Today there are a lot of rules and regulations for air travel, but rest assured that you can always bring your rheumatoid arthritis (RA) medication with you. Many people may not know it, but even treatment that requires a syringe is allowed on a plane.

Here are some simple guidelines to help you have an easy time at the airport and ensure that you get off to a smooth start when traveling with RA:

Contact your airline to let them know you'll be traveling with medication, and always carry all medication in a carry-on bag. Label all medication to help make the screening process as simple as possible.

Bring a doctor's note and contact information for your doctor just in case security has any questions about your RA medication—especially if you use syringes. Be sure to contact your airline to learn about any specific policies. Download a sample doctor's letter here. If you prefer, you can also request a visual inspection instead of an X-ray of your medications.

If your RA medication needs refrigeration, call your airline ahead of time to find out what kind of services they offer. For example, you may be able to pack medication in dry ice or rent a special climate-controlled container. Get more specific rules about traveling with medication from your airline or the Transportation Security Administration.

Before you leave for the airport, remember to bring a copy of your prescription just in case you need to have it refilled. And if your medication needs refrigeration, be sure to call your hotel to find out where you will be able to store it. Many motels and hotels offer in-room refrigerators, so just double-check before you leave home.