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Pharmacy/unidentifiable pill

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Expert: Nigel Simmons - 6/29/2007


Question
I have a prescription pill I have found and can't identify what it is. It is white, oblong, and has H 2 imprinted on the front of it. Can you tell me what this is?

Answer
Brian

I cannot be anywhere near 100% confident on this because my usual reference sources are not giving many possibilities and no images that you could look at for confirmation. However, I have found indications that some generic (unbranded) Naproxen 500mg tablets can have an H 2 code. Naproxen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, similar to Voltarol or Nurofen / Brufen, but slightly more potent.

I you are very concerned and need confirmation, then your local retail pharmacy or hospital medicines information department may be able to help; otherwise it can just be safely disposed of.

I hope this helps.

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Nigel Simmons

Expertise

I am happy to answer general questions on medicines and hospital care. If possible, please use approved / chemical names rather than brands which are not internationally recognised. Like all health professionals I am bound by a duty of care which prevents me giving detailed information about medication or treatment of people other than the questioner. I will endeavour to help wherever possible or point towards more appropriate advice. If however your question crosses too far into patient confidentiality, I hope you will understand why I cannot answer your question. Consider.. would you want me to discuss your care with a friend or relative without your knowledge?

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Registered as a UK pharmacist in 1982 and have worked in a number of hospital and health management posts around the UK. Formerly Chief Pharmacist for a 440 bed general hospital in Cambridgeshire.
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Previously Sysop on CompuServe UK Professionals forum.

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