When you prepare for a trip, one of the most important things to pack is your medication. Here are some tips for getting your medication organized and ready. Start at least two weeks before your trip.
1) Put all of your medication in front of you. This should include your prescribed and over the counter medications.
2) Check each prescription medication for number of refills.
3) Contact your pharmacy. Call the medication in that have refills, or fill them at the pharmacy's website. Pick up these medications, and any over the counter medications you need.
4) Contact your doctor for those that need refills. If you have not seen your doctor in three or four months, it is likely that you may have to make an appointment to see your doctor to get your refills. Your doctor's office will let you know when you call them. Make sure they have the correct phone number for your pharmacy.
5) Make a list of your medication. A medication list form can be found at www.mypatienthandbook.com under "Patient Tools".
- You can write your medication list on paper, or type on the computer and print.
- Include the name of the medicine, strength, and how many times a day you take it.
- Take a copy of this with you on your doctor visits.
- Update it monthly, and when you have medication changes.
6) Buy pill reminder boxes with the days of the week on them, or use clear resealble plastic bags (sandwich size). You can buy weekly or monthly boxes. Some have midday dose sections. The easiest to use is weekly. - Get a different color for morning, noon, and night. If different colors are hard to find, buy what is available.
- You will be able to make a label for the times of day and put on each weekly pillbox or bag.
- Make a label for "morning", "noon", and "night".
- Use adhesive labels, or write labels on piece of paper, cut out and tape to bag or pillbox.
7) Put all of your most recent medication bottles from the pharmacy that are in original bottles in a plastic container with a top. This is your master pill box supply.
8) Fill your weekly pillbox containers by morning, noon and evening once a week on Sunday. Put this set of pillboxes in a bag that seals. This will make it easier to see your pillboxes. They may also be packed in your special travel bag for your medical needs. Pack in the piece of luggage you will have closest access to such as purse, overnight bag, etc.
9) Take your master pillbox with the original medication bottles in your luggage with your clothing, or where you choose to be the safest and most easy to get to for use.
10) If you have empty used bottles from the present year that you are currently taking, put these in another master pillbox. Store this in a safe place in your home. It may be prudent to keep at least a week's supply in these bottles. This box should match the contents of your other master pillbox for travel.
By following these organization techniques, you will find that keeping up with your medication when traveling, or faced with emergency situations will be much easier.
Enjoy your trips! Great health is true wealth!
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