Managing medication
If you or someone you know are living with a terminal illness, you might have concerns about medication. It's common for someone with a terminal illness to take lots of different medicines and it can be hard to know what to do with all of them. On this page we talk about how to manage medicines safely and how to get support if you need it.
On this page:
The medicines you are given
If you're living with a terminal illness, you might be given medicines to take. This could be to help with symptoms such as pain, nausea and distress. It can be hard to understand what they are all for, how to store them and what to do if something goes wrong.
Many people find managing medicines quite challenging. Do not be afraid to ask your nurse, doctor or pharmacist for help. They will be able to answer any questions you have.
If you were given medicines in a hospice or hospital, you should have been told what your medicines are and how to take them. If not, your GP might have a letter with information about your medicines. The labels on the medicines will have instructions on safety and storage, as well as the correct dose.
If you need medication through a syringe driver, this will be set up by your GP, specialist palliative care nurse or district nurse. Your nurse will visit you and refill the medicine in the syringe driver each day.
Read more about having a syringe driver.
Organising your medicines
You might find it difficult to organise your medicines. For example, you might forget if you've taken your medication yet or not. There are things you can do to help with this.
Dosette boxes are special boxes with small compartments that show which pills you need to take and when. They help you check if you've taken your medication already. They can also remind you when you should take each medicine.
You could also try a medication planning app if you have a smartphone or tablet. They will alert you when it's time for your next dose. Many of these are free to download.
Storing medicines
It's important to store medicines safely and securely. Nobody else should be able to access your medication unless they are caring for you and help you to take them. It can be dangerous if other people take them.
You should:
- read the instructions on the label carefully
- check on the label how long they will last once they've been opened
- not use medicines if they are out of date
- keep them out of the reach or sight of children
- store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light
- some medicines need to be stored in the fridge
- ask your pharmacist if you are unsure about anything.
Emergency situations
All medicines can cause side effects. It's important not to have extra doses, even if you think you need them. Using planning tools like dosette boxes can stop you accidentally taking too much.
If you think you've taken too much, call your doctor or emergency services for advice. If there's someone else in the house with you, tell them as well.
If you become unwell after accidentally taking some medicine, contact emergency services or go to A&E (accident and emergency).
Just in case medicines
You might be given "just in case" or anticipatory medicines if you are being cared for at home. These are medicines that you do not need now but might need if you become more ill or in pain. A doctor or specialist nurse can prescribe you these medicines. You then keep them at home in case you need them. If you do, a district nurse can be called out to the house to give them to you.
Just in case medicines can be used for:
- vomiting and nausea (feeling sick)
- breathlessness
- agitation
- some types of pain
- respiratory secretions (having too much fluid in your lungs or throat).
Just in case medicines might include injections. They are sometimes useful if you cannot take your usual medicines orally (by mouth) anymore. You might also need some equipment if you suddenly become more unwell.
If you're unsure about using the medicines or whether the situation is an emergency, contact your nurse or doctor, or ring emergency services on 999.
For emergency medical supplies in Northern Ireland, speak to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.
External websites
NHS website – medicines A-Z
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About this information
This information is not intended to replace any advice from health or social care professionals. We suggest that you consult with a qualified professional about your individual circumstances. Read more about how our information is created and how it's used.
