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Need help with your supplies or run out of your stoma bags?

Please read the following guidelines if you have run out or don’t have access to your stoma care team.

Below are some tips for what to do if you run out of stoma bags, and how to reduce the chance of it happening again.

First of all – take a breath

Easier said than done, we know. But panicking makes everything harder. In many cases, people do have spare supplies somewhere – they’re just not where you usually keep them.

Tip 1: Check forgotten places

Have a good rummage before assuming you’re completely out. Many ostomates are surprised by what turns up.  Places to check:

• Your car (glove box, boot)
• Handbags, backpacks or gym bags
• Work lockers or desks
• Suitcases from previous trips
• Coats or jackets with deep pockets

In a crisis, those “just in case” supplies can be a real lifeline.

Tip 2: Contact your supplier

If you really can’t find anything, it’s time for Plan B.

• Call your stoma supply company as soon as possible
• If they’re open, they may be able to arrange an emergency prescription and fast-track delivery
• Some suppliers can even help when you’re abroad, for example if luggage has gone missing

Suppliers often have longer opening hours than standard GP services, but they’re not available 24/7. If they’re closed, you’ll need to think a little more creatively.

Tip 3: Reach out locally and to the stoma community

You are not alone – and help may be closer than you think.

• Call your local hospital and ask to be put through to the bowel ward
  • If that doesn’t work, ask to speak to a nurse in A&E
  • These departments often hold small stocks of stoma supplies and may be able to help you out short term
• If needed, try a larger hospital, particularly one that carries out stoma surgery
• Post in Colostomy UK’s private Facebook group, sharing your general location
  • Members across the UK and overseas regularly help fellow ostomates in emergencies
• Visit our support groups page to find your nearest local group, who may be able to help directly or circulate a request
• Some local pharmacies carry stoma supplies you can purchase
• Online retailers, including places like Amazon, may offer next-day delivery

“But what can I do right now?”

This is something we hear often on the helpline:

“I’ve got no spare bags and I’m wearing my last one.”

If you’re in this situation, it’s time to focus on short-term solutions.

• Drainable bags can usually be rinsed out with water using a jug and reused temporarily
• In an emergency, a closed bag can be gently removed, washed out and reapplied
  • It won’t adhere as well, but it may buy you some time
• An incontinence sheet or “puppy pad” (available from pet shops) placed over the bag can help contain leaks
• Cling film wrapped gently around the abdomen can also help manage leaks until you get supplies

These are temporary measures only, but they can help you get through a very stressful moment.

Reducing the risk in future

Once the immediate crisis has passed, it’s worth putting a few safeguards in place.

• Set a monthly reminder on your phone or calendar to check supplies and reorder
• Some people place a note among their bags (for example when there are only ten left)
• Order supplies well in advance of bank holidays or holidays, when delivery delays are more likely

Travelling tips

• Pack at least double the supplies you expect to need (To avoid any complications, contact your GP ahead of time to inform them of your upcoming long trip and your need for extra supplies while overseas.)
  • For example, if you use three bags a day for a week away, take 42 instead of 21
• Do the same for accessories like wipes, remover sprays and paste
• Ask your GP if you need your prescription dispensed early
• Heat and changes in diet can significantly affect your output
• Be aware that heat, swimming, sweating, different foods and sun creams can all affect how your bags behave
  • Some people find roll-on deodorant under the baseplate helps (always patch test first)

When flying, cruising, or even travelling by train or coach:

• Keep plenty of supplies in your hand luggage
• Split supplies across multiple bags
• If travelling with someone else, ask them to carry some of your supplies too

It’s always better to come home with unused bags than to run out when you need them most.

If you’re ever unsure, anxious, or just need to talk things through, our helpline and support services are here for you. You don’t have to face these moments alone: 0800 328 4257

We offer a wide range of support for people living with a colostomy, including our free Stoma Helpline, live chat support, and opportunities to connect with others through local and online groups. We also provide trusted information and resources to offer practical advice, reassurance, and the confidence to live well with a stoma: colostomyuk.org/support