I was asked how I prepare for emergencies as far as medications and such? I'm certain there is more in-depth information elsewhere but I will share what I have done on this subject. Remembering that prescription medicines can be difficult because they are almost always controlled by the insurance companies but there are a couple ways I have been able to stock up just a little.
Many years ago, I had my doctor prescribe two boxes of each of the insulins I use instead of one box each per prescription. The insurance company allowed this so I usually have enough insulin on hand and that allows for one less trip to the pharmacy for each prescription.
I was able to get a prescription for three months of the generic thyroid medicine I take at a time. Some generic medications are cheap enough that you can purchase them without going through the insurance company so it is worth talking to your pharmacist to see what is available. You still need a prescription, though.
At the same time, some medications that are available over the counter are more expensive when you go through your insurance plan, especially if you have a copay or they do not cover it. At one time, I had a very alert pharmacist who noticed the medication my insurance had me pay for out of pocket was far less if I just got it off the shelf in the store.
I try to keep a couple extra boxes of over the counter allergy medications on hand, as well as cold medicine that I am allowed to take. If you have ever suffered from allergies, you will know how good it is to have extra boxes of tissues (I buy the Meijers brand) and I must have extra Ricola cough drops available (I like their original formula in the shape of a square).
We purchase Migraine Strength Excedrin and a generic ibuprofen in large sizes at Sam's Club. The larger sizes are not always the cheapest in the long run but we find these two less expensive in bulk. I tried the generic Excedrin and found it didn't work at all like the original so I'll pay a little extra for it.
I built up a pretty good First Aid shelf over the years, making a purchase here and a purchase there. It is not perfect but it is better than doing nothing. There are plenty of various size Band-Aids, gauze pads and tape, rubbing alcohol, peroxide, etc. I have one tube of Triple Antibiotic cream and I really should have a backup (more if you have kids at home!).
As with everything having to do with the pantry, if we purchase a little here and a little there, keeping a list (hopefully written down or on the computer), we eventually build up a good supply to have on hand in emergencies without ruining our weekly budget.
Good Links to Check Out
The Red Cross has a good list of what they advise having in a First Aid kit should you want to put together your own... here.
If you want a simple First Aid kit that is already assembled, Amazon has a large selection, including this one... here.
This portable First Aid kit is especially assembled to keep in the car or in a desk at work... here. It has good reviews except for the scissors included in the kit. This would make a great gift for a couple people I know. ;)
I thought I'd also share Rhonda's really good blog post about stockpiling again. While she is talking about food, the same procedure can be applied to anything... even setting up a First Aid and medications shelf. It can be found... here.
Disclaimer: Most links to Amazon.com are Associate links.
5 comments:
We buy our prescriptions 3 months at a time as well. I am in need of stocking up on gauze bandages, but we always have rubbing alcohol, peroxide, and triple antibiotic cream on hand.
Good subject for pantry talk!
All good things to have in a First Aid kit according to the Red Cross. I am doing pretty well except for a thermometer. I also keep several OTC meds that I do not use, but others in the extended family do. They’ve come in handy from time to time.
Medications can be so expensive and finding something that works and keeping it can be a long process as well. I always keep my first aid cabinet full of bandaids, bandages, tape, alcohol, peroxide, etc.
Fantastic information, thank you SO much!
A really great informative post! We buy our prescriptions three months at a time too. I have a plastic shoe box first aid kit and another that holds miscellaneous meds like acetaminophen, ibuprofen, cough drops, etc. I wasn't always so prepared, as you said, a little here and little there and you can build up a supply.
Post a Comment