Medication safety
Medicines you shouldn't stop suddenly
Running out of most medicines for a day isn't dangerous. For some, it can be. Know which of yours are on this list.
Medicines that need a plan
- Beta-blockers (metoprolol, atenolol, carvedilol, propranolol): rebound high blood pressure, chest pain, rhythm problems
- Clonidine: a sharp rebound rise in blood pressure
- Antidepressants (SSRIs, venlafaxine, duloxetine): dizziness, irritability, flu-like discontinuation symptoms
- Seizure medicines: breakthrough seizures
- Long-term steroids such as prednisone: the body may not make enough of its own cortisol
- Insulin: in type 1 diabetes, diabetic ketoacidosis can develop quickly
- Blood thinners: higher risk of clots or stroke
- Gabapentin and pregabalin: withdrawal and, rarely, seizures
- Controlled medicines such as benzodiazepines and opioids: dangerous withdrawal. We don't prescribe these; contact your prescriber
If you're about to run out
- Call your pharmacy. Florida pharmacists may give a one-time emergency supply of up to 72 hours (Fla. Stat. §465.0275)
- Contact your prescriber's office or on-call line
- For established, non-controlled medicines, request a $39 refill review if you're physically in Florida
- Don't double up when you restart, and ask a pharmacist how to resume
When to get emergency care
Chest pain, a seizure, very high blood pressure with headache or confusion, severe vomiting with high blood sugar, or thoughts of self-harm: call 911 (or 988 for a mental health crisis).
Common questions
Is it dangerous to miss one day of blood pressure medicine?
For most blood pressure medicines, a missed day isn't dangerous, but beta-blockers and clonidine are exceptions. Don't let it stretch on; get a refill arranged.
Can you refill insulin?
Insulin needs a closer look. Text us before paying. If you have type 1 diabetes and are out of insulin, treat it as urgent: call your pharmacy about an emergency supply and contact a clinician right away.
Can you refill my benzodiazepine or pain medicine?
No. We don't prescribe controlled substances. Stopping them suddenly can be dangerous, so contact your prescriber or seek in-person care.