Help and advise need urgently.

[369yds]

I've come away from home without my steroids and I know it can be dangerous to go cold turkey. It's a Sunday my usual chemist not open so can't call them . What can any one sugest?

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Call 111 and explain you have forgotten your tablets, they should be able to provide you with an appointment to see the OOH doctor. Explain it is urgent.

Or - probably simpler - is to find out where the nearest duty chemist is and call or go to them. If you are in the UK then I assume that pharmacies in large supermarkets are staffed on Sundays too - they should be able to give you emergency supplies even without a prescription.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

PS - what is your usual dose? Missing one is probably not the end of the world - when are you going home? The higher the dose the more serious it is.

[369yds]

Thanks for the response I'm very steroid sensitive and 1/2 mg makes me have reaction. I'm currently on 5.5 mg been on these for two years !!

[Hidden]

You can go to any pharmacist that's open and request an emergency supply of medication without going through 111.

rpharms.com/non-member/emer...

[bowler]

In future, a good tip is to have a photo copy of your repeat prescription in your purse/bag, [ us ladies don't usually go without that. ] this gives proof of who you are and what meds. you take, [ mine also gives my NHS no. at the top ]

I hope you get sorted.

[Annodomini]

If you're in UK, phone 111 and they can put you in touch with the nearest out of hours surgery. Do you have a copy of your repeat prescription with you? It happened to me and they were very helpful.

[Celtic PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Perhaps a good time to remind everyone (in the UK) to always carry the blue steroid alert card completed with your present dose in your wallet or purse.

[Hidden]

Hope you managed to get steroids.I carry my steroid card at all times.

Good idea to have repeat prescription to.

[leeman49]

I thought steroid has to have prescription?

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to leeman49]

In the UK and most other countries yes, but a pharmacist will usually provide an emergency dose since just stopping pred is dangerous. Of course, you need to know your dose and many patients don't know any more than "y no. tablets".

As the others have said - it is a good idea to put a photocopy of your up-to-date prescriptions in your handbag, something you always have with you. I don't even go out for the day without a 24 hour dosette box of my tablets. If you go away, always take the original packs too. You never know what can delay your return home and being left without tablets can be risky.

[leeman49 in reply to PMRpro]

Thank you I will do that from now on

[SusieQQ]

Please advise on blue steroid card. I do not have one but it sounds like a great idea.

[Nannie-C in reply to SusieQQ]

Anyone on oral steroids should carry a blue steroid card with their current dose and starting date on it. In an emergency it can be found in your bag/wallet and allows medics to treat you accordingly. These are available at any pharmacist, always tell your partner where you have it so they also have the right info. Other good thing is always carry other half of prescription as has all repeats on, this allowance pharmacists to issue an emergency supply.

[Celtic PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to SusieQQ]

Susie, my fist blue steroid alert card was completed and supplied by my GP but as Nannie-C has said they are also available at most pharmacies. Some people rely on one of the medical alert bracelets which carry a list of their health conditions and treatment.

[SusieQQ in reply to Celtic]

Thanks, Celtic, helpful as always

[369yds]

I did have my repeat prescription and also my blue steroids card on me but had rung 111 explain my situation and they then got a doctor who called me on the house phone and faxed at prescription to local pharmacy for me to pick up. Lesson learned for me , although I'm usually very organised when traveling it was a simple got distracted put my alandronic acid and opermizole in my case but steroids in a pot didn't get packed left on the side board! The main dilemma it was a Sunday and couldn't access my normal pharmacy!

I knew I could count on this wonderful forum to point me in the right direction, thank you all .