What do I do if I run out of medication on vacation?

Do not panic - this is a solved problem, and the fix depends on where you are. Within the US: call your home pharmacy first. If it is a chain, any branch can usually pull up your profile and fill on the spot. Independent pharmacies can receive a transfer, or your prescriber can send a fresh electronic prescription to a pharmacy near you - a quick message through your patient portal or a phone call to the office often does it. Urgent care and telehealth visits can bridge most routine medicines if your prescriber is unreachable; bring your labeled bottle or a photo of it. Abroad, it gets harder - this is the scenario the CDC's travel guidance is built around. Their advice for before you leave: carry copies of all prescriptions and leave a set with someone at home in case you lose yours or need an emergency refill, and bring more than enough for the trip. Already abroad and out? A local doctor or a travel clinic can prescribe local equivalents (brand names differ; the generic name on your bottle is the key), your travel insurance's assistance line can find English-speaking doctors, and the nearest US embassy keeps lists of local doctors. One hard rule everywhere: never buy medicine from street vendors or unofficial pharmacies abroad - the CDC warns counterfeit drugs are common in some countries. And controlled substances barely travel at all - plan those before departure. Pymander is a free AI doctor, 24/7 by text, and can help you figure out the local next step.