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Key messages

Anticipatory medicines are prescribed to a person with a life limiting illness to manage symptoms such as pain, nausea and breathlessness.

Anticipatory medicines can be safely used in the home, to support the wishes of people who choose to be cared for and/or die at home.
 

Useful for anyone who provides palliative care for adults in in patient and community settings, the guidance will help you support patients who:

  • have someone to care for them, or healthcare professionals who can administer some medications in the home
  • do not have any contraindications as listed in the guidance.

The guidance will also help you work with other health professionals, such as GPs and paramedics, as well as the family, friends or carer of the patient.

Download our guidance

What’s included

  • Patient identification and eligibility for anticipatory medications
  • List of medications and contraindications
  • Prescribing and administering medications
  • Carer education and support needs

Consumer resources

Excellent resources for patients, families, friends and carers are available from the caring@home project 

Get in touch

Centre of Clinical Excellence - Older People

Page last updated: 05 Aug 2022

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