[nescioquid]

> Medications are a big one - try to have enough spare to last a couple of months.

I've always wondered about how to carry out this advice for medicines other than what's available OTC. If someone depends on prescription medication, is this possible? How do you ask?

[NoImmatureAdHom]

I can think of three ways:

1) "Hi doc, I'm thinking about ways to better hedge tail risk as I get a little older. In the case of this particular med, obviously it'd be really bad to be without it for [2 weeks, whatever]. People were without meds for that long in [Katrina, other example disaster]. So, I'd like to have a supply on hand. Can you prescribe me [a month] extra?

2) Lie. "Hi doc, I'm going to [really far-flung place, Alaska] on a [long, 3-month] expedition. I need to have my meds. What should we do?

3) Skip the bullshit and, assuming they're not controlled substances, just order directly from an Indian / Canadian pharmacy online.

[alasdair_]

For non-controlled substances, I've been able to ask for more from my doctor and just pay out of pocket.

For controlled substances, you could probably ask for a slight change in prescription (e.g. a single 20mg pill vs. 2x10mg) right after the first one was filled, or ask for a slight change in dosage.

Technically this is legally dubious, but it's also ridiculous that there is no buffer allowed to be built in.

[wrycoder]

Get a copy of the Chinese book - I think it's called the Barefoot Doctor.

[citruscomputing]

Request a dose increase and maintain taking your current dose.