WEEK 17
Over-the-Counter and Prescription Medications
I’m not going to enter into a debate about whether we’ve become a nation addicted to medications and why that may be the case or not. The fact of the matter is, many preppers and members of their families require daily doses of medications to survive. Add in the common over-the-counter medications that many people rely on when they become ill, and you’re talking about a fair amount of pills and potions.
The problem with storing medications is that many don’t have a very long shelf life, at least compared with other items we stockpile for later use. On average, a year is probably the longest you can expect a medication to be at full efficacy. But all meds are different, and you’re going to want to do some research on the specific ones that you and your family take.
Complicating matters is the difficulty in setting aside mass quantities of prescription medications. Script meds are often expensive, even with insurance co-pays. There’s a school of thought that suggests you may be able to save up a supply of meds by skipping a dose here and there. I cannot recommend this course of action at all. It’s vital in many cases that you follow your physician’s directions exactly.
A perhaps more feasible option is to pay close attention to when your prescription can be refilled and try to overlap that date with when you’ll take your last dose of the current supply. For example, let’s say next Wednesday is the soonest you can get a refill, but your current supply won’t run out until next Friday. This would give you an extra two days of medication on hand. Do this a few more times, and you’ll build up at least a small supply. Always take the oldest medications first, rotating your supplies to keep everything fresh.
If you’re friendly with your physician, you could talk with him or her about your concerns. Explain that with all the talk in the media about getting disaster kits together, you’re worried something could happen that would cut you off from a supply of your prescriptions. As long as you’re not talking about narcotics or other controlled substances, your physician may be willing to work with you.
As for over-the-counter medications, think back on the last few years. What illnesses seemed to crop up most often? Stomach upset? Nasty head colds? What medications worked the best? Those are the things to stock up on. Again, though, don’t go overboard and spend money on a large supply that will likely go bad before you truly need it.
Don’t overlook antacids and general pain relievers and fever reducers like aspirin and ibuprofen. If anyone in your family has allergies, be sure to have the appropriate meds on hand.
Have young children? Make sure you have age-appropriate meds available.
Just about all medicines store best in a cool, dark location. I wouldn’t necessarily toss everything into a corner of the basement, though. In most homes, a closet will serve just fine. Just be sure to rotate your supplies to keep things reasonably fresh.
Now, with all that said, I’d encourage everyone to look into natural remedies for common ailments as well as herbals and other options to replace some or all of your prescription medications. I’m not saying to quit taking your meds cold turkey. Instead, partner with a physician who’s agreeable to the use of such remedies. There could be some serious side effects if you start taking a natural remedy while still taking your prescription, even if the dose is reduced.
WEEK 17 ASSIGNMENTS
TASKS
1. Make a list of all medications your family could possibly need during an extended crisis. Begin acquiring supplies of those meds as you find them on sale.
2. Make a point of speaking with your physician about the need for additional quantities of prescription medications.
SAVINGS
Add $20 to your Prepper Savings Account.
TOTAL PREPPER SAVINGS ACCOUNT: 
WATER STORAGE
One gallon (or two 2-liter bottles) per person or a case of bottled water for the household.
TOTAL WATER STORAGE:
GROCERY LIST
3 cans vegetables, your choice
2 cans fruit, your choice, but stick with those packed in water or juice, rather than syrup
2 cans meat (tuna, chicken, beef), your choice
2 cans soup, not condensed (they require water)
1 box crackers, your choice
1 box (12 packages) ramen noodles
1 lb white rice
