Macrobid for UTI

laurelnikki

Anyone ever take it? My OB prescribed it to me (for a UTI) and I will be 38 weeks in two days but I read the pamphlet last night and it says DO NOT TAKE IF FULL TERM 38-42 weeks and that it can destroy red blood cells in newborns and anemia.

So I called my OB asking if there is some sort of mistake and she said " no, it's perfectly safe I prescribe it and give it to babies all the time 

I haven't taken any yet and i'm not sure if I should... It just doesn't make sense why it would say NO DONT TAKE IT in the pamphlet and her to say it's safe.

Any opinions, input, or experiences would be helpful... I just don't know what to do. *edited for spelling (* Macrobid not Marobid)

SheLovesMrHip

I have been on keflex since May and now am immune to it so my doc switched me to macrobid as well. I am 30weeks and read the same thing you did, but I always go with what my doc wants, she is only looking out for me and baby. If you are really concerned then get a second opinion. But for me, I just listen to her.....and I have more then a uti, my kidney has a drain in it and so my entire kidney is infected along with my system.....GL!

Cranang

I've had 4 UTI's so far, so I was put on a preventative dose of Macrobid about 4 weeks ago (a half dose everyday).  She did say that she would probably pull me off of it and possibly put me on something else around week 36-37, though I didn't ask why at the time (it seemed really far off).  That may be why she said that.

laurelnikki

Yes that is probably why. Nothing i'm reading on google/other sites are making this medication seem any safer being this late in the pregnancy. I'm not sure if I should call the pharmacist to see what her opinion is on the drug.

Then again, If i do then I feel bad calling back the Dr. and basically saying I don't trust you... 

Cranang

I would definitely talk to the pharmacist and if they confirm your suspicions, just call the doctor and say "My pharamacist says I really shouldn't be taking this, so could you please prescribe me something else?"  It sounds as tactful as possible in this situation...but I know how you feel.  Please keep me posted on what the pharmacist says...I'm so curious now.

laurelnikki

OMG

So I called the pharmacist and she looked it up and confirmed that it is linked to growth retardation and behavioral deficits...etc. She said to call the Dr. maybe she didn't realize I was so far into the pregnancy (which she does...)

So I think I might just call and leave a message saying I talked to the pharmacist and they said this can you please prescribe me something else.

Cranang

I'm so glad you called.  Absolutely you have to fight for yourself on this one.  And I thank you because it's good info for me to have later on too.  GL to you!!

unm00red

Here's what I found about Macrobid and pregnancy online:

"The use of nitrofurantoin is contraindicated near term (38 to 42 weeks gestation) and during labor and delivery because of the potential for induction of hemolytic anemia in the neonate due to low levels of red cell glutathione in this population."

https://www.drugs.com/pregnancy/nitrofurantoin.html

I'm actually on a half-dose of Macrobid for reoccuring UTI's so I'll be asking my OB about this at today's appt.  Thanks for asking this question.

laurelnikki

The Dr prescribed me amoxicillin instead and there are no pregnancy warnings!! yay!

not to mention it is also about $60 cheaper than the questionable macrobid.. Thanks for your input ladies and GL to anyone who does happen to develop a UTI and remember to always look for alternatives. I feel so much better now that I have a safer medicine.

JessWeck

I have taken Macrobid for UTI before pregnancy and it works wonderfully! However, I have not had to take it during pregnancy. I would definitly follow what your doc says but if you feel uncomfortable taking it, request something different. But definitly take something so you don't end up with a kidney infection which would be a ton worse! Good luck to you.

unm00red

Just wanted to say thank you again for posting this message.  My OB's office had forgotten they had me on a half-dose of this medication and had never mentioned to me that I should come off it at 36 weeks. 

They took me off it immediately when I asked due to the risk of hemolytic anemia.

missduvy

With both of my pregnancies, I've been on it the entire time -- all 9 months.  I have very frequent UTI's, so it's just a precaution.  No problems.