Weird discussion with pharmacist

BBS! · November 2014

i went to the pharmacy today to screen my blood pressure because I have a migraine, nausea and am disoriented. Turns out it's just a migraine... She told me to take tylenol but not too much bc the baby absorbs it too (duh). The weird thing is I've never had any doctor or nurse caution me about taking tylenol before during pregnancies. I'm going to take the recommended amount and go with my docs instructions but just curious if anyone's been cautioned before about taking tylenol.

bsdub · November 2014

never

redneckmomma25 · November 2014

Only to pay attention to the dosage. Extra strength vs regular strength.

SMFB · November 2014

>i went to the pharmacy today to screen my blood pressure because I have a migraine, nausea and am disoriented. Turns out it's just a migraine... She told me to take tylenol but not too much bc the baby absorbs it too (duh). The weird thing is I've never had any doctor or nurse caution me about taking tylenol before during pregnancies. I'm going to take the recommended amount and go with my docs instructions but just curious if anyone's been cautioned before about taking tylenol.

"The baby absorbs it too (duh)" so yeah be careful. Tylenol isn't good for you, it's just less dangerous then Advil when pregnant. When not pregnant Advil is much less dangerous for you.

SMFB · November 2014

Sorry bad quoting

nikitaparchem · November 2014

As a pharmacist myself I would say that this pharmacist likely mentioned it because if we don't mention it and then a person overdoses we can be sued/held responsible. We live in a litigious society so it tends to be better to say something even if it seems obvious :-)

BBS! · November 2014

The thing is it wasn't like she was saying watch your dose but instead don't take it often. I'm in the medical field too (counseling) so I get it but it just seemed like she was judging taking anything. I actually haven't taken anything yet bc I think it's a waste bc Tylenol won't touch a migraine

SunnyBeachBum · November 2014

rsaj0807 said:
I had a similar situation with a pharmacist. My doctor sent me to get Sudafed (the controlled drug, not the one on the shelves). I was terribly sick, and well into my third trimester. The pharmacist wouldn't sell it to me because it causes elevated fetal heart rate. I explained that my OB insisted that I take that, yet she still wouldn't sell it to me. I guess she figured she knew better than my OB. I sent my husband to get it for me instead.

My father is a pharmacist, and I was a pharm tech for years... When it comes to taking medications, I would trust the pharmacist over a doctor any day. They spend just as many years in school as a doc, but specializing in medications and how they interact with the body... But that's just my opinion. As for the prescription Sudafed, it's the same as OTC, but they have higher doses or they are an Rx because insurance will pay for Rx labeled drugs and not OTC.

c+est+la+vie · November 2014

I agree with @SunnyBeachBum. I will accept a prescription from my doctor, if I feel it's necessary. I have never had a pharmacist tell me not to take a prescribed medication or refuse to fill any of my prescriptions. If they did, I would trust them and follow up with my doctor (perhaps for an alternative suggested by the pharmacist?).

Edit to add: OP, the pharmacist was providing a precaution (re: toxicity) and, also, what @nikitaparchem said

PinkDahLia44 · November 2014

SMFB said:

>i went to the pharmacy today to screen my blood pressure because I have a migraine, nausea and am disoriented. Turns out it's just a migraine... She told me to take tylenol but not too much bc the baby absorbs it too (duh). The weird thing is I've never had any doctor or nurse caution me about taking tylenol before during pregnancies. I'm going to take the recommended amount and go with my docs instructions but just curious if anyone's been cautioned before about taking tylenol.

"The baby absorbs it too (duh)" so yeah be careful. Tylenol isn't good for you, it's just less dangerous then Advil when pregnant. When not pregnant Advil is much less dangerous for you.

