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AIBU?

Probably am but here goes

17 replies

yorks05 · 14/11/2012 20:50

So I am breastfeeding and GP is being super cautious re medication. Has taken me off one tablet needed for a condition. I have now presented with another complaint. Medication is available but he will not prescribe it. Instead he has suggested I try a probiotic supplement.
AIBU to think that is these circumstances the probiotic should be prescribed.
Whilst they are not hugely expensive (just over £5 for 2-4 weeks supply) money is fairly tight with a newborn.

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LadyMaryChristmas · 14/11/2012 20:52

There's certain things that they are not able to prescribe, probiotics is probably one of these even though it works.

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greenbananas · 14/11/2012 20:54

The Drugs in Breastmilk Helpline is 0844 412 4665. They can provide you (and your GP) with information about which drugs go through into breastmilk and in what quantities.

I understand that your GP is being cautious, but some prescription drugs are labelled as not suitable for breastfeeding mothers simply because the manufacturer has not bothered to do the research into whether or not this would be safe.

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Viperidae · 14/11/2012 20:58

Probiotics are not available on prescription because there is absolutely no evidence, other than marketing by food companies that make them, that they work. The NHS, quite rightly, expect medicines use to be evidence based.

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yorks05 · 14/11/2012 21:04

That's fair enough viperidae. Makes me wonder why GP recommended it in that case though.

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lovelyladuree · 14/11/2012 21:28

GPs recommend fresh air and moderate excercise but you won't get a green piece of paper to wave at the pharmacist for those either.

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Spockster · 14/11/2012 21:34

Drugs are not tested in pregnant/breastfeeding women for ethical reasons, not because the manufacturer can't be bothered Hmm Would you take part in a study of a drug whilst BF to see if it was safe for you and your DD/DS?!

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Viperidae · 14/11/2012 22:05

At the risk of being cynical, maybe he suggested it because he knew it would do no harm (as they are not absorbed systemically) and thought if you were invested enough to buy it, the placebo effect might just do the trick!

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ImagineJL · 14/11/2012 22:55

Am I understanding this correctly? You want your GP to prescribe you things that are not thought to be safe when breast-feeding, while you are breast-feeding?

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yorks05 · 15/11/2012 00:36

Definately wouldn't want to take something unsafe or untested. Although did take one of the drugs throughout pregnancy as other GP said it was fine! However, as unable to take other medication just thought it might be nice to be able to get alternative on prescription. (ie probiotic)

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FatimaLovesBread · 15/11/2012 01:03

greenbananas Those drugs don't have evidence for use in pregnant/breast feeding women because the companies are not allowed to test on pregnant women, not because they are two lazy to do it. Would you agree to have drugs tested on you?

The reasons why somethings are deemed safe is because they have been around and used for years so they are deemed safe anecdotally I.e. piriton and gaviscon or because a GP will have performed a cost-benefit analysis on your condition and need for treatment and the pregnancy.

OP the GP may have recommended probiotics as they personally feel they have a benefit or it can't harm in trying, but the NHS won't prescribe them as the orgnisation as a whole don't accept there is medical evidence of their benefit in treatment. So a GPs opinion can differ to what NHS policy is.

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Startail · 15/11/2012 02:23

DD refused to give up BFing when I was taking non BFing anti dingle drugs and carried on not giving up for many years after that.

Had I need anything I'd have looked it my self and made my own choice, no way would I have mentioned BFing a school age DD theConfused faces aren't worth the bother.

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Startail · 15/11/2012 02:23

Fungal

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BeyondTheLimitsOfAcceptability · 15/11/2012 07:14

All of the medication I am on says in the paperwork it is unsuitable for BFers, however I have also double checked the medication with the helpline and they are fine. With a lot of drugs even if they really are unsuitable, it depends on the age and weight of the baby, rather than applying to everyone.

It is worth double checking in case your doctor is going on the recommendations in the paperwork? I've found a lot of doctors can be overcautious.

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greenbananas · 15/11/2012 12:31

FatimaLovesBread I know it would be unethical to test new medication on breastfeeding mothers. However, in many cases, the necessary information is already out there, and the pharmaceutical companies simply do not bother with adding breastfeeding mothers to their licenses.

It is always worth checking with the helpline.

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Spockster · 15/11/2012 13:49

That is just not true. There are very tough regulations on this, and companies need lots of data to get the licence changed in this way; with no clinical trial data, in most cases it just can't be done.

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Spockster · 15/11/2012 13:52

...and remember that if a doctors recommends or prescribes a drug that is not licensed in nursing mothers and any thing goes wrong, it is the doctor who will be liable. Even if the mother was adamant she wanted to accept any risks. Can you blame them for being cautious?!

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valiumredhead · 15/11/2012 13:54

If you need a probiotic - you can get a huge jar of powder for about £8, no need for fancy tablets or yoghurt drinks, and the jar will last months.

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