However, a slight increase in the number and size of prescriptions has been noted by IMS Health, a private company that tracks the drug industry. Drugmakers say they have a 90-day supply of medications in the distribution pipeline, along with elaborate plans in case power, telephones or fuel supplies are disrupted. Some even plan to have drug company sales reps deliver medicines in their own cars, if need be. Lilly, like other drug companies, increased production of some products. Regulators are sticking to their recommendation that patients merely refill prescriptions within five to seven days of expiration and not seek an additional month's supply.
Many patients appear to be complying.
On Monday, the retired businessman from Concord, Calif., says he's convinced that everything will be OK and isn't seeking extra medication. I don't have any anxiety about getting my medications. Even so, some patient advocates are recommending that patients whose prescriptions expire the first week of January fill them this week.