What are anticipatory medicines and why have they been prescribed?

Australia · 29 August 2026 · 4 min read · Reviewed by Dr Kane Treble

Anticipatory medicines are medicines prescribed in advance in case symptoms happen suddenly, especially when someone is being cared for at home near the end of life.

Anticipatory medicines are medicines prescribed in advance in case symptoms happen suddenly, especially when someone is being cared for at home near the end of life. They may never be needed. They are there so distress can be treated quickly if it occurs.

They are sometimes called "just in case" medicines. Their presence does not mean the person will die tonight, and it does not mean the team expects every symptom to happen. It means the team is planning ahead.

General information: This page gives general information for people in Australia. It cannot tell you exactly what is happening in one person's situation. If you have concerns about a symptom, medicine, treatment decision or change in someone's condition, contact their doctor, palliative care team, nurse or other treating health professional.

Why planning ahead matters

Symptoms can change quickly near the end of life. Pain, breathlessness, nausea, vomiting, agitation or noisy breathing can happen after hours, on weekends, or when a pharmacy is closed.

Victorian community palliative care guidance describes anticipatory medicines as a way to enable prompt symptom relief when a person develops distressing symptoms at home. The same idea is used across Australian palliative care, although the exact medicine list and service process may differ.

Planning ahead can help a person stay at home if that is their wish and if home care is still safe. It can also reduce the chance of a rushed ambulance trip that the person may not have wanted.

What medicines might be included

The pack or plan may include medicines for pain, breathlessness, nausea, vomiting, agitation, anxiety, seizures or secretions. It may include equipment such as syringes, needles, labels, a sharps container and written orders.

The exact medicines should be chosen for that person. Age, allergies, kidney and liver function, current medicines, swallowing, likely symptoms and goals of care all matter.

Who gives them?

In many places, a nurse gives injectable anticipatory medicines. In some circumstances, carers can be trained to give subcutaneous medicines. caring@home provides resources to help health professionals train carers safely when this is part of the local plan.

Do not give an injectable medicine unless you have been trained and told to do so. Do not give any anticipatory medicine unless the person's written instructions say when and how it should be used.

Why they may look serious

It can be confronting to see strong medicines at home, especially opioids or medicines for agitation. These medicines are prescribed because severe symptoms can be frightening and need fast relief. They are not a hidden plan to cause death.

Ask the team to explain each medicine in plain language: what it is for, when it might be used, what effect to expect, what side effects matter, and who to call if it does not help.

Safe storage and records

Store the medicines exactly as instructed. Keep them in a cool safe place, out of reach of children, visitors and pets. Keep them together with the written orders if the team tells you to.

Record every dose if you are asked to give medicine. Include the time, symptom, medicine, dose and effect. This record helps the team adjust care and prevents accidental repeat dosing.

When to get help now

Call the palliative care team, nurse or after-hours number if a symptom starts and you are unsure which medicine to use, the plan is unclear, medicines are missing, or symptoms do not settle.

Call 000 for a life-threatening emergency, including not breathing, unable to wake, severe choking, severe injury, uncontrolled bleeding, or a suspected overdose.