In this article
Prepare renewals, information and treatment retention without changing doses or accumulating medication on its own initiative.
Identify what needs to continue during a disaster
Evacuation, an inaccessible pharmacy or a power outage can complicate access to treatment. The preparation begins with a discussion with the pharmacist and, as the case may be, the prescriber. It takes into account the medicine, the state of health, the rules of delivery and conservation.
A universal 30-90 day reserve or mid-box renewal rule is not suitable for all treatments. Ask how much and what schedule is appropriate and allowed. Do not reduce doses to build up a reserve and do not share your medications.
The Useful Medical List
- Names of drugs and concentration, up-to-date instructions, allergies and information useful to care.
- Pharmacy and professional contact information, renewal terms and copies of relevant documents.
- Storage conditions specific to each product and instructions in case of breakdown or displacement.
- Needs of children, administration equipment and necessary help for people who do not manage their treatment alone.
Keep this list protected but accessible in an emergency. A trusted person can know where they are, with your agreement. Refresh it after a change in treatment.
Preparing a departure
Keep identifiable medications in their labelled containers and gather useful information. Prepare with the pharmacist the starting amount and how to keep it up to date. Refrigerated products should not be left permanently in an unsuitable bag.
Add a medication check to the start list without delaying an exit in the face of immediate danger. If you had to leave without treatment, report it quickly to the reception center or a professional.
Fault and refrigerated medicines
There is no off-fridge shelf life for all insulins or biologics. The presentation, the opening of the product and the temperatures actually reached change the instructions. Prepare a written plan based on the pharmacist’s instructions and advice.
An insulated pouch or refrigerant block does not guarantee an adequate temperature; direct contact can also freeze the product. Have the necessary equipment and monitoring specified before you need it.
If storage is uncertain, contact the pharmacist promptly. Do not miss a dose or pursue a potentially altered product on your own: ask for a hold and replacement if necessary.
Shortage, interruption and expiry
In case of difficulty in supply, contact the pharmacy before exhaustion. An alternative or emergency delivery depends on the product and your situation; it is not guaranteed by membership in a commercial chain.
A sudden cessation of certain treatments can be dangerous. Prepare with the professional the contacts and the procedure to follow in case of missed dose. A list of medications does not replace individualized instructions.
Do not use expired medicine on the basis of a general rule that it would be better than nothing. Return expired or altered products to the pharmacy and immediately assess a lack of essential treatment.
Take stock regularly
Check the agreed quantities, dates, accessories and contact information. Include non-prescription products and supplements in the information provided to the pharmacist: they may also have interactions or contraindications.
For a non-urgent health issue in Quebec, Info-Santé 811 can provide guidance. A serious emergency is 911. The preparation aims to facilitate care and continuity, without improvising a treatment.
Sources and Updates
Documentary verification: November 3, 2026.