What happens if you develop a serious infection during an emergency and can’t get to a doctor? It’s a concern worth considering, especially if a disaster disrupts medical care for days or weeks.
Antibiotics are among those medical supplies that some preppers want to keep on hand, although obtaining them isn’t always straightforward. In fact, I’ve previously covered 20 common ailments that may require antibiotics, which gives you an idea of how often these medications might be needed.
But where are people getting them for emergency use?
A recent Survivalist Boards discussion included several places where people are ordering antibiotics online, along with the companies they used, prices paid, and their experiences. I figured I’d pass along the information for anyone interested in researching these sources themselves.
Where People Are Ordering Antibiotics
One forum member reported ordering 60 capsules of amoxicillin, 500 mg each, for $115 total, including fees and shipping. The order arrived five days later.
The process involved completing an online medical form. According to the company’s website, a licensed medical provider reviews requests and issues a prescription if appropriate. This isn’t a prescription-free service.
Several members mentioned purchasing emergency antibiotic kits from Jase Medical. The main complaint was the cost, although the included treatment guides were considered a benefit. They reached out to me years ago asking if I wanted to test their services, which I declined at the time as I didn’t know about them.
Jase offers an emergency medication kit that includes five antibiotics:
- Amoxicillin/clavulanate (Augmentin)
- Azithromycin
- Ciprofloxacin
- Doxycycline
- Metronidazole
The JaseCase also includes other medications and treatment information. Orders go through a physician review, and a live consultation may be required depending on state rules.
One member reported purchasing Fish Mox Forte (amoxicillin 500 mg) for $42.99 per 100 capsules, with free shipping. I’ve purchased from this website before, if I remember correctly.
The website sells antibiotics marketed for ornamental fish, including products labeled Fish Mox, Fish Flex, and Fish Zole. These are animal medications, not FDA-approved human drugs.
I’ve discussed the use of fish antibiotics before in my article about fish antibiotic restrictions.
Another member mentioned using California Veterinary Supply as a regular source of fish antibiotics without a prescription. They didn’t specify which medications they purchased.
The company lists several antibiotics intended for ornamental aquarium fish and other animals. Again, these products aren’t approved for human use.
Other Sources
Members also described getting antibiotics through their personal physicians, farm and feed stores, and overseas pharmacies.
One person, for example, obtained a standby prescription for amoxicillin/clavulanate from their doctor because their work involved animal bites and scratches. Others mentioned past purchases from Spain and Colombia.
Some members also discussed older sources, such as the BUDK catalog and local feed stores, although those accounts don’t establish what’s available today.
Which Antibiotics Are People Keeping?
The discussion identified five antibiotics that members had personally kept on hand: amoxicillin, amoxicillin/clavulanate, doxycycline, cephalexin (Keflex), and metronidazole.
Some were obtained through human prescriptions, while others were purchased for pets or ornamental fish. Several members also mentioned keeping medications left from earlier prescriptions, which I’ve done as well.
These accounts don’t establish which antibiotics would be appropriate for a particular infection. Different antibiotics work against different bacteria, and the wrong choice can delay proper treatment or cause serious side effects!
Important FDA Warning
Before purchasing anything, there are some legal and medical issues to understand.
In the United States, human antibiotics require a valid prescription. Ordering them online doesn’t eliminate that requirement. Both Jase Medical and All Family Pharmacy describe a physician-review process.
The FDA also states that importing prescription medications from foreign countries for personal use is generally illegal, particularly when those medications aren’t FDA-approved. There are narrow exceptions under its personal importation policy, but these aren’t blanket permission to order antibiotics from overseas.
As for fish antibiotics, the FDA specifically warns against using animal medications in humans. Fish antibiotics sold without FDA approval haven’t been evaluated for human safety, purity, potency, or effectiveness. A product bearing the same drug name or capsule markings as a human medication doesn’t prove it’s equivalent.
This article is for information only. I’m not recommending these sellers or suggesting anyone obtain or use antibiotics without proper medical guidance. Consult a licensed healthcare provider before obtaining or taking prescription antibiotics.
For further information about individual medications, precautions, and side effects, the MedlinePlus drug information database is a useful resource.
I can certainly understand why you would want emergency antibiotics available, especially when getting medical help might be difficult. But researching the options, understanding the restrictions, and discussing emergency prescriptions with your doctor makes more sense than buying something you may not safely use or, worse, use incorrectly and make things worse.
Have you purchased an emergency antibiotic kit or discussed standby prescriptions with your doctor? I’d be interested to hear what your experience has been.
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