers do not cover medications or vaccines related to foreign travel. Similarly, Medicare does not cover any vaccines or medicines for foreign travel.
A Runway consultation is intended to complement, not replace, your primary care physician relationship. It’s important to always keep your primary care physician up to date on any new medications you intend to take.
Cephalexin and antibiotics in the Cephalexin family do not cause sensitivity to sunlight.
Doxycycline is effective against Plasmodium falciparum, the most common malaria parasite. However, it is not suitable for all regions. Your Runway Health physician can help determine which medication is best for your specific destination.
Hydroxyzine does cause sleepiness, so it may evoke feelings of calm without haziness during a flight. The distinct profile of Hydroxyzine more often serves sleeplessness and acute anxiety scenarios, like flights or big presentations.
Hydroxyzine is primarily used to combat sleeplessness but may also be used to treat motion sickness or allergies. Consult your doctor and use as directed.
Runway supports travelers aged 13 and older.
Yes. Take it before symptoms start, about 4 hours before takeoff.
Take Diamox 24-48 hours before the climb or arriving at altitude, then use as directed.
The Vivotif® is taken as a series of four capsules. One capsule is taken every other day (e.g., Day 1, Day 3, Day 5, and Day 7) with a cold or lukewarm drink, one hour before a meal. It's important to complete the entire series to ensure effective protection.
Although the exact dosing instructions will be provided by your healthcare provider, in general, to use patch, you should first clean and dry the area behind your ear. Then, apply the patch to the skin behind one ear, making sure it adheres firmly. The patch should be left in place for the duration specified by your healthcare provider (usually up to three days) before replacing it with a new one. Wash your hands thoroughly after handling the patch.
Take Doxycycline with a full glass of water, and avoid lying down for at least 30 minutes after consumption. For malaria prevention, start 1-2 days before travel and continue daily during your trip and for 4 weeks after leaving the malaria-risk area.
Fluconazole is an antifungal medication. It works by inhibiting Candida fungi growth, which causes yeast infections. It clears your infection and provides fast symptom relief.
Fluconazole is an antifungal medication that works by inhibiting the growth of Candida fungi, which are responsible for yeast infections. It effectively eliminates the infection and provides relief from symptoms.
First, you will complete an online questionnaire to gather information about your upcoming travel and medical history. Next, a U.S. licensed physician will review your consultation to determine if you are a candidate for medication. If you are prescribed a treatment plan, your prescriptions will be mailed to you in a few days. Your provider remains available to answer any follow-up questions you may have about your treatment plan.
If your provider determines you are not eligible for prescription medication, they will contact you through our secure messaging portal to discuss next steps.
Malaria is primarily spread when an infected mosquito bites a non-infected person. The malaria parasites travel through the bloodstream and travel to the liver. After the parasites mature, they multiply in red blood cells, destroying them.
Nitrofurantoin (Macrobid) is an antibiotic that targets and kills the bacteria causing the infection. It works by inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis, which helps to clear the infection and alleviate symptoms.
The scopolamine patch works by blocking certain signals in the brain that are responsible for causing motion sickness. The patch delivers a controlled amount of scopolamine through the skin, allowing for continuous and long-lasting relief from motion sickness.
When taken preventively, acetazolamide (generic Diamox) hastens acclimatization to high-elevation hypoxia, thereby reducing occurrence and severity of altitude sickness, also known as Acute Mountain Sickness or AMS. It also enhances recovery if taken after symptoms have developed. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the medication works primarily by inducing a bicarbonate diuresis and metabolic acidosis, which stimulates ventilation and increases alveolar and arterial oxygenation. By using acetazolamide (generic Diamox), high-elevation ventilatory acclimatization that normally takes 3–5 days takes only 1 day. This medication also eliminates central sleep apnea, or periodic breathing, which is common at high elevations, even in those without a history of sleep disorder breathing.
The scopolamine patch blocks specific brain signals that cause motion sickness by delivering a controlled amount of scopolamine through the skin.
The Vivotif® is an oral typhoid vaccine that contains live attenuated (weakened) bacteria. When taken as directed, it helps the body build immunity by stimulating an immune response, providing protection against future infections.
Vivotif® is an oral typhoid vaccine containing live attenuated bacteria. It stimulates an immune response, helping the body build immunity and provide protection against infection.
Placed on the hairless skin behind your ear, scopolamine patches should be applied 4 hours before effects will be needed. They can be left in place for up to 3 days.
Each consultation includes access to chat-based care before, during and after your travels.
Each scopolamine patch lasts up to three days, continuously delivering a controlled dose of medication. This extended duration provides consistent and effective motion sickness prevention throughout your journey or exposure to motion triggers. After three days, you would replace the patch to maintain the therapeutic effect. This longer-lasting patch reduces the need for frequent dosing and ensures continuous relief during travel or activities that may cause motion sickness.
