Relaxing can be a chore. The summer months are perfect for vacations, weddings, family reunions, and everything in between. 

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The destination is glamorous, but prior planning is a headache. That’s what we call the summer rush. With all this madness you might feel like you need a vacation from the vacation.

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While you get your plane or train tickets in order, remember you’ve got a prescription to pick up. This time, however, it’s bit more complicated than usual. The summer rush puts a unique spin on pharmacy work, making bumpy roads bumpier and choppy waters, well, choppier. 

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Plan Ahead

Whether you’re vacationing by yourself or with the entire family tree, vacation planning is an absolute must. Timing plays a pivotal role in your vacation planning.

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The same goes for your prescriptions. Pharmacy work is all about timing, efficiency, and urgency. No two days are the same at your nearest independent pharmacy. Pharmacies are already busy, so a bit of prior planning will make a world of difference. 

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Order Ahead 

As much-needed as your vacation may be, it still is a monkey wrench to your schedule, and that’s the point! We all need to shake things up every now and then. However, as mentioned earlier, this kind of positive disruption requires prior planning. 

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Order your prescriptions ahead of time. Being proactive with your prescriptions will make the vacation planning process a

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There’s a chance the medication is currently out of stock, so planning ahead will ensure you get your medications before your vacation. 

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Also, consider the timing of your prescription schedule. There’s a decent chance that your insurance plan rejects your refill request because it’s too soon after the previous fill. 

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No need to fret: Some insurance plans let your pharmacy initiate a vacation override. All you need to do is speak with a member of the pharmacy staff. 

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Other insurance plans, on the other hand, will reject that claim outright if they do not have your input. In this case, contact your insurance plan and request a vacation override.

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Think of Travel Duration 

Whether your vacation is one day or one month (lucky you), make sure you have medications for the appropriate amount of time. As you’ve likely noticed by now, planning ahead is the name of the game.

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Depending on your vacation’s length, you don’t need to request a refill at all! In other situations, however, you’ll need to adjust your prescription amount. 

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For a one-day or one-week vacationer, some travel-sized pill boxes are worth looking into. 

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For the “I’m here for a good and long time” vacationer, ask your pharmacy if you can get a two-or-three month supply instead of your usual month. 

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Your pharmacy may need to ask your doctor for additional refills. But you’ll prevent a headache (and maybe even a migraine) if you plan ahead. 

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Pack Light and Pack Right

Packing for vacations is a chore in itself, especially in the middle of the summer rush. 

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Though it feels more time efficient to get 10 different shirts, shorts, socks, underwear, and everything else, it’s going to be a literal headache to find that spare swimsuit during magic hour. 

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There is an art to packing, even when it comes to your prescriptions. It’s a simple art, especially during the summer rush.   It’s recommended to pack your medications in your carry-on bag or personal luggage. 

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If you’re driving, take your medications with you and the not in your car’s trunk to prevent overheating. Extreme heat can severely impact your medication’s effectiveness. 

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Bring the appropriate amount of medical supplies. Patients with diabetes will bring their insulin vials, pen needles, syringes, and other necessary equipment. The same rules from before apply, especially with keeping your insulin in a cool, temperature-controlled environment.

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Explore the Great Unknown (of Pharmacy) 

One of the best ways to make the most out of your vacation is to explore your surroundings. No matter where you’re going for vacation, there’s always something new to check out. You could be thinking about grand waterfalls, huge museums, or other hidden gems. 

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We, on the other hand, have other ideas. If you’re unable to get an early refill or forgot your medications at home, no need to panic. Whether you’re going to Texas or Tennessee, there are plenty of ways to get your medication (for the most part).  

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The simplest way is to request a transfer to a pharmacy near you. This will be standard procedure for most independent pharmacies, mainly for maintenance medications.

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Things get more complicated when dealing with controlled medications. Depending on the drug schedule, such as a Schedule IV drug, you can transfer the prescription once. However, you cannot transfer the prescription back. 

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Schedule II medications (hydrocodone, Adderall, Vyvanse, etc.) cannot be transferred to other pharmacies, so make sure you’re stocked up for the duration of the vacation or have a new prescription handy. 

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Consider your area’s time zone. If you’re going out of state, make sure you’re requesting those transfers ahead of time. It could be 6 o'clock at your destination but already closing time for your pharmacy. 

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The summer rush is unforgiving in so many ways, but the best way to manage the madness is to plan ahead. 

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Conclusion 

For better or worse, the summer rush shakes up your everyday life. At its best, the summer rush gives you a literal breath of fresh air from the norm. At its worst, it can feel like a tidal wave of late arrivals, long waiting lines, and a perpetual race against time.

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The best way to deal with a time crunch is to give yourself more time. Avoid the summer rush and enjoy your summer by planning ahead with your medications. 

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Whether it’s ibuprofen or insulin, make sure you stick to your health regimen while getting some much-needed sun. 

Check out our Pharmacy Finder tool to find the nearest pharmacy near you while on vacation.