Brexit and medicine shortages

[davejef]

I have read a lot of stories possible disruptions to medicine (and food) supplies in the case of a "hard" brexit. For example: theguardian.com/commentisfr...

Should I be getting a few extra inhalers now just-in-case?

[strongmouse]

I have been reordering my regular medications a little earlier so that I have a month's extra supply in case there is a problem.

It would be difficult for me to have much more than that and I think that doctors and pharmacies have been told not to stockpile! I read that they are advising people to allow a week rather than a day or two when ordering a prescriotion in case there is a problem with the supply chain.

A while ago I couldn't obtain Zantac because there was an issue with the manufacturer. It makes sense to have some additional medication, I think.

[elanaoali]

Finally if you are a patient or a carer: hoarding medicines is never a good idea, as if your prescription changes, nothing you’ve stored at home can be reused and is wasted. Instead, talk to your pharmacist. Their aim is to do their best for you and those you care for. Getting frustrated with them will not help you or them – only by collaborating can we ensure we continue to meet everyone’s needs.

I going with this a sensible advice

[davejef in reply to elanaoali]

I agree in general. But given that I have been using salbutamol / ventolin for over 20 years and it has a long shelf life and it is kind-of critical for my continued existence I might err on the side of getting a couple of extra inhalers.

PS - Lets try not to get de-railed onto whether or not Brexit was a good idea / is being implemented well. I know a lot of people (myself included) have strong feelings about that but let's leave that discussion for other, explicitly political, forums.

[elanaoali in reply to davejef]

I agree ventolin has long used dates on it. I am always mindful not to have too many on the go so to speaking. I note when each one goes out of date. I rarely need my ventolin as my asthma is very well controlled at the moment. I was told not to have more than two at a time by my asthma nurse. She has caught people in the past with have ones stashed all over the place then finding them out of date.

I agree Brexit discussion needs to be discuss elsewhere.