Living along the Gulf Coast means always keeping one eye on the weather, especially during hurricane season. We’ve all seen how fast things can change — a sunny morning can turn into an evacuation by nightfall.
While most people remember to pack clothes, snacks, pets, and important papers, medications can get left behind or packed without a plan. As a pharmacist, I’ve seen the stress this causes — not just for patients, but for caregivers and families too. That’s why a little planning now can make a big difference later.
Here’s how to make sure you’re ready if you ever need to leave home in a hurry.
Build a Medication Go-Bag: Set aside a small bag that’s easy to grab. It should include:
A current list of all medications like names, doses, and times you take them
Space for at least 7 days of each medication, if possible
Over-the-counter items you use regularly
Supplies like pill organizers, syringes, inhalers, glucose test strips, or eye drops
Emergency contact information for your doctor, pharmacy, caregiver
Tip: Keep medications in their original containers whenever possible — they're clearly labeled and travel best that way.
For Medications That Need to Stay Cold: Some medications (like insulin, GLP-1 injections, or certain eye drops) need refrigeration. Be ready with:
A small insulated bag or cooler
Ice packs you can keep in the freezer during storm season
A note or label on the cooler about which medications are inside
If power or ice isn’t available, move refrigerated medications to the coolest, darkest spot in your home. Many are okay at room temperature for a limited time — but make sure to write down when they came out of the fridge as it can impact their expiration date (See June 2025 blog post for more information about refrigerated medications.)
If You’re Evacuating: Regardless if it’s to another town or another state, be sure to:
Bring your pharmacy’s phone number in case you need help transferring prescriptions
Pack your insurance card and ID for refills
Ask your doctor now if they can provide early refills or backup prescriptions during hurricane season, especially if a storm is coming
If You Lose Access to Medications: Whether it be from forgetting them during an evacuation or from flooding and power loss, you have several options:
Call your local pharmacy — they will transfer your prescription to another store
Use RxOpen.org to find open pharmacies during disasters
Call 211 or your emergency services hotline for local assistance
Storms are unpredictable, but your medication plan doesn’t have to be. A little preparation now can help keep you safe, calm, and healthy — no matter what the forecast says.
If you have questions about how to store or pack your medications, or want help creating a personalized medication plan, I’m always here to help.
Stay safe this hurricane season,
Abigail Wright, RPh PharmD BCGP MS
Founder, Wright Geriatric Consulting
July 1, 2025: Ready to Go - How to Prepare Your Medications for Evacuation
if your insulin bottle starts to look cloudy like this, it’s
definitely time to call your pharmacy!
Hurricane season is here, and with it comes the possibility of power outages. Most of us know to stock up on flashlights, food, and bottled water—but for people who take insulin, having a plan for your medication is just as important.
As a pharmacist, I’ve talked to many patients who weren’t sure what to do with their insulin when the fridge goes out. So let’s walk through a few simple steps to help keep you safe—and your insulin effective—if the power goes out.
Why Storage Matters for Insulin: Insulin is sensitive to temperature. If it gets too warm or too cold, it may not work as well. That’s why most insulin should be stored in the fridge—between 36–46°F —until it’s opened.
But here’s the good news: Once opened, most insulin can stay at room temperature for up to 28 days, depending on the type. That means if the power goes out, you may still be able to use your insulin safely—as long as you know when it came out of the fridge and when to throw it away.
What To Do If the Power Goes Out
1. Keep It Cool, If You Can
Move your insulin into a cooler with ice packs.
Don’t let it freeze—frozen insulin is not safe to use.
2. Track the Time
Write down the date and time it was removed from the fridge.
Check the expiration at room temperature—for most insulins, that’s 28 days, but some brands may differ (some are 14 or 42 days).
Label the insulin with its new expiration date to stay on track.
3. Watch for Changes - Throw insulin away if:
It becomes cloudy (unless it's supposed to be)
You see clumps, strings, or color changes
It was frozen or left in extreme heat for too long
When in doubt, check with your pharmacist or prescriber before using it.
What If You Need a Replacement? If your insulin is no longer safe to use, there are resources to help:
Call your pharmacy—many local and chain pharmacies can send a refill to a nearby store or help replace lost medications. Visit Rx Open to find open pharmacies in disaster areas.
Contact your prescriber—they can send a new prescription to a different location if needed.
Reach out to insulin manufacturers—Lilly, Novo Nordisk, and Sanofi all have patient assistance programs and may help during emergencies. Their phone numbers can be found at the FDA Website.
Call 211 or your county emergency services for local help with medication access after a storm. Phone numbers for emergency diabetes help can be found at the CDC website.
Plan ahead - Build a small emergency kit with:
1–2 weeks of insulin (kept refrigerated until needed)
Syringes, pens, or pump supplies
Glucometer/test strips or CGM supplies, plus alcohol swabs
Diabetes friendly snacks
Ice packs and an insulated cooler bag
A printed medication list and emergency contacts
Insulin is life-saving, but only if it’s stored and used safely. Knowing the room temperature rules, having a cooler ready, and knowing where to turn for help can make all the difference in a storm.
