Overview

Anticipatory injectable medicines are a small extra supply of injectable medicines for you to keep at home. They are sometimes called “just in case” medicines.

They are provided in case you develop symptoms in the future and need treatment quickly. 

How the medicines are given

The medicines are given as an injection just under the skin. They must only be administered by a trained healthcare professional, such as a doctor or nurse.

Your medicines will be supplied with paper forms that must be completed by your doctor or nurse. Please keep these forms together with the medicines.

Benefits of having these medicines at home

Sometimes it can be difficult to access injectable medicines quickly, especially if you need them at night or over weekends.

Having a supply at home means your symptoms can be treated quickly if needed.

Medicines that may be prescribed

The medicines you are prescribed will depend on your condition. They can include: 

• Morphine or other opioid, to reduce pain or shortness of breath
• Midazolam, to help ease restlessness
• Haloperidol, to help with nausea (feeling sick) or vomiting
• Glycopyrronium, to reduce moisture in the throat or chest that may cause noisy breathing

You may not be prescribed all of these medicines, and others may be included. Your doctor or nurse will explain what has been prescribed for you.

Side effects

All medicines can cause side effects. These will vary depending on your condition and other medicines you may be taking.

If you need any of these medicines, your doctor or nurse will discuss possible side effects and how they can be managed with you. You may want to include a friend or family member in this discussion if it would help you.

More information on side effects can be found in the patient information leaflet that comes with your medicines.

Your other medicines

Your doctor or nurse may review your current medicines. Some medicines may be stopped if they are no longer needed, or if you're finding it difficult to take them.

Any changes to your medicines will be discussed with you.

If you need more medicines 

If you need more medicines, your nurse can arrange to get a prescription from your doctor. It’s best to do this before your current supply runs out.

If you’re admitted to hospital or another care setting, take your medicines with you. This helps your healthcare team understand what you have been prescribed and what medicines you have available.

Storing your medicines

Please follow this advice when storing your medicines.

It can be helpful to tell at least one family member or close friend where the medicines are stored, so they can be found easily when needed.

If you no longer need the medicines

If your doctor or nurse advises that you no longer need the medicines, you may need to return them to your local community pharmacy.

Your doctor or nurse will advise you on what to do with any related equipment, such as syringes, needles and sharps containers.