Consumer Emergency Preparedness


March 12, 2003

THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF HEALTH-SYSTEM PHARMACISTS SHARES WHAT CONSUMERS NEED TO KNOW TO PREPARE FOR AN EMERGENCY

Keep a list of all your medications in your wallet.
  • Include lists for your immediate family members. 
  • Include drug name, strength, dosage form and regimen.
Wear your medical-alert bracelet or necklace.
Store 3-5 days of medications that are important to your health.
  • Include any medications that are used to stabilize a medical condition or keep a condition from worsening or resulting in hospitalization, such as: Medications for asthma, seizures, cardiovascular disorders, diabetes, psychiatric conditions, HIV, and thyroid disorders. 
  • Carry these with you, if possible, in a purse or briefcase in labeled containers.     
    • Don't store in areas that are susceptible to extremes in heat, cold, and humidity (e.g., car or bathroom). This could decrease the effectiveness of the medication.
    • Use child-resistant containers and keep your purse or briefcase secure. 
  • Rotate these medications whenever you get your prescriptions refilled, to make sure they are used before their expiration date.
Refill your prescriptions while you still have at least a 3-5 day supply of medications left. Keep in mind that some sources, such as mail order pharmacies, have a longer lead time to refill.

If your child takes medications, communicate with the school to discuss their emergency preparedness plans.

People with complex medication regimens should talk to their physician and pharmacist to help with emergency preparation plans. Such regimens include:
  • Injectable medications, including those delivered by pumps (e.g., insulin, analgesics, chemotherapy, parenteral nutrition) 
  • Medications delivered by a nebulizer (e.g., antibiotics, bronchodilators) 
  • Dialysis
This information has been provided by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists - Bethesda, MD.

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