Vitamins: RX vs. OTC

Hope2BMama · September 2011

Hi All,

Yay, my first post haha. I am wondering how many of you have prescription prenatal vitamins vs. over the counter. I was given prescription vitamins by my dr. and one of the girls in my office is like "well I just go to Target" and seemed half frightened and half p.o.'d that there there are prescription vitamins and she didn't know. I'm wondering if they're worth the expense.

Oh ya, mine are Nexa Select w/plant DHA

Thoughts?

Wild_flower25 · September 2011

there is no difference. Some Rx ones contain a stool softner if you're having trouble with that while pg, but thats about it. Oh, and the fact that insurance probably covers the Rx ones but not if you buy them OTC

Kristen050 · September 2011

The rx ones have slightly more folic acid per table (1mg vs. 0.8mg in the OTC). I'm a pharmacist and I just took the OTC ones throughout my pregnancy and BFing.

lawyerin · September 2011

I take OTC. I also did when I was pregnant. Your doctor will talk to you about it at your first prenatal appt. and will let you know if what your are taking is sufficient. For the time being, I think any prenatal (OTC or Rx) is better than not taking one at all.

JacobsBride4811 · September 2011

my doc said OTC were fine. i got a prescription anyways to see how much they would be with my insurance. turns out it $35 for 30. the OTC ones i take are about $10 for 50. i am sticking to OTC

Emily&Chad · September 2011

I use CVS brand. I don't understand the difference or need for RX prenatals.

cbee817 · September 2011

The Rx prenatals usually have higher amounts of folic acid and the ones I used (it was called PreNexa and I only used it after the doctor confirmed with a blood test) had plant-based DHA as well. I used Nature Made OTC prior to getting pregnant and now.