5 tips for storing prescription medications for an emergency
Natural calamities or personal emergencies strike unexpectedly. In such moments, sourcing your prescription medications can be the last thing on your mind, and it could be challenging to buy them at that difficult moment. Having prepared a medical kit for prescription medications is a lifesaver.
Some of us go to extremes, stockpile medicines for months together, and keep ourselves and our loved ones prepared and safe for uncertain situations – we get you! Especially, after experiencing an extended health pandemic like COVID-19, it is human nature to protect oneself and their family. But there are better, healthier, and safer ways to be ready, without overspending on emergency medical kits or hoarding medications.
In this blog, we will help you learn about storing the right amount of medicine to dispose of it at the right time.
Store enough medicines
Michael Rhodes, MD, Assistant Medical Director for the South Region of Intermountain Healthcare, recommends storing three days of medicine in your emergency kit – 30 days’ worth of medicines are even better. He suggests talking with your doctor for additional prescriptions explaining your preparation for emergencies. Or you could even ask for any generic alternatives that you could use instead if your insurance cannot cover additional medications.
Stockpiling prescription medicines, even generic medicines, for emergencies is a significant financial burden.
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Store in optimal conditions
In general, medicines need to be stored away from heat or direct sunlight, and in dry places. You should avoid places like bathrooms, cars, kitchen appliances like an oven, or near a window. They need to be stored in their original containers with the labels intact to prevent wrong usage. Also, it is essential to keep them out of children’s reach to prevent mishaps. Choose airtight containers, moisture-resistant options, and child-proof closures to keep them safe.
Besides, each type of medicine needs to be stored in certain places and temperatures. Medicines like insulin need to be refrigerated. If in case of power failure, the fridge could give you a buffer time of 12- 24 hours. Post that you may need to put them in a Ziploc and preserve them in a toilet tank, which is 15 – 20 degrees less than room temperature. Enquire your pharmacist about optimal storage conditions for each medicine to store them in appropriate conditions.
Create a list of medications, usage, and dosage
Prepare a list of medications that you or your family member take, with drug name, strength, dosage form, and how often you take the medication. Make sure you also have a copy of the prescription in the kit. Labeling them clearly helps if someone else must help you or your family member during a crisis.
Keep medicine kit up to date
Every medicine has an expiry date. Most of them have a minimum of two years. Keep an eye on them every once in a while and update them as necessary. So that, you are prepared for emergencies.
Furthermore, your prescription medication or dosage could change. Stock new medicines in your kit to prevent last-minute hassle.
Dispose medicines safely
Disposing of expired or old prescription medicines is as important as storing them appropriately. Keeping medicines after their expiry dates can be risky and fatal. FDA recommends contacting local medication take-back programs to dispose of expired or unusable medicines. If it is not available to you, certain medicines can be flushed down the toilet.
Another safe option is to dispose of them in household trash. You can mix the medicines with unpalpable substances like dirt, litter, or used coffee grounds and seal them in plastic bags. Ensure to remove personally identifiable information from the container or prescription for your safety.
Building proper prescription medical kit preparation for emergencies is crucial for safeguarding the health and safety of you and your family members during unexpected situations. By following the tips shared, you can prepare yourself to handle emergencies effectively and be relaxed.
A simple and handy checklist:
- Talk with your physician for emergency medicine prescription
- Check with the pharmacist for the right method to store the medicines
- Store them properly as suggested
- Keep usage of medicines and prescriptions in the kit
- Regularly check the medicines for expiry
- Dispose of them appropriately
Bottom line
Start taking proactive measures today and give yourself the peace of mind knowing you are ready, no matter what life throws your way!
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