Your body rapidly absorbs Hydroxyzine, and you may notice anxiety relief within 30 minutes of taking your dose. Full benefits may take 2-3 hours to take effect.
Typically, azithromycin starts working after a single dose for the majority of patients.
Ciprofloxacin typically starts working after a single dose for most traveler’s diarrhea sufferers, but should be continued as prescribed by your physician.
Some people experience relief within one or two days after their initial dose of Fluconazole. However, it could take a few days for complete symptom relief.
Many people experience symptom relief within one to two days of taking a single dose of Fluconazole. However, it may take a few days for all symptoms to resolve completely.
Many people experience relief within a few days of taking Nitrofurantoin. It’s important that you complete the whole round of medication as prescribed, even if symptoms subside earlier.
Most people start to feel relief from UTI symptoms within a few days of starting Nitrofurantoin. It is important to complete the full course of the medication as prescribed, even if symptoms improve, to ensure the infection is fully treated.
Fluconazole typically takes 6 days to leave your body entirely after your last dose. When you stop taking Fluconazole, you may continue to experience some side effects during this period. More often than not, however, the drug’s effects leave soon after your treatment does.
Vivotif® typically provides protection for up to five years. If you continue traveling in high-risk areas, a booster may be recommended.
Cephalexin capsules do not need to be refrigerated. They should be stored at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom).
Although the exact dosing instructions will be provided by your healthcare provider, typically, it is recommended to begin the day before ascent and continue the first 2 days at elevation, and longer if ascent continues. Your healthcare provider will provide specific guidance based on your individual circumstances.
Your medication costs may vary depending on what is prescribed by your physician.
An online consultation costs $30. If we are not able to support you, Runway will reimburse your consultation cost.
Ondansetron (generic Zofran) is an orally disintegrating tablet that can relieve nausea and vomiting within 15-30 minutes after ingestion.
After completing your online questionnaire, a physician will complete their review of your information within 24 hours.
After you complete the simple questionnaire, a physician will complete the initial review within 24 hours. If your wait time is longer, don’t hesitate to contact our support team, who can always assist you.
Acetazolamide is a more affordable, generic form of Diamox that is just as effective.
Atovaquone:Proguanil (generic Malarone) is effective against most types of malaria, including Plasmodium falciparum, which is the most common and dangerous form of the disease.
Atovaquone:Proguanil is a more affordable, generic form of Malarone that is just as effective.
Azithromycin is the most commonly used antibiotic for traveler’s diarrhea. Physicians typically prescribe 3 500mg tablets for one course of treatment. Travelers are typically instructed to take 1 tablet by mouth once per day after the onset of moderate to severe diarrhea for 3 days. Use as directed.
Ciprofloxacin is a commonly used antibiotic for relief from traveler’s diarrhea. Travelers are typically prescribed 5 tablets and instructed to take 1 tablet by mouth once per day after the onset of moderate to severe diarrhea. Start your consultation with a Runway Health physician for personalized care.
No, Doxycycline is not a penicillin; it’s a tetracycline antibiotic. Doxycycline is effective against many bacteria and malaria parasites.
Take azithromycin roughly one hour before a meal or two hours after eating. You can take it with or without food.
You should take Ciprofloxacin one hour before a meal or two hours after. You can take it with or without a snack.
While this medication helps prevent malaria, it does not provide protection against mosquito bites. It is still important to take additional measures to avoid mosquito bites, such as using insect repellents, wearing long sleeves and pants, and staying in screened or air-conditioned accommodations.
Malaria is not contagious person to person.
Medication needs are determined by your physician and not included in the cost of a Runway consultation. Medication costs will vary depending on your specific treatment plan as provided by your doctor. You are not required to purchase any medication as a part of your consultation.
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Ondansetron is a more affordable, generic form of Zofran that is just as effective.
Yes, typhoid fever is highly contagious. It is primarily spread through the ingestion of food or water contaminated with the feces of an infected person. This is more common in areas with poor sanitation and limited access to clean water. Typhoid can also be spread through direct contact with an infected person. Practicing good hygiene, such as regular handwashing and consuming safe, clean food and water, can help prevent the spread of typhoid.
Please call 9-1-1 immediately.
Yes, travelers prescribed with Diamox are typically instructed to begin taking the medication before arriving at altitude to prevent common symptoms associated with altitude sickness.If you’re doing a slow climb and give your body a long period to acclimate, you may have a lower risk of getting sick, but it’s a good idea to take Diamox to be safe.
