Altitude sickness advice, reviewed by a clinician
Heading somewhere high up on your travels? A short online consultation lets one of our UK clinicians assess your trip and, where appropriate, prescribe medication to help prevent or ease altitude sickness, delivered before you go.
- Free online consultation, no GP appointment needed
- UK-registered clinician reviews your trip and medical history
- Prescription-only prevention, if suitable, delivered discreetly
Common symptoms of altitude sickness
- Headache, especially after climbing above 2,500m
- Nausea or loss of appetite
- Dizziness or feeling light-headed
- Unusual tiredness or breathlessness
- Difficulty sleeping
- Mild swelling of hands, feet or face
How it works
Answer a few quick questions
Tell us about your symptoms and medical history in a short online consultation.
Reviewed by a UK clinician
A GPhC-registered pharmacist checks your answers and, if appropriate, issues a prescription.
Delivered to your door
Your treatment is dispensed and posted out in discreet, plain packaging.
What increases your risk
Altitude sickness can affect anyone, but a few factors make it more likely. Being aware of them helps you plan a safer ascent.
Ascending too quickly
Alcohol before or during ascent
Not drinking enough water
Sleeping at altitude too soon
Smoking
When to seek urgent help
Altitude sickness can occasionally become serious. Descend immediately and seek emergency medical help if you or a travel companion develop severe breathlessness at rest, a persistent cough (especially with pink or frothy phlegm), confusion, difficulty walking in a straight line, or reduced consciousness. These can be signs of high-altitude pulmonary or cerebral oedema, which are medical emergencies.
FAQs
No treatment can guarantee you won't be affected, but sensible ascent planning together with clinician-reviewed prevention can reduce your risk and help you manage mild symptoms if they occur.
We recommend completing your consultation at least a few days before you travel, so there's time for review, prescribing (if appropriate) and delivery before you leave.
Our clinicians review your medical history and current medication as part of the consultation to check that any prescribed option is suitable for you.
You'll be given clear, general advice on gradual ascent and recognising symptoms instead, and signposted to further help if needed.
No, this service is for anyone planning travel to high altitude, whether it's your first trip or not.
Yes, all deliveries are sent in plain, discreet packaging.
Altitude sickness risk generally starts to rise above around 2,500 metres, though some people are affected lower than others.
Ready to plan ahead for your trip?
Complete our short online consultation today. A UK clinician will review your answers and, if suitable, arrange prevention to be delivered before you set off.
Get Started