Automatic Pharmacy Refills

Please provide new instructions to Public Safety for your automatically refilled pharmacy prescriptions that are picked up by Public Safety from a Key Largo pharmacy. Once picked up by Public Safety they cannot be returned or refilled by another pharmacy. This could leave you in a dilemma, especially when it’s a critically needed medication. So before leaving the Reef, please give Public Safety your northern address for prescription delivery. In the event your prescriptions cannot be mailed, please instruct Public Safety to discontinue delivery. The Medical Center can support your off-season prescription needs by electronic communication with your preferred pharmacy.

Do a Medicine Cabinet Checkup

Solid-dose tablets and capsules appear to be the most stable over-the-counter medications past their expiration dates. However, medications can and do change in potency depending on heat, light and humidity factors.
Expired medications that contain preservatives, such as ophthalmic (eye) drops, may be unsafe past their expiration date. The outdated preservatives may allow bacterial growth in the solution. It’s a good practice to check the expiration dates on all of your medications and properly dispose of those that have expired.

Medication Disposal

Medication disposal can be tricky. Some medications are not good for the environment and shouldn’t be flushed into the sewage system; others like sedatives and narcotics should not be thrown into the trash unless they are crushed or dissolved and mixed with something unpalatable – like coffee grounds. You can also drop these medications at the Medical Center for proper disposal.

Travel Planning

If you are planning to travel abroad, be sure you have the proper inoculations. The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) has a good travelers’ resource on its website. Carrying the certificate showing the inoculations you have received is a good way to avoid travel delays. With COVID-19 as a primary concern, also be sure to carry your COVID inoculation card. It’s a good idea to take a photo of it with your cell phone in the event you lose your wallet. Also make a list of your current medications. If an incident occurs while traveling, this could be critical information for a healthcare provider. If you are unsure about your current medications, please contact your Medical Center physician.