Altitude symptoms typically arise within 12-24 hours of reaching an elevation higher than 8,000ft and subside within a day or two as your body adjusts. You may feel fatigue, shortness of breath, trouble sleeping, nausea, headache, and vomiting.
Motion sickness can come on fast. You may feel fine one moment and then suddenly
experience some of these symptoms:
Symptoms of sleeplessness include waking during the night, waking too early, not feeling rested in the morning, daytime sleepiness, difficulty focusing, irritability, and increased errors or accidents. The right amount of sleep varies between individuals, and symptoms may also vary.
Typical symptoms of traveler’s diarrhea can include:
UTI symptoms often include the frequent need to urinate, a burning sensation while urinating, strong-scented urine, and lower abdominal pain. Some may also experience fever or fatigue.
Symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection include itching, irritation, redness, swelling, and a thick, white discharge that may resemble cottage cheese. Some individuals may also experience burning during urination or intercourse.
Vaginal yeast infection symptoms include irritation, itching, redness, swelling, and a thick white discharge, often resembling cottage cheese. In some cases, individuals may experience pain during intercourse or while urinating.
Symptoms are delayed, first occurring 7-30 days after infection and generally last 6-10 hours and cycle every 2 to 3 days. Malaria symptoms include shivering, fever, headache, vomiting, sweating, seizures, and fatigue. When left untreated, malaria can become severe and cause death.
ODT stands for "orally disintegrating tablet," a type of medication that dissolves quickly in the mouth without the need for water.
A Runway consultation will connect you with a US based physician for chat-based care to answer any of your travel health related questions. Your physician can suggest medications based on your specific itinerary.
Please contact our support team at support@runwayhealth.com
Acetazolamide (generic Diamox) is a prescription medication that is commonly used as a preventive treatment for altitude sickness, also known as acute mountain sickness (AMS).
Alongside a team of board-certified physicians, Runway has crafted an online questionnaire based consultation that replicates those questions you may typically be asked at a brick-and-mortar travel clinic. You may initiate this online consultation 24/7 without the need to schedule a live visit. Upon reviewing your consultation, your physician may reach out to you via our secure, HIPAA compliant chat portal if they require any additional information. Similarly, should you have any additional questions for your physician, you may contact them for chat based care before, during or after your travels.
Cephalexin is an antibiotic belonging to a group of medicines called the cephalosporin antibiotics. It works by killing and preventing the growth of bacteria that cause infections.
Aside from being widely prescribed to prevent malaria during travel to remote areas, Doxycycline is commonly used to treat bacterial infections, including respiratory, skin, and urinary tract infections.
Malaria is a tropical parasite disease that is primarily spread through mosquitoes. It can be life threatening. Malaria is not common in the United States, but it can be spread through immigration and travel from other countries where malaria is prevalent. Malaria is most common in warm, tropical climates such as Africa, South and Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Central and South America, and Oceania.
Ondansetron is a medication used for nausea and vomiting relief. It works by blocking certain chemicals in the body that can trigger these symptoms.
Ondansetron (generic Zofran) works by blocking specific chemicals in the body that can trigger nausea and vomiting.
Scopolamine patches are worn on the skin to prevent motion sickness for up to three days. Scopolamine patches are intended to provide long term relief of motion sickness. Ondansetron ODT is an orally disintegrating tablet used to relieve nausea and vomiting, typically providing relief for up to 8 hours.
The main differences between the Vivotif® and the injectable typhoid vaccine are their forms, administration methods, and duration of protection. The Vivotif® comes in the form of capsules containing live attenuated (weakened) bacteria, taken over a series of four doses. It stimulates immunity through the digestive system and typically provides protection for up to five years. The injectable typhoid vaccine, on the other hand, is administered as a single intramuscular injection containing inactivated (killed) bacteria. It usually provides protection for about two years. Both vaccines are effective, but the choice between them may depend on personal preference, medical history, and travel plans. It's best to consult with a healthcare provider to determine which vaccine is most suitable for you.
The scopolamine patch is a prescription medication in transdermal patch form. It contains scopolamine, the anticholinergic medication used to treat and prevent motion sickness.
Typhoid fever is a serious bacterial infection caused by Salmonella Typhi. It is transmitted through contaminated food and water, making it common in areas with poor sanitation. Symptoms include prolonged fever, weakness, stomach pain, headache, and loss of appetite.
Unfortunately, we cannot accept returns of any prescription products. If there is an error with your order, please contact us at support@runwayhealth.com
Aspirin or aspirin-like medicines, lithium, diabetes medication, and other diuretics may interfere with Diamox. Your Runway Health physician will determine if Diamox is right for you.
While taking Cephalexin, you should avoid taking zinc supplements or anything containing zinc. Zinc may reduce the amount of Cephalexin in your body, which disrupts the antibiotic’s ability to work effectively.
