AIBU to think this Pharmacist was a bit unprofessional?!

[mylifemykids]

DS (4) has been to the docs today. The GP told me DS has blocked sinuses and swollen glands. He said he could prescribe some antibiotics but Junior Sudafed was probably more suitable and that I could buy it at the chemist.

So, off I go to the chemist and ask for Junior Sudafed only to be told it's now illegal for under 6's unless it's on prescription OK that's fair enough, can I have some Tixylix cough and cold instead then? Nope that's for over 6's too. I then asked if there was anything at all DS could take. The pharmacist replied with 'nothing that will work, if it works it's banned. But, if you come back in and tell me it's for your 7 year old I'll sell it to you'

I told him I'd see how DS is tonight and might go back tomorrow. I can understand his thought that, if it was ok 2 weeks ago for a 4 year old to have the medicine, then it's still ok now. But wasn't a bit unprofessional of him to tell me to lie to him!!

starlightMcenzie do you suffer with them all the time? How often do you use the zovirax? No hijack just one quick question as it might answer the previous Q.

It was unprofessional and rather stupid of him to have said that to you TBH. He's right though and helpful.

Lovely haha. Out of date drugs. Nice. my nan is the same but hers will be about 4 yrs old!

I recon you have a Herpes simplex infection. Don't be alarmed! Not the nasty genital herpes for everyone who goes eeuurrghh!(HSV-1) is the medical term.

It normally causes cold sores around the face. Probably why you get them on your eyebrows.
Its triggered by:
having other illnesses or injuries,
exposure to strong sunlight,
having a fever (high temperature),
exposure to cold winds,
stress, and
having your period

Genital herpes is classed as HSV-2.

You cant get rid of the virus, and the re-occurence normally suggests a weak immune system so make sure you top up on vtal vit's.
Especailly, Vit C, D, E(for the skin), and Zinc.

Chellesgirl is it illegail then for GPs to prescribe for under 2s? Only asking as I was of the impression they have been stopped over-the-counter but can still be prescribed. My (then) 9mo was prescribed medised for chicken pox (along with aciclover) as he couldnt have piriton and was reacting badly.

illegal even

Yabu and very unfair.he was trying to help you.Or did you want to trail back to the doctors to get a prescription ?

well, no starlight....I don't believe general tosh...but think that medicine should be differently regulate and have always been under the impression that drugs have to trialled....in Germany they certainly have, too...

As for Zovirax...from my nursing day....a lifetime away, I remember many patients having it prescribed when suffering from herpes because of compromised immunesystem (worked in oncology)...and it seemed to work for most...am sure better things have been invented since....I am talking almost 20 years ago...

katiestar I know he was trying to be helpful. My question was as to whether it was unprofessional of him. Like I've already said, he's a lovely chap and always ready with an answer. I was just shocked that he'd told me to lie to get medicine for my son when it was BANNED for under 6 year olds. I didn't know the facts or why these medicines have recently been banned so didn't want to risk giving them to DS if there was a serious reason

pharmacist, imo and ime tend to know a lot more about drugs than anyone else, including gp's....
actually I will often seek pharmacist advice on drugs even if prescribed by gp...because I have had it a few times that pharmacist was telling me about contraindications, or realised that prescription was simply wrong, etv...

Yes pharmacists will tell you the truth, the ins and outs of the drug. They have to.

mylifewithkids he was being 'unprofessional' but... I remember my boss saying things like this as there is no hard evidence that the drug affects children under 6. They know it can affect under 2's.

Natt82 He shouldnt prescribe pseudoephedrine to an under 2 but medised contains diphenhydramine and paracetomaol not the other so its ok.

Medised would be no good for mylifewithkids dd as it wont help the bacterial infection in her throat.

starlightMcenzie oral acyclovir? did it do the job as this is not normally prescribed. Its only to try and prevent the cold sores returning not to make them go away.

It's not terrible that he suggested that, but might be more terrible if you did it. IMO

YABU, as far as I know they have been banned because there is no proof they work for under 6's (or studies show they dont do anything) rather than any studies showing they do extra harm.

Thanks chellesgirl, you just listed all the times when I get coldsores! And I get them on my face and up my nose too so we are not alone starlight.

Nothing I put on them works, so I just use good old blisteze to take the tingling and sting away. Don't get many these days though, I try to look after myself better as I get older.

When I tried zovirax a few times it seemed to work, but then I'd get a bigger attack a week later so I think it just suppressed the virus which made it more determined to get out!!

To the OP, I think your pharmacist was trying to be helpful, not unprofessional, presumably you mentioned that your GP had told you to come and get some of the stuff?

SalBySea the drugs ar'nt banned for 3+ yrs. They are just 'advising' not to give them out to under 6's as no evidence to support either way. you can still give to under 6's,and over 3's but the pharmasist wont say "yes I'll give you them" because of the above reasons. Precautionary measures to ensure safety of themselves and of children. However, parents can chose to give thier over 3's a decongestant by al means if they think it will work. Evidence says it may not though.

No probs Flibbertyjibbet My skills as a medicine interact assistant never did any harm then?

Aswell: acyclovir is the active ingredient in Zovirax and like oral acyclovir will supress the virus but can not cure it.
Zovirax is used at the very first sign of a cold sore, when you get the tingling etc... otherwise it wont work.

Starlight - I bet with 70 a year you're an expert on your triggers, but have you tried using total sunblock on your face? My mum managed to massively cut down the number of attacks doing this.

Sounds just like HV-1. Its very contagious as you probs know and yes you dont really want kids to get'em so i'd just put some antiseptic on them such as bonjela/TCP to stop infection spreading to them.

Sunblock such as the one made by P60 will help as it means the sun wont 'attack' your face but will also allow Vit D to get into your skin which inturn hekps your immune system work more efficiently. Good one shonaspurtle