Medicines Shortage

Make a List Of Your Medicines

• Write down the name, dose, and reason for each medicine.
• Keep it in your bag or pocket.
• Take a photo of the label if possible.

Why this matters: 
Helps doctors or aid workers find the right treatment if you lose or run out of your medicine. It also makes it easier to find safe alternatives if your usual brand isn’t available.

Where To Look For Medicines

• First, check pharmacies, clinics, hospitals, or mobile aid teams.
• Ask at community groups, neighbours, religious centres.
• You can switch brands safely if the active ingredient and dose are the same.
  

Example: Paracetamol from different brands such as Panadol or Tylenol works the same

Switching Brands Safely

It’s usually okay to use a different brand if your usual one is not available — but two things must be the same:

1. Active Ingredient
   This is the chemical that treats your condition.
   👉 Look for the name in small letters on the box or label (e.g. paracetamol, amoxicillin).
2. Dose (Strength)
   This is the amount of medicine in each tablet.
   👉 Check the number of milligrams (e.g. 500 mg or 5 mg/ml).

Example:
If you usually take Panadol 500mg, you can take another brand like Tylenol 500mg — because both contain the same medicine (active ingredient): paracetamol 500mg. They work the same way.

Tip: Ask a pharmacist, health worker, or someone who can read the label to help you check the name and dose.

Ask If There’s a Safe Replacement

• If your usual medicine is not available, a doctor or health worker may suggest a different medicine that works similarly
• Do not start a new medicine unless a health worker says it is okay. 
• Be careful: Just because two medicines have the same number of milligrams (mg) does not mean they work the same. Different drugs have different strengths, even if the dose looks similar. Always check the medicine name and strength, and ask a health worker if unsure
• Never take a stranger’s or unknown medicine, even if they say it's “similar”, without speaking to a healthcare professional

Sharing Medicines

• Avoid sharing medicines unless advised by a health worker
• Some medicines can cause harm, allergic reactions, or serious side effects in the wrong person — especially children, pregnant women, or people with other illnesses. 
• If you must share medicine in an emergency, try to match the person’s usual medicine (same name and dose), and seek advice as soon as possible from a health worker, pharmacist, or aid centre.

Using Expired Medicines 

If you’ve run out of essential medicine and no pharmacy or clinic is available, some expired medicines may be better than nothing — but only as a last resort.

Why Expired Medicines Can Be Risky

• Lose strength — may not work properly
• Can​ grow harmful bacteria - especially liquids/drops
• Some medicines require precise dosing — expired versions can be dangerous (e.g. insulin, heart medications)

If no other option:

• Some tablets may be safe if only slightly expired and stored cool and dry:
  • Paracetamol / Ibuprofen
  • Antihistamines
  • Cough & cold tablets
  • Aspirin (for pain only)

Do NOT use if pills are discoloured, sticky, or broken, or if liquids are cloudy, smell bad, or stored in heat.

High-Risk Medications

⚠️ Important: The medicines below may become weaker or unsafe after expiry — and in some cases, they may not work at all or even cause harm.

This section highlights some of the known risks to help you make an informed decision only if no safer option is available. Always seek medical help as soon as possible if you use any expired medication.

These medicines may be less effective or harmful if expired​:

• Insulin – Needs refrigeration; don’t use if cloudy, yellow, or has crystals. May not work even if it looks normal.
• EpiPen – Use if no choice during severe allergy, then get help fast.
• Inhalers – May not relieve asthma.
• Nitroglycerin – May not stop chest pain.
• Antibiotics – May not cure infection.
• Seizure / Heart / Thyroid meds – Need exact dose; expired may not work.
• Eye/Ear Drops / Liquids – May cause serious infections, especially if opened. Avoid using if expired or opened for a long time.

If Expired Is All You Have

• Use expired EpiPen or inhaler only in life-threatening emergencies
• Take expired antibiotics only if previously prescribed to you
• Seek medical help as soon as possible

Safer Use Tips

• Store in original containers, in a cool, dry place, away from sunlight
• Avoid storing in bathrooms or hot areas
• Prefer tablets over liquids
• Always check appearance and smell

Sources: Cleveland Clinic, University Hospitals, Providence Health

Conserving Medicine 

For some conditions, you can temporarily reduce the dose or switch to another medicine — but only under medical advice

• Never reduce doses for: 
• • Insulin
  • Antibiotics
  • Epilepsy medicine
  • Heart medication
• Cutting doses can make the medicine useless or harmful
• Do not stop your medicine suddenly without guidance. If low on supply, speak to a health worker before changing anything

Keeping Medicines Safe

• Keep in original containers, cool, dry, and out of sunlight
• Use clean box, bag, or pouch
• Keep away from children and animals
• Use older meds first

When to Get Urgent Medical Help

Seek help immediately if someone:

• Has a seizure, chest pain, or trouble breathing
• Has very high or low blood sugar
• Is too weak to eat or drink
• Is getting worse after stopping medicine
• Is a child or elderly person with serious illness