💥 Why OTC Meds Are Your Underrated Bug-Out Gold

When the system shits the bed, hospitals close their doors, and that pharmacy aisle turns into looting zone #1—guess what’ll keep your crew going?

Over-the-counter meds.

No script. No insurance. Just pure, shelf-stable get-you-through-it juice. If your med stash looks like a Motel 6 first-aid drawer, you're doin’ it wrong.

🧻 What To Stock (And How Much)

Here’s the Bear-approved starter pile. This ain't WebMD—we're talkin’ real-world ass-saving stuff:

1. Painkillers (Acetaminophen, Ibuprofen, Aspirin)
   For everything from fevers to busted knees. Triple up.

2. Antihistamines (Diphenhydramine, Loratadine)
   Bee stings, hives, mystery rashes? Say less.

3. Anti-diarrheals (Loperamide)
   Because nothing drains morale like firehose butt.

4. Antacids (Tums, Rolaids, Omeprazole)
   The apocalypse don’t pause for your chili regret.

5. Cough & Cold Relief (Guaifenesin, Dextromethorphan)
   Coughing attracts attention. Stay stealthy.

6. Topicals (Hydrocortisone, Antifungal Creams, Triple Antibiotic)
   That rash ain’t cute. Fix it before it festers.

7. Electrolyte Replacers (Pedialyte packs, Gatorade powder)
   Dehydration is a silent killer. Re-up those salts.

8. Thermometers & Medical Gloves
   Basic tools. Don’t touch gooey stuff raw.

9. Wound Cleaning (Betadine, Alcohol, Peroxide)
   Infection kills more than bullets.

10. Multivitamins
    Can’t live on Spam and beans alone, cowboy.

🧠 Pro Tip: Rotation = Survival

Most OTC meds expire after 1–3 years—but here’s the dirt: Many still work well past the date if stored cool, dark, and dry. I rotate my stash like my ammo—old stuff gets used, new stuff gets stocked.

Don’t just hoard. Rotate. Re-check. Replace. Stay sharp.

🏁 Closing Punch

You can have the guns, the gear, the bug-out ride of Mad Max dreams… but if a fever takes you down 'cause you forgot Tylenol? That's just damn embarrassing.

Stay Stocked, Stay Sharp,
Conrad “Bear” Becker

P.S. What’s the weirdest over-the-counter item you keep in your stash? Reply back—let’s compare insanity.