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Pharmacy Just in case medication bag

About this product...

Just in case medicines are medicines that can be given quickly if someone has sudden distressing symptoms such as pain or agitation. They are also used if someone suddenly cannot take their medicines by mouth (orally) anymore. A doctor or specialist nurse can prescribe just in case medicines for people who are ill and living at home or in a care home. Just in case medicines are also called anticipatory medicines or end of life medicines. They are given as injections and supplied with equipment like needles and syringes. They are usually given by a district nurse who can be called out to the house if the person becomes unwell.

Just in case medicines are used for different symptoms, including:

• feeling and being sick (nausea and vomiting)

• breathlessness

• agitation or restlessness

• pain

• noisy breathing.

Some people have these symptoms in their last weeks and days of life but not everyone does. Just in case medicines are prescribed in case someone develops these symptoms. It means they can access the medicines as soon as they need them.