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TranslatePublished: 23 Apr 2026
Information for patients, relatives and carers
Publication Date: September 2025
Review Date: September 2027
What are anticipatory (just in case) medications?
Anticipatory medications are also known as “Just in case” medications.
Anticipatory medications are a small supply of injectable medicines to keep at home, just in case you need them, for symptoms that you might experience in the future.
Sometimes it can be difficult to get the medicines you need in a hurry, especially at night or at weekends, so you have been provided with a small supply of injectable medicines to be kept in your home.
These injectable medications are administered to you by a health professional, usually a district nurse.
What are the medicines for?
The medicines are used to treat symptoms that may occur when people become less well.
They are often used when people cannot swallow or digest tablets for example, if they are being sick.
Some people worry that using these medicines will make someone die more quickly. This is not true. They are only given to control symptoms such as pain, sickness, or distress.
Some medications can be used for more than one symptom. The medications and doses will be individualised to you. Here are some of the commonly used medicines:
| Symptom | Medication |
| Pain | morphine, oxycodone |
| Breathlessness | morphine, midazolam |
| Nausea and vomiting | cyclizine, haloperidol, levomepromazine |
| Anxiety and agitation | midazolam, haloperidol, levomepromazine |
| Noisy chest secretions | glycopyrronium, hyoscine butylbromide |
Do anticipatory medications cause side effects?
All medications can cause side effects. Side affects you may experience vary depending on your condition and other medicines you are taking but may include sickness, drowsiness or a dry mouth.
It is important to alert your healthcare professional if you develop any side effects after taking anticipatory medications.
Further information is also available in the patient information leaflet that comes with your medicine.
When should I take my anticipatory medicines?
These medications should only be used on the advice of a healthcare professional who is involved in your care, i.e. your GP, district nurse, or community palliative care nurse.
You or your family can call your healthcare professional if you think you need any anticipatory medications. They will be able to advise on next steps.
How is the medication given and who does this?
The medications are given as an injection under the skin (subcutaneous route) and only a trained healthcare professional can do this.
This route is used when it is difficult for you to take medications by mouth, for example, if you are vomiting or very drowsy.
Sometimes a single injection is not sufficient, and your healthcare professional may suggest anticipatory injections are given as a constant infusion by a small pump. This will be discussed with you if needed.
How do I look after and store my medications?
The medications have been prescribed for you and should not be given to or taken by anyone else. Keep them in a safe place out of the reach of children or vulnerable adults.
They do not need to be kept in the fridge but should be kept in a cool and dry place. Leave them in the original boxes. Please tell your GP or District nurse if you have concerns about the safety of medications in your home.
Your district nurse/nursing home staff will keep a stock sheet of medications used and stored in your home.
When they are no longer needed or out of date, they can be taken to your local chemist for safe disposal. Please check expiry dates and inform your healthcare professional if they are out of date.
If you have any questions or need help, please speak to your healthcare professional or nursing team as soon as you can.
CONTACT US
Complaints and Feedback Team
Humber Teaching NHS Foundation Trust
Trust Headquarters
Beverley Road
Willerby
Hull, East Riding of Yorkshire
HU10 6ED
