#MedicationMonday
Regular Medications In Short Supply
Do you need to take regular medications? There are already reports of some drugs being in short supply and this has nothing to do with Brexit: it has been happening for quite some time. In November 2017, there were 91 different drugs on a short supply list. (Pharmaceutical Journal) The problem has become so bad that in February 2019, the Government made legislation enabling pharmacists to provide a different drug from the one prescribed in the event of serious shortages (ibid). There are some exceptions in the legislation for various conditions where pharmacists will not provide a different drug, e.g. for people with epilepsy. Brexit, however, is likely to make this situation worse and a number of pharmaceutical companies will be arranging their own transport for medications in the event of a no-deal Brexit (ibid). #MedicationMonday
Stocking Up
Some sites are asking people NOT to stockpile their medications, (epilepsy society) as this is likely to make shortages worse, however, it can be worrying if you need a regular medication and you think shortages are likely. You may find it helpful to keep a small stock of your regular medication safely stocked away out of reach of children and pets. Remember to check it for dates and freshness and to stock it in the recommended environment, whether that’s the fridge or a cool dark place.
Medications For Pets
If your pets need regular medications, make sure you have a prescription and some supplies built up to last you over the first few weeks of Brexit.
First Aid Kit
It is also useful to have your own first aid kit anyway, Brexit or not. An accident or minor illness can occur at any time and the ability to clean a wound and apply some sticking plaster or bring down a child’s temperature can mean all the difference between a comfortable patient and a miserable one or something worse.
Brexit may disrupt the supply of certain over the counter medications and first aid supplies, so make sure you have a stock of paracetamol and sticking plasters available, well ahead of Brexit. A few bandages and children’s pain reliever, plus a thermometer are all useful at any time. Again, check expiry dates, keep them in the right environment (dark or cool or fridge) and keep them out of the reach of children.
You can find more ideas for your own first aid kit in the #BrexitSurvivalJournal