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'My medication is running out' 'My medication is running out'
(about 3 hours later)
By Jane Elliott Health reporter, BBC News Sophie (far right) has cystic fibrosisBy Jane Elliott Health reporter, BBC News Sophie (far right) has cystic fibrosis
Stranded in Malaysia after her flight home was cancelled, Sophie Longton is running short of medication and her health is worsening.Stranded in Malaysia after her flight home was cancelled, Sophie Longton is running short of medication and her health is worsening.
Sophie, who has cystic fibrosis, says her stock of drugs is dwindling and she has started to cough up blood.Sophie, who has cystic fibrosis, says her stock of drugs is dwindling and she has started to cough up blood.
"That is a sure sign that I have an infection, but I am still relatively well," she told the BBC."That is a sure sign that I have an infection, but I am still relatively well," she told the BBC.
"My medication is starting to run out and without it I will get poorly within days. I am getting very worried.""My medication is starting to run out and without it I will get poorly within days. I am getting very worried."
Sophie, aged 23, an academic mentor in a school in Accrington, has been designated as a priority case for a flight back to the UK.Sophie, aged 23, an academic mentor in a school in Accrington, has been designated as a priority case for a flight back to the UK.
I need the drugs to thin the mucus in my lungs and antibiotics to fight infection Sophie Longton, who has cystic fibrosisI need the drugs to thin the mucus in my lungs and antibiotics to fight infection Sophie Longton, who has cystic fibrosis
She had been told she would not get home before May 6, but is hoping that as air restrictions have now been lifted she might squeeze on an earlier flight.She had been told she would not get home before May 6, but is hoping that as air restrictions have now been lifted she might squeeze on an earlier flight.
She contacted her doctors at Wythenshaw Hospital, Manchester, UK, who have promised to fly her some extra supplies from Australia, as the drugs are not available in Malaysia. "It has been difficult trying to persuade the airline how important it was to get me home as soon as possible," said Sophie.
"But the British Embassy over here have been very helpful and contacted the airline to express how important it is to get us home."
Sophie contacted her doctors at Wythenshaw Hospital, Manchester, UK, who have promised to fly her some extra supplies from Australia, as the drugs are not available in Malaysia.
They also warned her that if she gets sick and cannot fly home she should try to get to nearby Singapore for treatment and then on to Australia.They also warned her that if she gets sick and cannot fly home she should try to get to nearby Singapore for treatment and then on to Australia.
Sophie takes around 40 tablets a day to treat her condition and uses five nebulisers.Sophie takes around 40 tablets a day to treat her condition and uses five nebulisers.
What to do if you run out of medicine abroad Stick to the prescribed dose, do not start "rationing" Seek help from a local pharmacy, taking the medicine and its packaging with you If you don't have the packaging and can't remember the name of your medicine contact your pharmacy in the UK. This will help local healthcare professionals make a decision on what medicines to supplySource: National Pharmacy Association
"I need the drugs to thin the mucus in my lungs and antibiotics to fight infection," she said."I need the drugs to thin the mucus in my lungs and antibiotics to fight infection," she said.
Sophie, who was on a family holiday in Bali, flew with her mum to Kuala Lumpur to try to get home, but has been stranded there for four days.Sophie, who was on a family holiday in Bali, flew with her mum to Kuala Lumpur to try to get home, but has been stranded there for four days.
A Department of Health spokesperson said their advice to stranded Britons is to contact local pharmacies, hospitals or doctors if they run out of medication.A Department of Health spokesperson said their advice to stranded Britons is to contact local pharmacies, hospitals or doctors if they run out of medication.
"If you are admitted to hospital, contact the British Embassy," the spokesperson said."If you are admitted to hospital, contact the British Embassy," the spokesperson said.
The Foreign Office website has up to date information for travellers on the volcanic flight disruption and the website address is www.fco.gov.uk. Alternatively go to www.nhs.uk/healthcareabroad.The Foreign Office website has up to date information for travellers on the volcanic flight disruption and the website address is www.fco.gov.uk. Alternatively go to www.nhs.uk/healthcareabroad.