Just in case boxes
A ‘Just In Case’ box contains certain medicines that your health care team think may be needed in the coming days or weeks. This will help relieve any unpleasant or distressing symptoms such as pain, nausea, sickness or anxiety that you may experience while you are being looked after at home.
The medicines are prescribed for you by your doctor or nurse prescriber, and can be given by the nurse or doctor. The medicines are in injection form. The case contains everything necessary to give you the medicine as an injection under the skin. This means that symptoms can be relieved even if you are having difficulty swallowing due to sickness or another problem.
Sometimes family members or carers can give the medicine if you and they both feel comfortable with this. If so, the carer will be taught how to give the injection safely and how to record what has been given.
The case is kept in your home. Often the medicines are not needed, but if they are ready in the house, it can prevent delay in relieving your symptoms. This is especially so if problems occur out with normal working hours.
If any of the medicines are needed, the case contains just enough to last until more can be obtained. The medicines to be replaced are supplied in the usual way from your GP or community pharmacy.
If you are admitted to hospital or another care setting, the medicines can go with you as they have been prescribed for you.
If you have any questions about “Just In Case”, please talk to your Community Nurse, GP or other health care professional.
The Case should always be kept in a safe place in the home out of reach of children.
Please return the Case and all contents to your own medical centre or community pharmacy when it is no longer needed. If you are unable to do this, the community nurse may be contacted to remove it.
All medicines should be stored out of the reach of children.