I Got To Thinking About This Today.....

[Patti]

We all know that in a crisis, medicine will be a very valuable commodity.

I am concerned about a very good friend of mine who is addicted to pain killers. He is a former marine who suffered back injuries. He now has an implant in his back that releases some type of medicine. He is also prone to kidney stones...he's had 96 so far.

What will he do if he can't get his hands on any pain medicine if the SHTF?

His meds are highly controlled and the doc doesn't allow refills. When he runs out, he has to go to the doc and get a new prescription.

And another question I have about medicine concerns antibiotics.

Is it legal to purchase antibiotics over the internet from foreign countries?


Or, is it legal to go to Mexico or Canada and purchase medicine?


Something bad happened to my nephew the other day. He was washing out the garage floor, slipped, and scraped his arm on the workbench. Not a big deal. It was actually a very minor cut.

Within 5 days his arm swelled up and he had blood poisoning. The doctor in the emergency room said it was one of the worst infections he had ever seen.

If my nephew had not had access to an emergency room and antibiotics, he would have died within days.

My sister is finally getting on board with my observations and it really hit home with her. I told her to get the prescription refilled, even if her son didn't need it.

ALWAYS get your prescriptions refilled if you can.

[OMEGA2669]

Hmm...

Seems to me that it would make sense to allow people to stock up on lifesaving medications for emergencies. But knowing how our government likes to control things there probably isn't a legit way to do this. Maybe if you have some doctor friends that feel the same way you do you could talk with them about filling prescriptions for your supply or they could acquire samples for you to stock up on.

Found this with a Google search isn't a guide or anything, but something you can look at.
Stocking up on Prescription Medications (http://www.thesurvivalistblog.net/2009/05/stocking-up-on-prescription-medications.html)

[Patti]

Wow, Omega.

That is some very good info.

Thanks for sharing.

[Bumper]

Lots of people around here used to go to Mexico, get a prescription and load up on medications of all sorts. The border has really closed down on that. a Year or so ago there were a couple of "little old ladies" getting their meds that way and got busted on their way back into the US. I'm not sure what the final outcome was but they were facing some jail time.

I do know, though, that people that go cruising on private yachts, mostly sailboats routinely get emergency medications from their doctors when they are going to be at sea for a long time. Many of them periodically return the unused, and expired, meds to the doctors to get updated prescriptions. Might be worth a try to tell your doctor that you are going on a similar trip and want his recommendations....

[Patti]

That's a good idea, Bumper.

I'm really concerned about my friend who is on big time paid medicine.

I can see him literally losing his mind if it was taken away.

He's been trying to save a few pills out of each prescription. But if the balloon goes up, those few pills won't get him very far.

I told him to stock up on Jack Daniels and 151 proof vodka.

[Bumper]

That's a good idea, Bumper.

I'm really concerned about my friend who is on big time paid medicine.

I can see him literally losing his mind if it was taken away.

He's been trying to save a few pills out of each prescription. But if the balloon goes up, those few pills won't get him very far.

I told him to stock up on Jack Daniels and 151 proof vodka.

Unfortunately, would be all kinds of problems if availability of medicines were impaired. A few bottles of alcohol would certainly be useful.....

[Bumper]

I found this today, Patti, in answer to your question about getting a small supply of prescription medications for use in an emergency.

http://www.wildernessmedical.com/PrescriptionMedications.htm

[Patti]

Good link, Bumper.

I'm going to start printing out home remedies.

I figure that the biggest health risks will be dysentary, cholera, and starvation.

Here's the home remedy for dysentary:

http://www.natural-homeremedies.org/homeremedies-dysentery.htm

[Patti]

More information about dysentary:


Dysentery usually clears up after a few days and no treatment is needed. However, it is important to replace any fluids that have been lost through diarrhoea.

Replacing fluids
If you have diarrhoea and vomiting, drink plenty of fluids to replace those that have been lost and to avoid dehydration. It is best to drink water, fruit juice or isotonic (sports) drinks that replace salts and minerals.

In severe cases, fluid may need to be given by intravenous drip in hospital.

