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12-13-2012 at 9:08 AM
MBush4
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Category C Drug- would you?

I spoke with my OB last night about the lingering cough/flu-like symptoms and she prescribed me a category c drug- Promethazine VC with Codeine. I didn't know it was category C until DH brought the bottle home and I did some research. Yes, I know I'm a worrier (I was one before and after TTC for almost 4 years and finally getting KU doesn't help the situation), but would you take the medicine? I didn't necessarily want a Rx from my doctor, just recommendations of what I could do to help the cough since stuff is still in my chest just not moving...

I'm tempted to call the doctor again and see if she has any recommendations other than this, but I don't want to irritate her. I was talking with DH about it and his rationale was, "She's an OB who went to pharmaceutical school before med school. I'd trust her." But my gut and worrier tendencies are getting the better of me.


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12-13-2012 at 9:11 AM
Wild_flowe...
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I would skip it unless you are super miserable and unable to sleep.  Have you look at natural remedies for cough?

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12-13-2012 at 9:14 AM
MBush4
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See, that's the only reason I'm considering it- I can't sleep because I cough so much and my muscles in my stomach and back are killing because I cough so much.

I've looked into a few but they haven't done much...


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12-13-2012 at 9:51 AM
shibby00
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Just call and ask.  Why would the doc get mad at you?  You pay her, not the other way around.

 
12-13-2012 at 9:58 AM
MBush4
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Good point. I just hate annoying people and since I'm a new patient I don't want to be one of the annoying ones... Dumb, I know...

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12-13-2012 at 10:03 AM
Structengg...
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I'm taking it. Right after thanksgiving I was diagnosed with pneumonia. It got better then worse. I couldn't breathe and went to the ER. I now have an arsenal of cough medicine with codeine, prednisone, Vicodin, and something else I don't take it all at the same time.... OB okayed it all. Me breathing and sleeping is better than the baby not getting enough oxygen and me being exhausted.

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12-13-2012 at 10:19 AM
ggatlanta
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Structenggal:
Me breathing and sleeping is better than the baby not getting enough oxygen and me being exhausted.

This. 

Unless you think your OB didn't really understand the situation and therefore prescribed you something stronger than what you need / something entirely unnecessary, I would go ahead and take it. You are right to consider whether the cure is worse than the illness, but you are also correct to consider how much you trust your doctor... If you trust her, and if you think she clearly understood your symptoms, I would trust that she has good reasons for it.

That said, if you would like to know why she chose that drug, you should feel free to ask. Be prepared for some degree of delay in her response, since she'll have to relay the message between appointments (and more urgent calls).

At a certain point, it's really a trust issue - I know it's hard to trust someone that much, but that will be what it boils down to...



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12-13-2012 at 10:19 AM
Kate504
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I take a cat. C drug, but it is purely risk/benefit situation (i have epilepsy). I probably wouldn't take something unless my OB said ok.

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12-13-2012 at 10:22 AM
kimmlet
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I would call and ask, by nature I'm the same as you and am even hesitant to take Tylenol but if she prescribed it then there's a reason.  It could be to prevent a worse condition such as pneumonia which would be so much worse for you and baby. I know when I had a really bad cold and called the dr she said to keep taking Tylenol but if it turned into a bag cough in my chest that I'd have to come in to get checked out.  Taking the medication may be much better than the alternative.

Don't take it if you're not comfortable but make sure you discuss this completely with your dr, don't worry about irritating her.  It's your health and you need to understand the risks on both sides and it's her job to help you gain that understanding. 


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12-13-2012 at 11:04 AM
Angela814
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I would take it, especially since it was your OB who prescribed it. I'm pretty sure my Albuterol inhaler is a class C drug, but I don't hesitate to take it if I can't breathe. If you can't sleep due to the coughing, I'd say that's pretty serious too.


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12-13-2012 at 11:10 AM
milkergirl...
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Codeine is only a schedule 3 drug because the DEA wants control over how it is prescribed and it's to help limit abuse.  It's not as regulated as highly in other countries as it is here in the U.S.  For example, codeine is available w/o a prescription in Canada, but it is sold behind the pharmacy counter like many states sell pseudoephed.  I would trust your OB.   

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12-13-2012 at 11:41 AM
FreyaWin23...
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Talk with your OB about your concerns.

A category C drug does not mean that it is necessarily  "dangerous" for you to take....especially if you are sick and miserable. And it is always better to call and have the conversation, so you can ask questions and get clarification either way. Believe me, your doctor would much rather have you call and question the recommendation rather than you disregarding the medical advice because you went on google and got scared after reading xyz. Give her a chance to explain the rationale to you.


