Unlicensed Meds for Babies Under 1

[cole]

My LO was prescribed some meds for her coughing and asthma when she was about 8-9 months that said not for under 1's. I worried about this to and checked with my medical insurance people who came back to me and it was ok as it was a low dose and the pros very much out weighed the cons.

I would defo go back and have a word with your Dr. He should have explained what he was giving your LO. Hope your LO is doing ok xxx

[LucasMummy]

Thanks everyone... I have tried cutting out dairy but it didnt help, but I hadnt heard about wheat being a problem, so thats definitely worth a try.

Spoken to the doctor this morning, well, a different doctor, same surgery. They said its dctors call to prescribe what they think is appropriate, but they should have asked if this was acceptable before prescribing it.

Im really not happy to give it to him - the list of possible side effects is massive and includes abnormal liver function and hallucinations, as well as itching and insomnia (which is what is was prescribed in the first place!!). Its just not worth the risk.

Ive got some wrap garments that he can wear to bed now, they are so funny they look like bandages! Its a pair of tights and a long sleeve vest with a high neck... but the sizing is 6-18 months so the tights are under his armpits and the vest is round his ankles! Heehee hope it helps.

[aoifesmom]

Hi aoife's mom here d'ont know if anyone remembers me been a while since i've been on. was interested to see the thread about medicines. Was on another site last nite & there was a discussion about a product called DOZOL which can be bought here in ireland but not sure if it can be got in england just wondered have any of you's ever heard it. Its supposed to help baby sleep it contains paracetemol & antihistimine, i have no intentions of ever giving it to Aoife but I was very surprised at the amount of new moms who've used it , my mother-in-law was the one who originally told me about it she gave it to her daughter & put her down for a nap at 2pm one day but had to take her up & wake her that nite at 10pm. Sounds like terrible stuff i think the name [DOZOL] says it all.

[bethtanner]

[quote=LucasMummy;11004]Have just been on the phone to NHS Direct. Basically when its unlicensed it means that the company who produces it has not researched or tested it on babies under one year, so they dont know if its safe or not. However doctors are able to prescribe it if they believe its ok. I am amazed!! The nurse I spoke to said the doctor must think its okay, but she wouldnt give it to her baby.

thats what i was going to post. My doctor said it is simply cuz no one will offer their babies for safety testing but does'nt mean it is unsafe as such. My doctor said it can be given with mutual consent between the GP nad parent so they really shopuld have told you about it. Hope things improve for your klittle one soon, beth xxxx

[rachaelmae]

There are lots of medications which are not licenced for certain ages/illness that are prescribed, most of the time they would not be prescribed unless the doseage is smaller, or its really needed, or topical ect...
one main one is piriton, its not licensed in under 1s but used alot. If your unsure speak to gp but just because its not licensed doesnt mean its more dangerous, sometimes the research has been done but manafacturer is to expensive to get license (does that make sense?)
all medications have side effects and they have to list them all, but remember alot of them are very rare, so try not to worryxxxxxxxx