Medication
If you have amoebic dysentery, your GP may prescribe an antibiotic called metronidazole. Your GP will tell you how long you need to take it for. After you have finished the antibiotics, you should be given a course of diloxanide (a drug that kills any remaining amoebas).

Since most cases of dysentery last only a short time, antibiotics are only used if dysentery does not clear up on its own. Antibiotics can also be used to stop dysentery spreading to other people.

[Patti]

Information about cholera:


Cholera can be simply and successfully treated by immediate replacement of the fluid and salts lost through diarrhea. Patients can be treated with oral rehydration solution, a prepackaged mixture of sugar and salts to be mixed with water and drunk in large amounts. This solution is used throughout the world to treat diarrhea. Severe cases also require intravenous fluid replacement. With prompt rehydration, fewer than 1% of cholera patients die.

Antibiotics shorten the course and diminish the severity of the illness, but they are not as important as rehydration. Persons who develop severe diarrhea and vomiting in countries where cholera occurs should seek medical attention promptly.

[HotGuns]

No medical kit is complete without Collodial Silver.
It works for lots of things.

[Patti]

No medical kit is complete without Collodial Silver.
It works for lots of things.

For burns....but I think I'll pass on ingesting it.

[Bumper]

For burns....but I think I'll pass on ingesting it.

We still use aloe vera for burns. Here in Arizona our plants have gotten absolutely huge. We have so much we could supply a burn unit.....

[HotGuns]

Actually CS works for lots of things.

Taking about a half cup will take care of diarreah,food poisioning,water poisioning. Pouring it into a wound will kill bacteria and keep it from becoming infected.

Pouring it into clear water will kill 99 % of bacteria. It is great for burn victims because it will limit the amount of bacteria.

Aloe Vera is good stuff.

I used to have athelets foot. Soaking your feet in a high concentration of Collodial silver will take care of it. It pretty much eliminates it. I've been told my whole life that there was no cure for it by several doctors. At the insistence of a friend of mine, I soaked my feet in it and have not had it since.

[ApatheticHero]

Something else to consider is this, though it's the dark side of SHTF:

People may find it necessary to secure needs such as pain meds by force. It ain't pretty, but it just may be necessary.:smily1094:

[peckman28]

Something else to consider is this, though it's the dark side of SHTF:

People may find it necessary to secure needs such as pain meds by force. It ain't pretty, but it just may be necessary.:smily1094:

Well, that's what my Romanian, Patti's Colt rifle, and Zapata's 20mm cannon are for :1:

[HotGuns]

A quiet shot in the dark would be more effective for taking things by force.

You could be in and out before most people ever knew it.

[ApatheticHero]

Well, that's what my Romanian, Patti's Colt rifle, and Zapata's 20mm cannon are for :1:

20mm cannon!?!?!?!?

*The Hero salivates a bit*:AR15firing:

[Patti]

Antibiotics (the legal way):

http://www.calvetsupply.com/category/Antibiotics

Some medications to keep on hand:

Penicillin, Ampicillin, amoxicillin, cephalaxin, Hydrocodone(vicodin), Flexeril, Erythromycin(anti biotic eye ointent)Xylocaingel. as well as several over the counter medications....

Know the proper dosages and applications.

[Bumper]

Yup, buy it at the veterinary supply company. On the farm I used to buy it by the case....

[Patti]

Click the "detailed" note.

http://www.drugs.com/pdr/augmentin.html

Here are the cheats, minus the formatting.



Zithromax

Zithromax is an antibiotic related to erythromycin. It is prescribed for adults to treat certain mild to moderate skin infections; upper and lower respiratory tract infections, including pharyngitis (strep throat), tonsillitis, sinus infections, worsening of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and pneumonia; sexually transmitted infections of the cervix or urinary tract; and genital ulcer disease in men. In children, Zithromax is used to treat middle ear infection, pneumonia, tonsillitis, and strep throat.

How should you take Zithromax?

Take Zithromax capsules at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal. Zithromax tablets and oral suspension can be taken with or without food. Do not take any form with an antacid that contains aluminum or magnesium.