Image and video hosting by TinyPic Image and video hosting by TinyPic Image and video hosting by TinyPic Image and video hosting by TinyPic First BFP! 9/5/11- M/C 9wk5 1st U/S, no HB. Forever loved, little bug. Second BFP: 1/13/12. 2/13/12: Blighted Ovum diagnosis. Chromosomal testing showing complete tetraploidy. We'll miss you, little monkey and wish we could have known you. Two babies never to be in our arms, but always in our hearts. Third BFP: 5/4/12 EDD: 1/12/2013. Our rainbow baby, W, born 1/16/13 a healthy little boy!!! We love you honeybadger and are so so blessed to have brought you home! All "after loss" board ladies (PgAL, TTCAL, PAL, MC/PL) always welcome to post! 
12-13-2012 at 12:04 PM
drpayne
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I would take it. I had bronchitis recently and it lasted for almost a month. I seriously hurt a rib and couldn't pick up DS for a week. I was worried it would turn into pneumonia. The last thing you want is for oxygen to become an issue.  Don't let it get worse. I don't take anything unless I have to but I was on an antibiotic, steroids, cough meds, mucinex, and a muscle relaxer. You getting better will benefit your baby. 

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12-13-2012 at 12:16 PM
CARunner
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Talk to your doctor about it for peace of mind in whatever decision you make.  I take a cat C because the need is greater than the risk.  I did call my OB just to be sure before I decided to take it though.  She said she was happy I called and would rather me double check with her than just take it without giving it thought. 

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12-13-2012 at 12:56 PM
sthomas122...
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Your OB wouldn't prescribe it unless she thought it was necessary. I had RLS real bad before I got pregnant and I knew it would only get worse with pregnancy. So, no one even suggested me going off my med for that, it's a Cat. C as well. I've been taking it the whole pregnancy and so far so good. If the benefits outweigh the risks (what's your research say about why it's a Cat C btw?) then I feel it's ok. A healthy, well-rested mom is better than one who's exhausted, stressed, and in pain.

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12-13-2012 at 1:48 PM
ally2011
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By third tri the risks of meds go down (is my understanding) - most development happens in first/second and growth is third.  Anyway, you can find bad info for about anything you want.  At some point you have to trust your OB....I say this as someone who has had to try several category C drugs for a issue I have been having over the past several weeks.  It sucks, I don't even like to take tylenol, but it is what it is.  The general rule is take the lowest dose you need for the shortest time you need it.

I am sure you have, but if you have not tried Mucinex, I hear it works wonders...not the D one, just the plain one w/ only the expectorant in it.

Good luck! 


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We lost our first daughter, Hannah Grace on May 4, 2011 at 20 weeks. She was buried on May 14 during a beautiful service at my home church. We are grateful that if she could not be here with us, that she is healed and whole with the Lord. We look forward to the day when we will get to meet her. We love her so much.

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12-13-2012 at 2:14 PM
MintBerryC...
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ally2011:

By third tri the risks of meds go down (is my understanding) - most development happens in first/second and growth is third.  Anyway, you can find bad info for about anything you want.  At some point you have to trust your OB....I say this as someone who has had to try several category C drugs for a issue I have been having over the past several weeks.  It sucks, I don't even like to take tylenol, but it is what it is.  The general rule is take the lowest dose you need for the shortest time you need it.

I am sure you have, but if you have not tried Mucinex, I hear it works wonders...not the D one, just the plain one w/ only the expectorant in it.

Good luck! 

This. A lot of people have to take category C medications throughout pregnancy. Doctors are always weighing risk vs. benefit, but a few doses for a few days will not hurt your baby at this point, and can help you get better. Sleep is important and if you're not getting any it's hard for your body to recover. I had severe bronchitis with DD and took antibiotics, steroids, albuterol inhaler and nebulizer treatments and hydrocodone cough medicine (all cat. C except for the abx) right at the end of my 2nd tri. I hadn't slept in days due to coughing and when I finally did, it was incredible. It's terrible being that sick but you have something that can help you rest now.


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12-13-2012 at 2:15 PM
mrssweater...
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Have you asked about getting a breathing treatment?  Those can really help with breathing and coughing issues.
 
12-13-2012 at 7:26 PM
J+MS
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mrssweaters:
Have you asked about getting a breathing treatment?  Those can really help with breathing and coughing issues.
all of those drugs are category C as well.

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12-13-2012 at 9:09 PM
Kingston54
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I would not.  I'd do more of a natural remedy for cough/congestion or just go with Robitussin DM.  Cough medicine only masks symptoms anyway.  Maybe try eating some foods that are natural decongestants/expectorants?

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12-13-2012 at 9:31 PM
FreyaWin23...
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Kingston54:
I would not.  I'd do more of a natural remedy for cough/congestion or just go with Robitussin DM.  Cough medicine only masks symptoms anyway.  Maybe try eating some foods that are natural decongestants/expectorants?

Just an FYI: this medication is also a category C. 


Image and video hosting by TinyPic Image and video hosting by TinyPic Image and video hosting by TinyPic Image and video hosting by TinyPic First BFP! 9/5/11- M/C 9wk5 1st U/S, no HB. Forever loved, little bug. Second BFP: 1/13/12. 2/13/12: Blighted Ovum diagnosis. Chromosomal testing showing complete tetraploidy. We'll miss you, little monkey and wish we could have known you. Two babies never to be in our arms, but always in our hearts. Third BFP: 5/4/12 EDD: 1/12/2013. Our rainbow baby, W, born 1/16/13 a healthy little boy!!! We love you honeybadger and are so so blessed to have brought you home! All "after loss" board ladies (PgAL, TTCAL, PAL, MC/PL) always welcome to post! 
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