It’s estimated that 1 in 3 antibiotic prescriptions are written inappropriately, most often for common colds, viral sore throats, and other upper respiratory infections that do not respond to antibiotics [1]. These 47 million inappropriate prescriptions per year result not only in antibiotic resistance, but in allergic reactions, diarrhea, and other unnecessary complications. In this context, prophylactic prescribing of antibiotics is a serious issue. None of the prescriptions a Duration Health patient might be prescribed should be used to treat common colds, viral sore throats, or other upper respiratory infections that do not respond to antibiotics — and our patients are educated about this, as well as the circumstances in which a particular antibiotic should and should not be taken — before they ever receive a prescription.
Further, unlike the antibiotic prescriptions described above, we anticipate that most of the antibiotic prescriptions written by Duration Health providers will actually never be used. Although our Med Kit in some instances includes antibiotics, each and every medication in the Med Kit is intended for use in true emergencies only. Indeed, it is intended for use in a last resort scenario — where a traveler has no access to a doctor, hospital, or other medical care, and cannot obtain such access in the near future due to their remote location (or other similar factors). All Duration Health patients are required to accept these conditions and restrictions. With these important steps in place, the public health benefit Duration Health provides via emergency access to potentially life-saving medications can outweigh the potential risks of antibiotic overuse or misuse.
Yes, we'll help you return unused medications to us by mail, facilitated by our partner pharmacy, and we require that you return medications once they're expired.
Each of the prescription medications that a Duration Health provider may prescribe is specifically chosen for its safety profile. For example, acetaminophen (Tylenol®), available at any drug store, is considered more dangerous in overdose than nearly every medication we provide. In addition, our patients receive specific instruction regarding the risks of accidental and intentional overdose.
Ultimately, there is no doubt that medications can be dangerous. And our product isn't appropriate for everyone. But Duration Health is here to help educate you about your health and medication usage so that, in consultation with one of our providers, you can make an informed decision about whether a prophylactic prescription is something you need based on your upcoming activities and are interested in given the risks and benefits. Of course, only your provider can decide, based on your medical history and other factors, whether it is medically appropriate to provide you with such prescriptions.
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Duration Health, Inc.
[email protected]
2443 Fillmore St #380-7336
San Francisco, CA 94115
(855) 340-8969
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Only your Duration Health provider can decide, based on your medical history and other factors, whether it is medically appropriate for you to receive prescriptions. We do not sell prefabricated bags of pharmaceuticals. Each Duration Health Med Kit that contains prescription medications is custom assembled, tailored to each individual patient's needs.
Duration Health is not a pharmacy, is not a nonprescription retailer, and does not sell medications directly. To be able to deliver a customized kit of medications, Duration Health has partnered with a third-party mail order pharmacy. You may request that any prescriptions be sent to an alternate pharmacy. Duration Health charges an administrative convenience fee for its services, but Duration Health does not sell prescription or over-the-counter ("OTC") drugs, mark-up the cost of prescription or OTC drugs, or retain any portion of the fees our affiliated pharmacy charges to you. Nor does Duration Health provide medical advice about or prescribe OTC medications. In states where Duration Health’s physician consultation services are not offered, Duration Health only offers OTC products and does not provide clients with access to obtain a physician consultation. Clients are free to purchase OTC medications of their choice as an OTC-only kit.
You must complete the included online telehealth visit, including a complete medical history and ID verification, before any prescriptions are issued. You may not be eligible to receive items pictured or described on this site. Furthermore, renewal of your prescriptions is contingent upon continued medical appropriateness. Generics only. Brand names are listed on our site for your reference, but in most cases, only generic (non-brand) medications are included in our Med Kits. No controlled substances. Our formulary excludes controlled substances like opioids, benzodiazepines, and other potentially addictive medications. Treatment not guaranteed. No medication is guaranteed to work or guaranteed to treat a particular condition or disease. Use medications only as directed by a physician. Medication uses listed on this site are for educational purposes only and are not intended to represent indications for treatment. Email support only. Our providers are available via email to answer questions about your Med Kit. For non-emergency use only. In an emergency, call 911 or seek local emergency care. No routine care. Duration Health email support cannot be used for routine primary care. Medications prescribed by Duration Health cannot be used for routine purposes. This product is intended only for people who are unable to obtain regular medical care. You must anticipate living, working or traveling where care is unavailable. As a condition of purchase, you must consent to use of these medications only when regular access to medical care is unavailable. Your eligibility for Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA) payment and reimbursement is not guaranteed; consult with your health plan, a qualified accountant, or a tax professional to determine your eligibility for reimbursement. Duration Health does not provide or claim to provide any medication or other item to prevent, treat or cure COVID-19.
The information provided on this site is intended for your general knowledge only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment for specific medical conditions. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease without consulting with a qualified healthcare provider. Please consult your healthcare provider with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your condition. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor, go to the emergency department, or call 911 immediately.
See our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ), Privacy Policy, Notice of Privacy Practices and Terms and Conditions for more important disclaimers.