The best thing to do when you realize you’re going to run out of medication is to call your prescriber. They may be willing to contact your preferred pharmacy so you can get a prescription filled there.
If you cannot reach your prescriber, or you are in immediate need of your medication, you may wish to speak with your pharmacist about whether they can fill an emergency supply. Laws about emergency prescription refills vary by state.
Another option is to go to your local mental health/psychiatric urgent-care or emergency facility. These resources and services vary by county/local jurisdiction and can be found by searching the website of your county or local jurisdiction’s Department of Health and Human Services. Once on the website conduct a search for the term “crisis” or “urgent care mental health services” or “emergency mental health services” in your area.
If you feel that you may be in crisis, please consider visiting your nearest emergency room (ER) and bring your prescription bottle. There, they may be able to assist with a refill for the prescription or at least evaluate and monitor any symptoms you may be having. You should also notify your treatment provider as soon as possible.
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FAQs
How can I get emergency medication? The best thing to do when you realize you're going to run out of medication is to call your prescriber. They may be willing to contact your preferred pharmacy so you can get a prescription filled there.
What can I do if I run out of prescription medication? ›
If they're open, speak to the pharmacist in your local community pharmacy or your GP practice to see if it's possible to get some of the medicine you've run out of. They'll be able to advise on next steps. In most cases, they'll be able to give a supply until you can get another prescription organised.
How can I get an emergency prescription? ›
Emergency prescriptions
- Use the 111 online emergency prescription service. If you get your medicine with a repeat prescription, you can use the 111 online emergency prescription service. ...
- Visit a pharmacy. ...
- Visit an urgent treatment centre. ...
- Call your GP surgery. ...
- Go to A&E if it's an emergency.
Emergency Drug Supply Tips
You may also call your prescriber for help. If the prescriber isn't available, ask the pharmacist to give you a three-day emergency drug supply. They may submit the claim directly to your health plan at that time and provide you an emergency supply of medicine.
What happens when you run out of prescription refills? ›
When you run out of medication refills for a maintenance medication that your prescriber has authorized, you'll need to get a prescription renewal. This is, in essence, a new prescription for the same medication.
How do you get medication when you run out? ›
Obtaining an Emergency Supply of Your Medication
The best thing to do when you realize you're going to run out of medication is call your doctor. They may be willing to contact the pharmacy of your choice so you can get a prescription filled there.
What medication cannot be supplied as an emergency request? ›
Many controlled medicines, such as morphine or diamorphine, cannot be supplied without a prescription by a pharmacist in an emergency.
How do I get an emergency pill prescription? ›
You can get free emergency contraception from:
- most sexual health clinics, also called family planning or contraception clinics.
- most GP surgeries.
- some NHS walk-in centres.
- some young people's services (call the national sexual health helpline on 0300 123 7123 for more information)
The Emergency Prescription Assistance Program, or EPAP, helps people in a federally-identified disaster area who do not have health insurance get the prescription drugs, vaccinations, medical supplies, and equipment that they need.
Can I ring 111 for a prescription? ›
111 online Emergency prescriptions
Use this service to request a limited emergency supply of a medicine you've completely run out of. This must be a medicine you are prescribed regularly, through a repeat prescription. You will be charged your usual prescription fee. If you do not usually pay, it will be free.
Search by your product's generic name or active ingredient. If the drug is already in the Drug Shortages Database, talk with your health care provider or pharmacist for other treatment options during the shortage. FDA is actively working on resolving that shortage.
What happens if I cant get my prescription? ›
If it's a prescription, your GP or practice nurse will need to issue you with a new prescription, but if it's over-the-counter medication then your pharmacist is your best bet. "If it is a prescription medication, by law, the pharmacist has to provide the medicine that the doctor has stipulated," McDougall explains.
Why is hydrocodone in short supply? ›
That said, pharmacies face constraints due to opioid litigation and restrictions imposed by wholesalers, aggravating the shortage issue. Other factors contributing to the shortage include complexities in the drug supply chain and the significant reliance on foreign suppliers for many drugs.
What to do if you run out of antidepressants on the weekend? ›
If you run out of medication, the person who usually prescribes your drugs may be able to arrange a prescription for you. If that isn't possible, you can ask a pharmacy for an emergency supply until you can get a prescription. To get an emergency supply of medication, you must have been prescribed the medicine before.
What to do if you run out of medication on vacation? ›
In the U.S., getting a prescription refilled while traveling is usually pretty straightforward. Call your prescribing physician's office or your home pharmacy and explain the situation. Ask if they can arrange for a pharmacy near you to dispense the medication you need.
Can I get a prescription online without seeing the doctor? ›
That said, you can get an online prescription without visiting the doctor's office by scheduling a virtual doctor visit. Online doctors can write online prescriptions and prescription refills and will electronically send your prescription to the pharmacy of your choice, following your appointment.
What can I do if my prescription is out of stock? ›
You can find a local independent pharmacy using the National Community Pharmacists Association pharmacy locator website . Consider a mail-order pharmacy. Many health insurance companies offer a mail-order option, and your prescription may be available through that resource.
What to do when out of prescription? ›
If you cannot reach your prescriber, or you are in immediate need of your medication, you may wish to speak with your pharmacist about whether they can fill an emergency supply. Laws about emergency prescription refills vary by state.
Can you get an emergency prescription for antidepressants? ›
If you run out of medication, the person who usually prescribes your drugs may be able to arrange a prescription for you. If that isn't possible, you can ask a pharmacy for an emergency supply until you can get a prescription. To get an emergency supply of medication, you must have been prescribed the medicine before.
Can 111 give you a prescription? ›
111 online Emergency prescriptions
Use this service to request a limited emergency supply of a medicine you've completely run out of. This must be a medicine you are prescribed regularly, through a repeat prescription. You will be charged your usual prescription fee. If you do not usually pay, it will be free.