I'm not sure Advil is "much less dangerous" than Tylenol when not pregnant. My understanding is that it's easier to overdose on Tylenol, but prolonged use of Advil can cause GI bleeds, so you really have to be careful with both...any pharmacists or doctors feel free to correct me if I'm wrong. I would love to be educated on this.

cwiceangel · November 2014

Husband is a pharmacist... I totally would take his advice over my dr. He and my OB have decent discussions on things so they're on the same page but most aren't nearly as lucky. Your pharmacist has to cover their ass a lot. So don't think they were being judgey. Like some of the PPs have said.

sassypants1982 · November 2014

My mum is a pharmacy tech was telling me some things about tylenol during this past year or so. I remember she had said something about it being pulled from shelves for a little while and I believe something about new warnings on the packaging. I also heard an episode on This American Life about it within the past year as well, which may still be on their website. Here is a link to an article about it as well https://arthritis.about.com/od/acetamin/a/tylenol_warning.htm

CivilMommy · November 2014

SunnyBeachBum said:

rsaj0807 said:
I had a similar situation with a pharmacist. My doctor sent me to get Sudafed (the controlled drug, not the one on the shelves). I was terribly sick, and well into my third trimester. The pharmacist wouldn't sell it to me because it causes elevated fetal heart rate. I explained that my OB insisted that I take that, yet she still wouldn't sell it to me. I guess she figured she knew better than my OB. I sent my husband to get it for me instead.
My father is a pharmacist, and I was a pharm tech for years... When it comes to taking medications, I would trust the pharmacist over a doctor any day. They spend just as many years in school as a doc, but specializing in medications and how they interact with the body... But that's just my opinion. As for the prescription Sudafed, it's the same as OTC, but they have higher doses or they are an Rx because insurance will pay for Rx labeled drugs and not OTC.

You have to get real sudafed from the pharmacist in most states due to meth heads. It is not prescription...just tracked to "prevent" meth making. The OTC product is a different drug now that doesn't work as well and is not preg safe.

mfouillard · November 2014

My sister is a pharmacist and I trust her over my dr. I always double check with her after getting prescriptions for anything. In my opinion pharmacists know way more about medications than any dr.

nikkijo3 · November 2014

My Dr cautioned me against taking tylenol while pregnant as there has been some recent research showing that it may cause ADHD in children whose moms take it while pregnant. I wouldn't use it but I tend to avoid all medication while pregnant.

ewilson74 · November 2014

There is a movement to have doctors diagnose and pharmacists prescribe. It is a lot to ask our doctors to stay on top of all that information, particularly when we have people already trained in drug contradictions and dosage. Needless to say, it has been met with resistance from groups not wanting to give up control.

JaneShops · November 2014

To me, the pharmacist doesn't seem judgey. I think it's more wanting you to be aware that Tylenol is a drug, and even being category A that it can reach your baby. Next time you have a follow up question, speak up

Us pharmacists know a lot.. Many years of intense science courses (undergrad bachelor of science, grad school for doctorate of pharmacy & i also have post doc residency) and are happy to answer questions

Side note, there's been some issue with Tylenol recently.. recalls & change in max daily recommendations.

Mel&John2013 · November 2014

I agree with the folks who don't think she was being overly judgey. She was just being honest with you. My OB office said tylenol is ok but only if I absolutely need it, and to keep it to a minimum.

pnutg · November 2014

My pharmacist won't give me any advice on what to take during pregnancy. I've been told twice to "call your OB".

topaz7777 · November 2014

My pharmacist really didn't want to give me my blood thinner medication that was prescribed. He insisted on calling the doctor because the dosage was so high. I had to reassure him that it's the same prescription I was on with my last pregnancy and that I was being monitored by a hematologist who checks my clotting factor regularly and determined the need for this level of medication.

That being said, I do trust the guy. I mean it's a very high dosage that pregnant women aren't usually prescribed if they don't have a clot already. I just have other factors. He also won't allow me to get any medications that are contraindicated with my thinners. I have had him deny a prescription and call the doctor right then and recommend alternative medications. I think it all depends on your pharmacist.

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