Medication stockpile

[DanMo]

I've read in some threads about people having stockpiles upward of about 3 months worth of meds in case there are any emergencies.

I want to ask for some advice as to how to go about creating such a stockpile. I currently get assistance to get Atripla, and I have no insurance whatsoever. Also, buying Atripla out of pocket is out of the question! (I suppose one could slowly go making a stockpile one pill at a time, but I'm very hesitant to skip doses--so far, I've been 100% adherent to my regimen).

Thanks in advance!

[Miss Philicia]

Fill your refills up 5 days ahead of the 30 day date and build it up that way, it's all you can do when on public programs.

[DanMo]

Fill your refills up 5 days ahead of the 30 day date and build it up that way, it's all you can do when on public programs.

Thanks for your reply 

That's some good advice. I'll have to calculate it all out and start keeping good track of when I refill up my prescriptions. I live in FL and I'm terrified of going through a hurricane and running out of meds. Good thing hurricane season is almost over! 

[Ann]

Dan, when you start to build your stockpile, make sure you always rotate it. Always use the oldest meds first. My partner keeps his extra meds on a deep shelf in his bedroom. When he gets a new supply, he brings everything forward and puts the new meds at the back. It's a good practice to get into.

[wolfter]

I've been receiving my meds mail order for 2 years now.  I couldn't understand how I was starting to build a stock pile but discovered that mail order pharmacies fill the order one week before the due date.  After just one year, that equates to a 3 month reserve.  I had such a large reserve that I donated some to an agency that sends them to needy people in Africa. 

I now maintain a 3 month reserve and as Ann says, I rotate them and comfortable with this back up supply. 

Wolfie

[Gary S]

Wolfter,
  Can you let me know about the organization you donated your excess to? Looks like my doc may be making a change after 6 years on Kaletra/ Truvada and over that time my stockplie is about 15 months.

  No leagl issues about giving prescription drugs intended for you to someone else? Thanks

[Hoover]

For the cost of $125.00 for a month's supply it is worth the peace of mind. (On line pharmacies)
You never know what might occur and regular meds might not be available.
Even in first world countries there can be issues and it is better safe than sorry.

Just saying,
Hoover

[mecch]

Build you stockpile by refilling as early as possible.
Never skip a dose in order to build a store.  I think you misunderstood.  Nobody is doing it that way.  Bad idea.

[Inchlingblue]

Wolfter,
  Can you let me know about the organization you donated your excess to? Looks like my doc may be making a change after 6 years on Kaletra/ Truvada and over that time my stockplie is about 15 months.

  No leagl issues about giving prescription drugs intended for you to someone else? Thanks

I'm sure Wolfer will respond but in the meantime, here is one organization:

http://www.aidforaids.org/

[DanMo]

Hey you guys, thanks for all the advice.

I just called in a refill this morning. But I'm not quite sure I understand how I'm supposed to go about doing this. (Full disclosure: I am horrible at math... no, seriously, HORRIBLE).

I'm guessing my clinic should receive my meds sometime next week. So that means I'll probably have about 12 pills left. So what do I do next? I'm guessing I should take 12 pills from the new bottle and place them in another bottle?

[Ann]

I'm guessing I should take 12 pills from the new bottle and place them in another bottle?

Just take your twelve pills before you open a new bottle. You should always use your oldest pills first.