The College of New Jersey



TCNJ COLLEGE STUDENT’S

PACKING LIST FOR MINOR ILLNESS & INJURY SURVIVAL

*All students should carry their HEALTH INSURANCE & PRESCRIPTION CARDS!

Contact your health insurance company for an additional health insurance card or

make a copy of the front and back of your parents’ health insurance & prescription cards.

What to Bring To Campus*:

Thermometer to check for fever. Digital thermometers are inexpensive and easy to use. It is important to learn to take your temperature and to report what your temperature has been when you go to a medical appointment. This information may be crucial to establish your diagnosis.

Acetaminophen (Tylenol®): to treat pain & aches, fever, and headache. Checking that you do not exceed the recommended dose is ESSENTIAL!

Ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®) or Naproxen (Aleve®): for relief of pain, fever, headache and inflammation, menstrual cramps.

Cough medicine, cough drops, and throat lozenges to relieve cough and symptoms associated with the common cold.

Decongestants (Phenylephrine) to help relieve sinus pressure and stuffy noses associated with the common cold and allergies. Nasal decongestants are found in many over the counter cold medicines and are available without a prescription. A stronger decongestant is available also without a prescription, Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed®), but you will need to ask the pharmacist for it is kept behind the pharmacy counter.

Saline Nasal Spray works to relieve dryness in the nasal passages that occurs with colds, allergies or exposure to non-humidified air.

Bandages (BANDAIDS®) for minor cuts and scrapes. It may also be helpful to bring a topical antibiotic ointment, such as Bacitracin®.

Antacids for heartburn or stomach distress. Tums® and Maalox® are good choices.

Antidiarrheals for short term use only. Bismuth Subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol®) and Imodium® are good examples.

Antihistamines may help relieve allergy symptoms and itching associated with seasonal or year-round allergies. Many antihistamine choices are available without a prescription including Loratadine (Claritin®), Fexofenadine (Allegra®), Cetirizine (Zyrtec®), Diphenhydramine (Benadryl®) and Chlorpheniramine (Chlor-trimeton®). Avoid alcohol when taking any antihistamine. There are also nasal sprays for allergies that are available over-the-counter without a prescription called Nasacort® or Flonase® which are alternatives or additional medicines to try with antihistamines.

Anti-itch Creams for minor rashes and itching. Hydrocortisone 1%, Calamine® Lotion, and Domeboro® Solution are good examples.

Antifungal Creams are good to have on hand for those students prone to athlete’s foot or jock itch.

Heating pad to help relieve discomfort associated with muscle aches and pains, menstrual cramps, or backache. Do not sleep with it overnight.

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*Note: Always check with your health care provider if you have any special health conditions before using any over the counter medicines – just because they are available without a prescription does not mean that they are safe for you to take. Remember to read package instructions carefully noting the dose, frequency, contraindications, interactions with medicines you may already be taking, and side effects. Some medicines can make you drowsy and should not be taken if you are driving. Follow all directions carefully!

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