If you are using single-dose packets of Zithromax powder for oral suspension, mix the entire contents of each packet with 2 ounces of water, drink immediately, then add an additional 2 ounces of water, mix again, and drink to make sure you've taken the entire dose. When giving the pediatric suspension, shake the bottle thoroughly before each use and measure the dose with the supplied calibrated dropper. Use the pediatric suspension within 10 days and throw out any that remains.

Special warnings about Zithromax
Like certain other antibiotics, Zithromax may cause a potentially life-threatening form of diarrhea called pseudomembranous colitis. Pseudomembranous colitis may clear up spontaneously when the drug is stopped; if it doesn't, hospital treatment may be required. If you develop diarrhea, check with your doctor immediately.

Possible food and drug interactions when taking Zithromax

Do not take Zithromax with antacids containing aluminum or magnesium.

If Zithromax is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Zithromax with the following:
Cyclosporine
Digoxin
Ergot-containing drugs, including certain migraine medications
Hexobarbital
Nelfinavir
Phenytoin
Warfarin


Recommended dosage for Zithromax

ADULTS

Pneumonia, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, Tonsillitis, Strep Throat, and Skin Infections

The usual dose of Zithromax is 500 milligrams in a single dose the first day. This is followed by 250 milligrams once daily for the next 4 days. Alternatively, patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease may be prescribed 500 milligrams a day for 3 days.

Sinus Infection

The usual dose of Zithromax is 500 milligrams once a day for 3 days.

Genital Ulcer Disease

The usual dose is a single gram (1,000 milligrams) one time only.

Sexually Transmitted Diseases

The usual dose is a single 2-gram (2,000 milligrams) dose.

CHILDREN

Middle Ear Infection

For children aged 6 months and up, treatment may be given three ways. One option is a single dose of 30 milligrams per 2.2 pounds of body weight. Another option is a dose of 10 milligrams per 2.2 pounds given each day for 3 days. Zithromax can also be given over a period of 5 days, starting with a dose of 10 milligrams per 2.2 pounds on the first day and continuing with daily doses of 5 milligrams per 2.2 pounds for the next 4 days.

Sinus Infection

For children aged 6 months and up, the usual dose is 10 milligrams of Zithromax suspension per 2.2 pounds of body weight given once daily for 3 days.

Pneumonia

For children aged 6 months and up, the usual dose is 10 milligrams of Zithromax suspension per 2.2 pounds of body weight in a single dose the first day, followed by 5 milligrams per 2.2 pounds for the next 4 days.

Strep Throat and Tonsillitis

For children aged 2 years and up, the usual dose is 12 milligrams per 2.2 pounds of body weight once daily for 5 days.




=================

Amoxicillin

Ear, Nose, Throat, Skin, Genital, and Urinary Tract Infections

For mild or moderate infections, the usual dose is 250 milligrams every 8 hours, or 500 milligrams every 12 hours. For severe infections, the usual dose is 500 milligrams every 8 hours, or 875 milligrams every 12 hours.

Lower Respiratory Tract Infections

For mild, moderate, or severe infections, the usual dose is 500 milligrams every 8 hours, or 875 milligrams every 12 hours.

Gonorrhea, Acute, Uncomplicated Anogenita,l and Urethral Infections

The usual dosage is 3 grams in a single oral dose.

Special warnings:
If you have ever had asthma, hives, hay fever, or other allergies, consult with your doctor before taking Amoxil.

Possible food and drug interactions when taking Amoxicillin
If Amoxil is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Amoxil with the following:

Chloramphenicol
Erythromycin
Estrogen
Oral contraceptives
Other antibiotics, including tetracycline
Probenecid


==================================


Augmentin

Augmentin is used in the treatment of lower respiratory, middle ear, sinus, skin, and urinary tract infections that are caused by certain specific bacteria. These bacteria produce a chemical enzyme called beta lactamase that makes some infections particularly difficult to treat.

Most important fact about Augmentin
If you are allergic to either penicillin or cephalosporin antibiotics in any form, consult your doctor before taking Augmentin.

