OTC prenatals vs. perscription??

kris10t3

Any opinions or thoughts??

I have been getting the rx from the pharmacy, but even with insurance I'm paying $25 a month. Just wondering if I would be scarficing anything by switching to OTC.

Allycat11

Without knowing the specific ones you are taking, I doubt it would make a difference to switch. Have you checked all pharmacies in your area and all rx options?  The ones my OB recommends for most patients are free at all pharmacies in my area. 

sbevmc09

They're all about the same assuming you're not taking anything special.  Just make sure to read the label of any OTC vitamins you get and compare it against the American Pregnancy Association's recommendations to make sure it has everything you want.  I say this because there are a lot of threads around here about people realizing their OTC vitamins don't contain something they want - more specifically the Vitafusion gummies don't contain iron. 

this decaf life

I take Flintstone's Complete

JJsMum

My OB said that unless I need specific help, that she'd rather see me take the OTC pre-natals.  She even suggested Flintstones Complete if I couldn't keep them down.

dpaws718

I take One a Day Prenatal that comes with and extra pill of DHA. I take it at night before bed and I have not incountered any issues. My OB said those are just fine and the same as the prescription. I think I paid 37$ at target for a 60 day supply. I would recommend them.

RuthieS6

My doc office actually told me I needed to take the prescription ones since they are more complete, but luckily with my insurance they don't cost me anything.

sekura

this decaf life:

I take Flintstone's Complete

 

SJRowe

I take an OTC and my doctor said they are fine and never offered a prescription.

Torpedogirl

I take RX called Vitofol-one little blue capsule and I love them. No nausea from them at all and help give me a boost. They are $80 for a 3 month supply for me but well worth it. I asked my OB and she said OTC are fine and safe but the RX have exactly the dose and vitamins you need.

MrsCarroll.6-10-07

RuthieS6:

My doc office actually told me I needed to take the prescription ones since they are more complete, but luckily with my insurance they don't cost me anything.

They probably say that because the Pharmaceutical Reps come in and give them stuff to say that to their patients.

I've compared lots of PNVs online and my docs said that just about all of them are fine compared to the RX. 

I take the Target brand (3rd pregnancy now with no issues) with the DHA supplement for $10 a month. 

sbevmc09

RuthieS6:

My doc office actually told me I needed to take the prescription ones since they are more complete, but luckily with my insurance they don't cost me anything.

Yeah... that's not true at all unless you're taking some sort of specialty vitamin or something.  If they're just prenatals they're synthetic vitamins just like any other OTC.  The only vitamins that I'd consider "more complete" would be those that are whole food based.

But, it's a moot point anyway because if you're getting them for free with your insurance you're getting a better deal than buying OTC anyway!

BLPL101

My doc never even mentioned giving me a prescription!

MelanienMike

My local chain grocery store-Meijer offers prenatal vitamins for free. I don't even have to use my insurance. I would ask your OB.

nycbride2011

My OB gave me a prescription for Prenatals that cost me $100 for 3 months.  Needless to say I will NOT be renewing it.  I have my regular OTC ones I was taking the first 3 weeks before my 1st appointment.  I read the labels and everything is the same. 

betheppert

I get the OTC- one a day prenatals. The 60 day supply is $22