If you run out of prescription medication during a public holiday, you should contact your usual pharmacy first. If they are closed, a 24-hour pharmacy or an urgent care facility can usually provide a short-term emergency supply.

While the holiday period can be a joyful time, it can also be stressful. You may have a never-ending to-do list and find that you are busier than usual, making it easy to forget about tasks like refilling your prescription medication.

Planning ahead and checking your supply at the start of December can help ensure you have a safe holiday period, with one less thing to worry about.

If you do run out of your medication during the holiday season, don’t panic. There are many ways you can get a short-term emergency supply.

Learn more about how you can stay prepared during the holidays and what steps you can take if you do run out of medication.

What to do in an emergency

If you run out of or misplace emergency, lifesaving medication, such as insulin, it’s important not to wait. You should call 911 or go to the emergency room (ER) as soon as possible.

Acting quickly can help prevent a medical emergency.

If you have run out of your medication or misplaced it during a public holiday, you should follow these steps in order.

1. Contact your usual pharmacy

Begin by calling your usual pharmacy to see if they can provide a refill. You can typically find their number on the pharmacy label stuck on your medication packaging, or by searching online.

Make sure you have the following information ready:

If they are closed or do not have your medication in stock, your next steps should can search online for a 24-hour pharmacy.

2. Locate a 24 hour pharmacy

A 24-hour pharmacy, sometimes referred to as a “late-night pharmacy,” is a pharamacy that is open 24-hours a day, seven days a week. They typically remain open during public holidays and can be used if you need an urgent medication refill.

To find one that is closest to you, you can use Google or Apple Maps and search for “24-hour pharmacy near me.”

Remember to take a copy of your prescription and the original medication packaging with you.

If you’re unable to travel to one, you can also search for an online 24-hour pharmacy that delivers directly to your doorstep.

3. Go to an urgent care center

If you are unable to find a pharmacy that is open or has your medication in stock, consider visiting your local urgent care center.

Urgent care centers can be used when it is not an emergency. They are walk-in centers, so you won’t need an appointment to see a healthcare professional.

They will be able to provide a short-term emergency supply of medication. Remember to take a copy of your prescription with you.

If you lose or run out of medication while traveling, you should take your prescription to a licensed pharmacy to see if they can provide an emergency refill.

If you did not bring your prescription with you, most local hospitals or clinics will be able to provide a replacement prescription.

Know before you go

If you’ll be traveling during the holiday period, you may be able to request a vacation override, which allows you to receive a medication refill earlier than your standard pharmacy schedule. Depending on how long you plan to be away, you may be given a 30 or 90-day supply.

It’s important to check with your insurance before requesting a vacation override to confirm their policy on early refills.

If you take regular prescription medication, there are several ways you can plan ahead and stay prepared before the holiday season.

  • Check your supply in advance: It can be helpful to check your medication supply at the start of December to ensure you have enough to last through the festive period.
  • Account for public holidays: Keep in mind that your usual medication shipment may be delayed due to public holidays. You can avoid any late deliveries by ordering in advance. Your pharmacy can also inform you of the last day for guaranteed delivery.
  • Keep medication in its original packaging: This can help you easily access the drug name and dosage information when reordering.
  • Store your medication properly: It’s essential to follow the manufacturer’s storage instructions for your medication, such as refrigerating certain drugs as needed. This can help ensure it maintains its stability and effectiveness.
  • Keep your medications in a safe place: Keep your medication in a dedicated, safe space, ensuring you return them to the same spot after each use. This can help you avoid losing any medication.

If you run out of prescription medication during a public holiday, you should contact your usual pharmacy first. If they are closed, a 24-hour pharmacy or an urgent care facility can usually provide a short-term emergency supply.

Remember to take a copy of your prescription and the original medication packaging with you.

If you run out of or misplace emergency, lifesaving medication, such as insulin, it’s important not to wait. You should call 911 or go to the ER as soon as possible.