AboutDr. Tara Kompare, Pharm.D. Expertise I can answer a broad range of questions related to community pharmacy practice. My particular
interests include childrens` health and safe medication use for seniors. As the mother of two small children, I am quite knowledgable on many parenting issues from how to handle
a baby with colic to how to get kids to take their medicine. With regards to medication use in seniors, I can answer questions about adverse effects, drugs to generally avoid
in that population, and disease management issues.
Experience I entered the world of pharmacy as a technician for approximately six years. I then went on to receive my Doctor of Pharmacy degree and now work for the Federal Government as an outpatient pharmacist.
Publications Drug Topics Feb.2006 edition ("Why a Kiddie Corner Makes Sense"),
I also recently submitted an article to Pharmacy Times entitled "How to Help Parents Cope With Colic" which is scheduled for publication in the near future.
Education/Credentials B.S. Biology (Old Dominion University 1997)
Pharm.D.(Virginia Commonwealth University 2002)
Question 12 years ago I had my wisdom teeth out. The oral surgeon prescribed codeine. I was out of it for 3 days and my grandfather kept pushing the pills in me, as scheduled. When I started vomiting blood my aunt took me back to the dentist and they said that I was "codeine intolerant". I was switched to percocet-demi and recovered as expected.
6 years ago I had a c-section with my daughter. My body didn't respond to morphine so they switched me to demerol. My own mother still laughs about how "loopy" I was on the drip, but the nurse kept encouraging me to press the button more often. I was sent home with percocet and then darvocet. But I remember having trouble waking my daughter up to breasted-she slept for 14 hours straight, I knew that wasn't right so I weaned myself off of them. I am now in my 23rd week of my second pregnancy and have gained 23lbs. My job has been physically demanding so my OB faxed the light duty orders to my boss. For the past 2 weeks I have had pain just to the left of my tail bone. My Dr.has ruled out sciatic nerve, insists that I wear a maternity belt, and prescribed Vicodin. I start physical therapy next week. When I filled the Rx today I asked the pharmacist if it was safe to take Vicodin while pregnant. He gave me the "no known side effects to the fetus" disclaimer and asked if my insurance preferred generics. I said yes since the co-pay would be less. So I get home and read the label "Hydroco/APAP 5-500M" I don't want to relive my past codeine experience especially while pregnant.
I should also let you know that my normal pre-pregnancy weight is 80 lbs. The RN says that 20 pounds is a good weight gain and scoffs that I've just broken 100 on the scale. But I've been small all my life I usually take children's doses of cold medicines. I've done the math and I have already gained 25% of my original body weight and I'm only 1/2 way through. My 2 part question is: is vicodin safe for me considering my past problems with pain killers and are they prescribing too high of a dose for my weight?
Answer Dear Tia,
Congratulations on your pregnancy. Unfortunately some of the aches and pains of pregnancy have started to affect you but it will be totally worth it in about 17 more weeks! As far as the vicodin goes, it is rated pregnancy category C. The scale ranges from A (completely safe), then there is B, then C, then D, then X(contraindicated). Most drugs are B or C. C means that studies are not available so these drugs should only be used if the benefit outweighs the risk. With that being said, the second trimester tends to be the time when there is least risk to the fetus and I have seen pregnant women take occasional Vicodin for pain and their babies turned out fine. The normal dose for pain is 1 or 2 tabs every 4-6 hours as needed. If it were me, I would only take the minimal effective dose.I would start with 1 or even a half tablet every 6 hours only when absolutely needed. If you took percocet in the past and were ok with it, you will probably be okay with vicodin. Both percocet and vicodin are relatives of codeine but people tend to tolerate the former drugs better. Vicodin has tylenol in it so make sure you do not take extra tylenol with it.
I hope this helps and I wish you the best. Good luck and take care.