ADULTS
The usual adult dose is one 500-milligram tablet every 12 hours or one 250-milligram tablet every 8 hours. For more severe infections and infections of the respiratory tract, the dose should be one 875-milligram tablet every 12 hours or one 500-milligram tablet every 8 hours. It is essential that you take this medicine according to your doctor's directions.

The total daily dose of Augmentin XR is 4,000 milligrams of amoxicillin and 250 milligrams of clavulanate potassium, given in divided doses every 12 hours for 10 days (for sinus infections) or for 7 to 10 days (for pneumonia).



=============================



Cipro
Cipro is an antibiotic used to treat infections of the lower respiratory tract, the abdomen, the skin, the bones and joints, and the urinary tract, including cystitis (bladder inflammation) in women. It is also prescribed for severe sinus or bronchial infections, infectious diarrhea, typhoid fever, inhalational anthrax, infections of the prostate gland, and some sexually transmitted diseases such as gonorrhea. Additionally, some doctors prescribe Cipro for certain serious ear infections, tuberculosis, and some of the infections common in people with AIDS.

Cipro should not be taken with dairy products (such as milk or yogurt) or calcium-fortified juices alone;

Cipro may cause you to become dizzy or light-headed;

Possible food and drug interactions when taking Cipro
Serious and fatal reactions have occurred when Cipro was taken in combination with theophylline. These reactions have included cardiac arrest, seizures, status epilepticus (continuous attacks of epilepsy with no periods of consciousness), and respiratory failure.

The following can interfere with the absorption of Cipro and should be taken no less than 6 hours before or 2 hours after a dose:

Antacids containing magnesium and aluminum
Carafate
Supplements and other products containing calcium, iron, or zinc
Videx chewable tablets and pediatric powder

You should also avoid taking Cipro with milk or yogurt alone, though calcium taken as part of a full meal has no significant effect on the drug.

Cipro may increase the effects of caffeine.

If Cipro is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. These drugs include:

Cyclophosphamide
Cyclosporine
Glyburide
Methotrexate
Metoclopramide
Metoprolol
Phenytoin
Probenecid
Warfarin

Certain nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), with the exception of aspirin, could cause convulsions when combined with high doses of this type of antibiotic.

ADULTS
For Cipro Tablets and Oral Liquid

Urinary Tract Infections: The usual adult dosage is 250 milligrams taken every 12 hours. Complicated infections, as determined by your doctor, may require 500 milligrams taken every 12 hours. Treatment usually lasts 7 to 14 days.

Cystitis (Bladder Inflammation) in Women: The usual dosage is either 100 milligrams or 250 milligrams every 12 hours. Treatment usually lasts 3 days.

Lower Respiratory Tract, Skin, Bone, and Joint Infections: The usual recommended dosage is 500 milligrams taken every 12 hours. Complicated infections, as determined by your doctor, may require a dosage of 750 milligrams taken every 12 hours. Treatment usually lasts 7 to 14 days, except for bone and joint infections, which require 4 to 6 weeks.

Infectious Diarrhea; Typhoid Fever; Sinus, Prostate, and Abdominal Infections: The recommended dosage is 500 milligrams taken every 12 hours. Treatment lasts 5 to 7 days for diarrhea, 10 days for typhoid fever and sinus infections, 7 to 14 days for abdominal infections, and 28 days for prostate infections.

Inhalational Anthrax: For adults, the recommended dosage is 500 milligrams taken every 12 hours. Children's doses are calculated at a rate of 15 milligrams per 2.2 pounds of body weight up to a maximum of 500 milligrams per dose. Treatment continues for 60 days.

Gonorrhea in the Urethra or Cervix: For these sexually transmitted diseases, a single 250-milligram dose is the usual treatment.

For Cipro HC Otic

Ear Infection: Instill 3 drops of suspension into the ear twice a day for 7 days.
For Cipro XR

Cystitis (Bladder Inflammation) in Women: The usual dosage is 500 milligrams taken once daily for 3 days.

Urinary Tract and Kidney Infections: The usual dosage is 1,000 milligrams taken once daily for 7 to 14 days.


