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Gastroenterology (Expert Forum)
Re: effects of unneeded meds
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Re: effects of unneeded meds
by HFHSM.D.-rf, Jan 01, 1995 12:00AM
Posted By HFHSM.D.-rf on September 24, 1998 at 20:37:06:
In Reply to: effects of unneeded meds posted by Amei on September 24, 1998 at 17:01:32:
I'll skip the life history and get straight to the question - what are the effects of taking tagamet or pepcid (prescription strength) if the cause of my symptoms is not what they are usually used to treat?
My insurance has denied further tests ( I have had US, x-ray & blood tests). My Dr is 'shooting in the dark' and trying meds for things that might cause the symptoms (upper center abdominal pain and right back pain with an empty stomach). He also ordered a blood test for H Pylori but we haven't gotten the results yet.
I'm a tiny bit worried, could taking the meds do more harm than good if they're not really needed? I'm willing to take them if there is a chance they will improve things.
thanks for your input, your answers helped me convince the Dr. to look further instead of insisting on gall baldder removal. Of course, without the HMO's blessing, it's still an uphill battle.
__
Dear Amei,
A 6-8 week course of tagamet or pepcid is safe for most people. In fact, it has been suggested that patients with nonspecific epigastric (between the ribs in center) abdominal pain should receive a course of empiric treratment with these medications prior to investigations such as endoscopy, assuming that there are no alarm symptoms e.g. vomiting, weigth loss, bleeding etc.
This information is provided for educational purposes only. Always consult your personal physician for specific medical questions.
HFHSM.D.-rf
*keywords: abdominal pain
0.2
In Reply to: effects of unneeded meds posted by Amei on September 24, 1998 at 17:01:32:
I'll skip the life history and get straight to the question - what are the effects of taking tagamet or pepcid (prescription strength) if the cause of my symptoms is not what they are usually used to treat?
My insurance has denied further tests ( I have had US, x-ray & blood tests). My Dr is 'shooting in the dark' and trying meds for things that might cause the symptoms (upper center abdominal pain and right back pain with an empty stomach). He also ordered a blood test for H Pylori but we haven't gotten the results yet.
I'm a tiny bit worried, could taking the meds do more harm than good if they're not really needed? I'm willing to take them if there is a chance they will improve things.
thanks for your input, your answers helped me convince the Dr. to look further instead of insisting on gall baldder removal. Of course, without the HMO's blessing, it's still an uphill battle.
__
Dear Amei,
A 6-8 week course of tagamet or pepcid is safe for most people. In fact, it has been suggested that patients with nonspecific epigastric (between the ribs in center) abdominal pain should receive a course of empiric treratment with these medications prior to investigations such as endoscopy, assuming that there are no alarm symptoms e.g. vomiting, weigth loss, bleeding etc.
This information is provided for educational purposes only. Always consult your personal physician for specific medical questions.
HFHSM.D.-rf
*keywords: abdominal pain
0.2
