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6 | SUN LAKES LIFESTYLES | JUNE 2025 | STOCKPILING ESSENTIAL MEDICATIONS By Janis Rice, EPAP PIO In April, Pharmacy Manager Clark Botha, from Loma Linda University Health, spoke at the EPAP 101 – Need to Know. He spoke about the importance of stockpiling medication. Most of the information on stockpiling medication states that it is wise to include both prescription and over the counter drugs and to be sure to rotate it at least every quarter or when medication is changed. This c o u l d become an issue if you take many different medications. Pharmacist Botha did stress that it is best to stockpile "essential" lifesaving medication. But what does this mean? When it comes to your health, what is considered essential lifesaving medication? Life-saving medications are drugs that can significantly improve outcomes or save lives in specific medical situations. Examples include antibiotics for severe infections, and epinephrine for severe allergic reactions. Drugs used to treat heart conditions like Amiodarone and Nitroglycerin, and aspirin for certain heart- related emergencies. High blood pressure medications such as propranolol, lisinopril, benazepril and diabetes medication like insulin, inhalers for asthma and COPD and many others. If you need these medications daily and if not taking them could be life threatening, then these are essential and should be "stockpiled." If there was an emergency disaster such as an earthquake, fire and/or chemical spill and you didn't have your medication stockpiled what would the consequences be? How long can or should you go without taking your essential medication? It is best to check with your doctor or pharmacist about the risks of going without your essential medication. Not all medications are "essential," but if they are prescribed, they are important. Know your medications. Stockpiling your essential medication is very important. If you can skip a dose of your medication one day a week, you would have a good start. Make sure to follow the rules of stockpiling: • Don't Over Stockpile Medication. Keep an eight- to 10-day supply. • Keep an accurate list of all your medications with doses and the expiration dates • Make sure to rotate all medications for efficacy BEING PREPARED WILL SAVE YOUR LIFE. EPAP 101 — Need to Know: Join us and our guest speakers the second Thursday of each month from 2 to 4 pm in the Main Clubhouse Multipurpose Room for a Need to Know discussion on pertinent topics that will vary from month to month, but will keep us informed and prepared for any emergency disaster that may occur. For information and monthly topics, visit our Sun Lakes EPAP Facebook Group or call (951) 524-3126. Everyone is welcome — please join us!