While taking Nitrofurantoin, avoid large amounts of caffeine, citrus fruits and juices, artificial sweeteners, acidic food, and spicy foods.
Upon completion of your online consultation, you will be charged a consultation fee. If after review by one of our licensed physicians, you are determined to be a candidate for prescription medication, you will be charged for this medication once it is fulfilled by our partner pharmacy.
Although the exact dosing instructions will be provided by your healthcare provider, in general, it is recommended to start taking atovaquone:proguanil (generic Malarone) 1-2 days before entering the malaria zone, continue taking it daily during your stay, and then continue for 7 days after leaving the area.
Although the exact dosing instructions will be provided by your healthcare provider, in general, it is generally recommended to start taking acetazolamide (generic Diamox) one to two days before ascending to high altitudes. This allows the medication to take effect and help your body acclimate to the change in altitude.
You should take it as directed by your doctor, but Zofran is typically taken on an as-needed basis.
Ondansetron is typically taken as needed when experiencing nausea or vomiting. Follow your healthcare provider's instructions for specific timing.
Vivotif® is taken in four capsules before traveling to a region with typhoid fever, with one capsule taken every second day. You should take Vivotif® with a cold or lukewarm drink roughly an hour before a meal. Remember to take the entire series to ensure you’re receiving adequate protection.
Once your order is shipped, you will receive an email with details to track your shipment.
Orders are shipped every day except for Sunday and are typically processed within 1 business day after your order has been approved by your physician.
There’s the highest risk of contracting traveler’s diarrhea in the developing world. Places like Mexico, Latin America, Asia, Africa and the Middle East. The risk of infection varies depending on the type of exposure—from a fairly low risk from eating hot, cooked foods and drinking factory-sealed beverages, to a higher risk while eating raw vegetables and fruits, and drinking tap water.
Malaria transmission occurs across 87 countries and territories. The map below, provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, shows an approximation of the parts of the world where malaria transmission occurs.
Runway Health provides exceptional health care for travelers, working exclusively with US-based, board-certified physicians. We are dedicated to ensuring every traveler has a safe and comfortable journey.
It’s estimated that one in three people get motion sickness at some point in their lives.
Factors that increase your chances of getting motion sickness:
Anyone can develop altitude sickness, no matter how fit, young or healthy you are. In fact, if you’re physically active while at a high elevation, you’re more likely to develop it.
Chances to get altitude sickness depends on a few things: how quickly you move to a higher elevation, how high up you’re going, the altitude where you sleep/rest, etc.
Your risk also depends on where you live, the altitude you’re accustomed to, your age (young people are more likely to get it) and whether you’ve had altitude sickness before.
Some research suggests our genes can play a role in the body’s ability to handle higher elevations.
Sleeplessness is brought on by numerous factors, including traveling, worsening sleep habits, eating too late in the evening, and increased stress.
Stress: Concerns about work, school, health, finances or family can keep your mind active at night, making it difficult to sleep.
Travel: Your circadian rhythms act as an internal clock for all parts of you. Disrupting these rhythms can lead to insomnia. Common disruptions include jet lag from traveling across multiple time zones, working a late or early shift or frequently changing shifts.
Poor sleep habits: These can range from stimulating activities before bed, a new environment and blue light from screens (phones, tv, tablet, etc) before bed.
Eating too much late in the evening: Eating too much may cause you to feel physically uncomfortable while lying down as well as experience heartburn or indigestion which can keep you awake.
Runway is for adults traveling to regions where motion sickness, altitude sickness, traveler’s diarrhea, malaria, or sleeplessness may be common.
Refrigeration is required for Vivotif® to maintain its potency and effectiveness during storage and transport.
Refrigeration is required for the oral typhoid vaccine to maintain its potency and effectiveness. It will be shipped and stored refrigerated between 35.6°F–46.6°F, which requires specialized packaging. The live attenuated bacteria in the capsules need to be kept at a stable, cold temperature to ensure they remain viable and capable of stimulating an immune response. Failure to store the vaccine properly can reduce its efficacy and compromise the protection it provides. Always follow storage instructions and keep the vaccine refrigerated until use.
Sometimes called “mountain sickness,” altitude sickness is in a group of symptoms that can affect you if you reach a higher elevation, or altitude, too quickly. That usually happens around 8,000 feet or higher.
Sleeplessness (insomnia) is a common sleep disorder that can make it hard to fall or stay asleep, or cause you to wake up too early and not be able to get back to sleep. It’s particularly common when travelling across time-zones, where you may still feel tired when you wake up and experience lower energy levels.
When traveler's visit a destination over 8,000 feet or more, they may experience symptoms of altitude sickness or of called “mountain sickness.”
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