Medication Management During the Holidays

The holidays bring summer, travel, and time with family. Routines change. Schedules slip. That can make it harder to take medicines safely and on time.

Use these practical tips to stay on track, protect your health, and avoid last-minute stress.

Refill early

• Beat the rush and avoid last-minute calls. Many clinics and pharmacies operate on reduced hours around Christmas and New Year. Supply or subsidy rules can also affect timing.
• Request refills 5 to 7 days before you run out. Ask if a longer supply is appropriate for your medicines.
• Travelling soon. Ask about early supply options or emergency supply where permitted. Your pharmacist can advise what is allowed under local rules.
• Questions about timing, repeats, or subsidy. Call Burwood Pharmacy at 03 383 4814.

Travel smart with prescriptions

Keep medicines in original, labelled containers and carry them in your hand luggage. Medicines are permitted through airport security. Check your airline and local aviation security guidance before you fly. Pack a current medicine list with prescriber contacts, and save 03 383 4814 in your phone. Crossing time zones. Ask Burwood Pharmacy how to adjust dose times, especially for time-sensitive medicines.

Use simple reminder tools

Holidays disrupt routines. Pair doses with daily habits like brushing your teeth or morning coffee. Phone alarms, medicine reminder apps, weekly pill organisers, or pharmacy-prepared adherence packs can make it effortless. Not sure which is right for you. Talk to Burwood Pharmacy.

If you miss a dose

Start by checking your prescription label or the consumer medicine information. When in doubt, call Burwood Pharmacy at 03 383 4814. Do not double up unless your prescriber or pharmacist directs you to. Some medicines require a different approach when a dose is missed, and your pharmacist can advise whether to take it as soon as you remember, wait until the next scheduled dose, or follow a specific plan.

Alcohol and your medicines

Holiday toasts can interact with medicines. Combining alcohol with sedating medicines increases the risk of drowsiness, dizziness, and accidents. Some medicines should never be taken with alcohol because they can cause severe reactions. Others may affect the liver, and drinking alcohol can add extra risk. If you plan to drink, ask Burwood Pharmacy what is safe with your specific regimen and stay within recommended limits.

Cold, flu, and COVID products

Seasonal bugs are common, and combination products can overlap ingredients.

• Decongestants can raise blood pressure and heart rate. Use with care if you have heart or blood pressure conditions.
• Some cough and cold products can interact with your regular medicines. Check before combining.
• Choose one product at a time to avoid duplicate active ingredients, especially common pain or fever reducers.

Medicines and driving

Some prescription and over-the-counter medicines can impair driving or operating machinery. Read the pharmacy label and see how you feel before you drive. Driving while impaired by medicines is illegal. Follow local road rules in your area. If you are unsure, ask Burwood Pharmacy if your medicines can affect driving.

Storage and temperature

Where and how you store medicines matters, especially when travelling or visiting family in summer heat.

• Most medicines store best at 20 to 25°C. Short trips between 15 and 30°C are usually acceptable. Avoid bathrooms, cars, and direct sunlight.
• Refrigerated items should stay at 2 to 8°C. Use an insulated cooler with cold packs when travelling and do not freeze.
• Keep medicines out of reach of children and pets. Use child-resistant containers when available.

Sun and summer conditions

Summer sun and high UV can burn skin quickly. Some medicines increase sun sensitivity. Use broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher, reapply every 2 hours, wear a hat and UV-blocking sunglasses, seek shade, and stay hydrated.

Contact Burwood Pharmacy

We are here to help you stay well this season. Call us, visit in store, or send a message and we will guide you.

Burwood Pharmacy

Christchurch

Phone: 03 383 4814