If you ever have questions about storing or replacing your insulin after a power outage, I’m here to help.
Until next time,
Abigail Wright, RPh PharmD BCGP MS
Founder, Wright Geriatric Consulting
June 1, 2025: Hurricane Season & Insulin
- What to Do When the Power Goes Out
Lately, I’ve had the chance to give several presentations on age-friendly care — and it really got me thinking. At the end of the day, most older adults want the same things: to feel good, stay independent, and live in a way that makes sense for them. That’s exactly what age-friendly care is all about.
Age-Friendly care focuses on what matters most, keeping things simple, and making sure each part of care helps support the life you want to live. This approach is built around something called the 4Ms - I use them every day in my work at Wright Geriatric Consulting. Let’s break them down and see how pharmacists can help with each one:
What Matters: Your goals, your values. Whether it’s gardening, babysitting your grandkids, or just feeling clear-headed every morning — your care should help you do what matters to you. This is always the first question I ask in a home visit as it tells me so much about the goal of our time together!
Medications: Some medicines that helped in the past might not be the best choice as we get older. I help review each one to see if it’s still needed, safe, and doing its job. (This removal of medications is generally called “deprescribing.”)
Mentation: Feeling confused, forgetful, or “off” isn’t just part of aging — it could be a sign of something fixable, like a medication side effect. We want your mind to stay sharp so you can continue doing activities that you love.
Mobility: Moving safely means living independently. Some medications increase the risk of falls and we keep a close eye on that. Staying mobile helps with strength, balance, and confidence.
Helping people live well — not just longer, but better — is what age-friendly care is all about. It’s simple, thoughtful, and built around you.
Whether I’m reviewing meds for someone at home or working with a care team in a facility, the 4Ms are always part of the conversation. If you’ve never heard of this approach before, I hope this gave you a helpful look at how it works—and why I believe in it so deeply.
As always, if you have questions or want to learn more about how a pharmacist can help, I’d love to connect.
Until next time,
Abigail Wright, RPh PharmD BCGP MS
Founder, Wright Geriatric Consulting
May 1, 2025: Why Does Age-Friendly Care Matter?
Have you ever cleaned out your medicine cabinet and thought, What am I supposed to do with all these old bottles? You’re not alone! Many people aren’t sure how to properly throw away expired or leftover medications. Some might even think flushing them is the best option (spoiler: it’s not!).
With National Prescription Drug Take Back Day coming up on Saturday, April 26, now is the perfect time to talk about safe medication disposal—why it matters, what NOT to do, and the best ways to clear out your cabinet.
Why It’s Important to Get Rid of Old Medications
Keeping old medications around may not seem like a big deal, but they can actually be dangerous: Kids and pets get into everything – some medications look like candy and curious little hands (or paws) might find them. Also, pain medications, sedatives, and other prescriptions could be taken by someone who shouldn’t have them. Many of us were told to flush medications in the past, but flushing can harm the environment. So, what is the safest way to say goodbye to old medications?
DEA Take Back Day: Twice a year, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) hosts Take Back Day, where you can safely drop off unused or expired medications—no questions asked! The next Take Back Day is on Saturday, April 26, 2025. You can find a drop-off site near you on the DEA Take Back Day website. (The best part? It’s free!)
Use a Pharmacy or Police Station Drop-Off Box: If you can’t make it to Take Back Day, many pharmacies, hospitals, and police stations have year-round medication disposal bins. Check with your local pharmacy to see if they accept old medications.
Safe At-Home Disposal: If a take-back site isn’t an option, you can safely dispose of most medications at home. Do not flush medications unless the label specifically says it’s okay. Also don’t throw loose pills in the trash where kids or pets might find them. Instead, follow these simple steps:
Mix the medication with something unappealing – like used coffee grounds, kitty litter, or dirt. This makes it less tempting for anyone who might come across it.
Put the mixture in a sealed bag or container to prevent leaks.
Throw the sealed container in your household trash.
Scratch out or remove your personal info from prescription bottles before recycling or tossing them.
Taking a few minutes to safely dispose of old medications can help protect your family, your community, and the environment. If you have any questions about medication disposal, feel free to ask—I’m always happy to help!
Until next time,
Abigail Wright, RPh PharmD MS
Founder, Wright Geriatric Consulting
April 1, 2025: Safely Disposing of Medications
Thankfully this is an antique bottle - but if your medicine in your cabinet looks like this… it’s time to throw it away!
If you’ve ever opened your medicine cabinet and found a bottle of pain relievers that expired two years ago or a prescription label so faded you couldn’t read it, you’re not alone. Storing medications properly is something many people don’t think about—but it makes a huge difference in keeping them safe and effective. As a pharmacist (and a mom who loves a good organizational project), I know how easy it is for medicine bottles to pile up in the wrong places — like the bathroom cabinet, kitchen counter, or even random drawers.
Over the years, I’ve answered a lot of questions about medication storage. Patients ask me things like, “Can I keep my medicine in the fridge?” or “Is it okay to store pills in a daily pillbox?” (Spoiler: It depends!) The truth is, improper storage can cause medications to break down, making them less effective—or even unsafe. But with a few simple habits, you can make sure your medications stay in good condition for as long as you need them.