===================


Diflucan / Fluconazole

Diflucan is used to treat fungal infections called candidiasis (also known as thrush or yeast infections). These include vaginal infections, throat infections, and fungal infections elsewhere in the body, such as infections of the urinary tract, peritonitis (inflammation of the lining of the abdomen), and pneumonia. Diflucan is also prescribed to guard against candidiasis in some people receiving bone marrow transplants, and is used to treat meningitis (brain or spinal cord inflammation) caused by another type of fungus.

In addition, Diflucan is now being prescribed for fungal infections in kidney and liver transplant patients, and fungal infections in patients with AIDS.


Possible food and drug interactions when taking Diflucan
If Diflucan is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Diflucan with the following:
Blood-thinning drugs such as warfarin
Antidiabetic drugs such as glipizide, glyburide, and tolbutamide
Astemizole
Cisapride
Cyclosporine
Hydrochlorothiazide
Phenytoin
Rifabutin
Rifampin
Tacrolimus
Terfenadine
Theophylline
Ulcer medications such as Tagamet

Recommended dosage for Diflucan

ADULTS
For vaginal infections
The usual treatment is a single 150-milligram dose.

For throat infections
The usual dose for candidiasis of the mouth and throat is 200 milligrams on the first day, followed by 100 milligrams once a day. You should see results in a few days, but treatment should continue for at least 2 weeks to avoid a relapse. For candidiasis of the esophagus (gullet) the usual dose is 200 milligrams on the first day, followed by 100 milligrams once a day. A dose of 400 milligrams a day can also be taken if your infection is more severe. Treatment should continue for a minimum of 3 weeks and for at least 2 weeks after symptoms have stopped.

For systemic (bodywide) infections
Doses of up to 400 milligrams per day are sometimes prescribed.

For urinary infections and peritonitis
Doses range from 50 to 200 milligrams per day.

[Bumper]

Good information, Patti :yup:

[PaxMentis]

We all know that in a crisis, medicine will be a very valuable commodity.

I am concerned about a very good friend of mine who is addicted to pain killers. He is a former marine who suffered back injuries. He now has an implant in his back that releases some type of medicine. He is also prone to kidney stones...he's had 96 so far.

What will he do if he can't get his hands on any pain medicine if the SHTF?

His meds are highly controlled and the doc doesn't allow refills. When he runs out, he has to go to the doc and get a new prescription.

And another question I have about medicine concerns antibiotics.

Is it legal to purchase antibiotics over the internet from foreign countries?


Or, is it legal to go to Mexico or Canada and purchase medicine?


Something bad happened to my nephew the other day. He was washing out the garage floor, slipped, and scraped his arm on the workbench. Not a big deal. It was actually a very minor cut.

Within 5 days his arm swelled up and he had blood poisoning. The doctor in the emergency room said it was one of the worst infections he had ever seen.

If my nephew had not had access to an emergency room and antibiotics, he would have died within days.

My sister is finally getting on board with my observations and it really hit home with her. I told her to get the prescription refilled, even if her son didn't need it.

ALWAYS get your prescriptions refilled if you can.

OK...I do have some experience here...though I am not sure how helpful it might be....my preps seem just common sense to me.

First of all, pain meds...I have somewhat the same issues as your friend, but my war was 40 years ago so pain and I have made peace over the years. I get 90 pain pills a month from the VA (Whenever my doc asks me if they are working, I overstate how many I take) and actually take 15-20...so I have a very good "stash" built up.

I also have some fairly serious heart issues and have very important meds for it (basically, I am dead within about a week or two of running out of 2 specific meds). In switching dosages, etc over the years and taking short dosages when I am just going to be hanging around the house with little activity, I have accumulated about a 9 month "cushion" on them...I am also working on getting the dosage on them increased (the current dosage actually works just fine) in order to stockpile more. These 2 meds have 3 and 4 year shelf lives it seems (based on expiration dates on maker's bottles) and I hope to eventually have close to that as a cushion.

We also have accumulated a good stock of antibiotics from the vet supply company...we regularly get antibiotic and antifungal creams and ointments whenever we have any "wound" that even marginally justifies them...my doc is a very understanding guy.

Not sure if any of this will help, but it is how we have built our "medicine chest"...