Thread by @firefoxx66

A few people have responded to the medication part of my #COVID19 #SARSCoV2 thread. I recognise that for many medications in many countries filling extra or early prescriptions may not be possible.
I know this is worrying and I'm sorry.
(1/n)

https://twitter.com/firefoxx66/status/1233666678841597952?s=19

But, this is exactly why it's then so helpful when those of us who *can* fill prescriptions early/extra do so - to put that "slack into the system" for those who can't.

If possible it would be great to see healthcare/insurance/politics work together during outbreak on this (2/n)

There are too many diverse medical systems for me to give exact advice, but people left some great tips on my comments, so I'll try to repeat a few.
Feel free to add more that might be helpful. If you can, specify the country/system your advice might be most relevant to (3/n)

Clearly not all suggestions will apply to all medications or systems. Please stay polite if responding to other's suggestions - this is a worrying topic for many! Please act and reply in good faith. (4/n)

1. Talk to your doctor! They may be able to write you a longer prescription, or increase the amount for a month to give you a "double supply". (5/n)

2. Talk to your pharmacist & insurance company! Especially pharmacists/chemists can have great insight into the best way you might be able to fill early it get extra prescriptions. (6/n)

3. Look into "holiday filling" - sometimes an extra amount can be requested for long trips or travel. Obviously, whether this can be used when not travelling will depend on the system you are in. (7/n)

4. Look into online or alternative suppliers/other pharmacies. Some less restricted medication may be available in different quantities online, or be sufficiently cheap that you can buy directly without putting through insurance. (8/n)

5. Please do not try to "self restrict" your medicines to make them last longer without talking to your doctor! This can be very dangerous.

(9/n)

I hope all of the above can be some help, & raise awareness of the problem.
For those who can, please do fill prescriptions earlier to help put slack into the system for those who can't.
Stay calm, stay rational, & wash your hands!
(10/n)