Jim-
I want to publicly commend “SH from Georgia” on his excellent and concise article on stocking prescription drugs for a TEOTWAWKI scenario. I agree with just about every point that he has made. Adding metronidazole to the list is a great addition, and his comment about having medications on hand so that a physician might use them to your benefit is a point that I was contemplating, as well. Of course, the list of “med-prep” logistics that one could store is lengthy, and will be limited by 1. budget; 2. knowledge base, and 3. storage ability. SH’s list is very doable from all of these angles. If I were to make my own list, my only point of departure would be to emphasize again that these drugs will be quite precious. Most of the upper respiratory infections that are currently treated with antibiotics would resolve spontaneously without them, e.g., acute sinus infections, mild ear infections and a sore throat not accompanied by fever. I purposely left out amoxicillin because it is a wimpy antibiotic that is currently rarely effective for the sort of infections that will unequivocally require antibiotic therapy in an austere environment. A final recommendation: for anyone stockpiling prescription meds, having a current copy of the Physicians Drug Handbook
JWR:
A quick note on one of the medications that SH from Georgia mentioned: Metformin does not usually work until you reach 1000-to-1500 MG dose. Also, it is important to note that the tablets [of this particular medication] should not be cut. Everyone should always double check everything concerning medications. All the drugs [in this family] are also now going to have black box warnings soon for possible heart problems! – Russell M.
Hello,
I am a retail pharmacist in Philadelphia. The letters with regard to stocking up on medication and medical supplies were great. I’m glad to see other Pharmacists into preparedness. There are a few other things I thought I would mention.
A good topical anti-fungal cream could prevent a lot of unpleasantness. Generic Lotrimin (clotrimazole) applied twice daily for a week or two can treat ringworm (a fungal skin infection), athlete’s foot and jock itch. Lamisil and Lotrimin Ultra are a bit more potent but probably aren’t worth the additional cost.
SH’s letter was great and he really knows his stuff. Another antibiotic that might be useful in people who are allergic to amoxicillin/penicillin, etc (those same people can also be cross-sensitive to cephalosporins (keflex, etc)) is azithromycin (z-pak) or erythromycin (ery-tab). They are broad-spectrum and are usually tolerated well (some G.I.side effects like cramping and diarrhea).
If someone is unable to find a like-minded prescriber there are plenty of veterinary medicines that can be used by people available at pet supply/agricultural stores. I have seen tetracycline, amoxicillin, and sulfa drugs which were to be used on everything from fish to horses. These would be fine to use in post-SHTF circumstances. They go by different brand names but are the same medicine. One would just have to take care to use appropriate dosing as they are usually in different strengths than human dosage forms. Ragnar Benson has some books on these topics.
Another thing is to have a good supply of natural medicines available(grow echinacea as an antibiotic and elderberry as an antiviral (flu prevention/treatment). There are many others.
Staying in good health and thinking “preventative” is a good way of decreasing the effects of some of the major killers. It seems as though the American way of life conditions many people to wait until a problem occurs to start thinking about their health, but you wouldn’t wait until your engine locks up to change your oil. Diabetes, heart disease and cancer risk can be reduced by proper diet, exercise, stopping smoking, etc. This will allow you to be free of any “maintenance medications”, insulin, etc. that might be difficult or expensive to stockpile.
I just finished reading “Patriots”