1. Store Medications in a Cool, Dry Place
Despite the name, your medicine cabinet isn’t always the best place for medicine! The bathroom gets warm and humid, which can cause pills to break down faster. Instead, choose a cool, dry place like a kitchen cabinet. (Our medicine is stored on shelf in our pantry - this shelf is about 5 feet from the ground to prevent little fingers from grabbing anything.)
2. Keep Medications in Their Original Containers Until Needed
Prescription bottles are designed to protect medications from light, moisture, and contamination. They also have important details like dosage instructions and expiration dates. While pill organizers are helpful for weekly use, keep the original bottles nearby in case you need to check the label or drug information. (Also consider a colored pill organizer to help protect the medication from light.) If you need help organizing your pill box, I’d love to help!
3. Pay Attention to Temperature Guidelines
Most medications do fine at room temperature (68–77°F), but some require refrigeration. If a medication label says “store in the refrigerator,” make sure it stays there! (These temperature recommendations also apply to cars - Extreme heat or cold can damage medications.)
4. Keep Medications Away from Children and Pets
Kids and pets are naturally curious, and some medications look like candy (chewable vitamins, I’m looking at you!). Store medications in a locked cabinet or a high shelf where little hands—or paws—can’t reach them. This is especially important for you, grandparents! Storing your medications in a drawer might be easiest for your lifestyle, but your grandkids can be curious. If you ever suspect a child or pet has swallowed medication by accident, call Poison Control right away at 1-800-222-1222.
5. Check Expiration Dates and Dispose of Old Medications
Over time, medications can lose their strength—or worse, become harmful. A good rule of thumb is to go through your medicine every few months and safely dispose of anything expired or no longer needed. (I’ll be covering proper medication disposal next month, so stay tuned!)
Storing medications correctly helps keep them safe and effective, reducing the risk of errors or spoiled medicine. If you’re ever unsure about how to store a specific medication, check the label, ask your pharmacist, or reach out—I’d love to hear from you!
Until next time,
Abigail Wright, RPh PharmD MS
Founder, Wright Geriatric Consulting
March 1, 2025: Safe Storage - Keeping Medications Secure and Effective at Home
Hello, and welcome to the first blog post for Wright Geriatric Consulting! My name is Abigail Wright, and I’m proud to introduce you to a pharmacy consulting practice dedicated to enhancing the lives of geriatric patients.
As a licensed pharmacist with years of experience in long-term care, I’ve seen firsthand how personalized, age-friendly care can profoundly impact patients’ health and quality of life. That’s why I founded Wright Geriatric Consulting—built on the core values of integrity, dignity, compassion, and excellence.
At Wright Geriatric Consulting, we take a unique approach to pharmacy consulting. We are guided by the 4Ms of Age-Friendly Care: What Matters, Medication, Mentation, and Mobility. This framework ensures that every recommendation we make aligns with the goals and well-being of the patient, while minimizing risks like polypharmacy or adverse drug events. While we don’t dispense medications, we offer trusted, high-quality pharmacy recommendations - always prioritizing patient safety and data confidentiality.
You may have noticed our logo—a pair of overlapping capsules forming a heart. This design reflects our commitment to providing compassionate care. The capsules represent our focus on medication safety, while the heart symbolizes the deep care and empathy we bring to our work. The green tones are a nod to health, healing, and growth. This logo signifies our dedication to fostering a healthy, age-friendly approach to pharmacy care, ensuring our patients receive the best possible outcomes.
A little about me—I’m a mom of two and love balancing family life with my passion for pharmacy. When I’m not working, I enjoy woodworking and finding antique pharmacy bottles, a hobby that connects me to the rich history of our profession. (You will find pictures of these bottles scattered around my website.) These interests remind me of the importance of tradition, hard work, and innovation - values I bring to Wright Geriatric Consulting every day.
This blog will be an extension of Wright Geriatric Consulting’s mission to educate and empower care teams, patients, and their families. Each month, I’ll share insights on topics like:
Medication safety tips
How to properly dispose of unused or expired medications at home
Preventing medication errors
Updates in geriatric pharmacy care and regulations
I’m passionate about fostering a collaborative healthcare environment that supports the best outcomes for geriatric patients. Whether you're a healthcare professional, caregiver, or community member, I hope you’ll find this blog informative and empowering.
Thank you for joining me on this journey to improve geriatric care, one patient at a time. Stay tuned for next month’s post, where we’ll dive into practical tips for safely storing medications at home.
Warmest regards,
Abigail Wright, RPh PharmD MS
Founder, Wright Geriatric Consulting
February 1, 2025: A New Chapter in Compassionate Geriatric Care
Disclaimer:
The information in this blog is for general education and information only. It is not meant to replace advice from a doctor or other healthcare professional. Always talk to your healthcare provider if you have questions about a specific medical condition or treatment. Do not ignore or delay getting professional advice because of something you read here. Wright Geriatric Consulting and Abigail Wright are not responsible for any decisions made based on this information.