Objectives To explore the experiences of bereaved family of anticipatory (JIC) injectable medications for symptom management and to identify ways to improve practice. Methods A single site, mixed methods study in two phases. A postal questionnaire sent to 100 family carers (FCs) achieved a 38% response rate of whom 79% volunteered for an interview and 14 were sampled to reflect use of medication, concerns and relationship with the deceased. The descriptively analysed quantitative data and thematically analysed qualitative data were triangulated Results The vast majority (89%) perceived benefits to JIC medications but 18% of these described mixed feelings and issues, related to the context of dying and the responsibility for powerful medications. Communication was a key theme and some FCs described emotional impacts, misinterpretation of the intent of the medications and many desired more information to equip and empower them. There were diverse experiences of obtaining medications and guidance on storage and disposal resulting in distressing experiences. Whilst most described good experiences of care and effectiveness of treatment 50% experienced delay in attendance of staff to administer medication. The majority of those interviewed would have been prepared to administer injections and the key driver for this was their experience of delays in resolving symptoms. Conclusions FCs were generally positive about JIC medicines and care received but they had also been a source of distress and anxiety and people wanted more information and empowerment. Professional support had often been difficult to access at the point at which it had been needed.