WebMD Ask the Pharmacist

Women’s Gyn Problems: Ask the Pharmacist

Pharmacist Heather Free, PharmD, answers questions about women’s gynecology concerns.

Question:

Is it safe to use a prescription cream to treat a yeast infection if you just got your period?

Answer:

It should be all right to use an over-the-counter cream for treatment of yeast infection during menstruation. Without knowing the exact product, it is hard to be completely sure. It would be wise to call the triage nurse from your physician’s office and consult them about your situation.

Question:

How long does the pill stay in your body?

Answer:

It depends on the type of pill that you have been taking. Most birth control pills are a combination of estrogen and progesterone products. The medication itself will be eliminated from the body in about 1-2 days. Factors that can play a role in how open the window is for pregnancy include how long you have been on the pill and how compliant you have been with taking them on a daily basis.

Question:

I’m inquiring about any possible over-the-counter medications for intestinal worms. My mom has gotten them, and we've already tried a few different home remedies (garlic, onions, fresh fruits, pumpkin seeds). But now she is experiencing some pain. I want to find a way to get rid of them. Please help.

Answer:

To eradicate intestinal worms, you need a prescription medication based on the type of worm or parasite. This really needs to be checked out by a physician. There are specific lab tests that need to be done to make sure she is infected. There is not a product found over-the-counter that will treat worms or parasites. So be sure to work closely with her health care provider. Good luck!

Question:

For menstrual cramps, can I take Pamprin and Motrin together?

Answer:

Let's look at both of these medications individually.
Pamprin has a variety of products/brands, including:
• Pamprin Multi-Symptom: Acetaminophen 500 mg (pain reliever), Pamabrom 25 mg (diuretic), and Pyrilamine 15 mg (antihistamine)
• Pamprin Cramp: Acetaminophen 250 mg (pain reliever), Magnesium 250 mg (pain reliever), and Pamabrom 25 mg (diuretic)
• Pamprin All Day: Naproxen 220 mg (pain reliever/fever reducer) *NSAID
• Pamprin Max: Acetaminophen 250 mg (pain reliever), Aspirin 250 mg (pain reliever), and Caffeine 65mg (diuretic)
Motrin, or ibuprofen, belongs to the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug class (*NSAIDs).
The answer to your question depends on which brand of Pamprin you have. It is important to look at the active ingredients found on any over-the-counter medication label to make sure you are not duplicating ingredients. If you are referring to Pamprin All Day, it would be the same as taking ibuprofen since they are both NSAIDs. Therefore, I would not take Motrin with Pamprin All Day.
It would be acceptable, based on the ingredients, to take Motrin with either Pamprin Multi-Symptom, Cramp, or Max.

Question:

I am trying to find out if it is safe to have intercourse with my husband while he is taking Cytoxan.

Answer:

It is safe to have intercourse with your husband while he is taking Cytoxan, which is a chemotherapy agent. This medication works by slowing or stopping cell growth.
However, since this drug can be absorbed through the skin, women who are pregnant or who may become pregnant should not handle or break the tablets of this medication. So you should be cautious if and when you are handling your husband’s prescription bottle or tablets.

Question:

I have seen Viagra for women advertised on Canadian pharmacy sites. Is it safe?

Answer:

Firstly, Viagra has not been clinically proven to be effective for women as it is for men. It also has not been approved by the FDA for use by women.
If you are having issues with sexual desire or arousal, you should really consult your ob-gyn to find out what may be causing these issues. It could be hormonal or stress-related. Either way, your physician will have better alternatives.
Secondly, imported medications from other countries are not recommended. Be cautious!

Question:

My wife just got a new prescription for Premarin and our pharmacy doesn’t provide a generic. I was wondering if they make a generic, and if so, what the name for it is. Thanks.

Answer:

Currently, there is no generic for Premarin. If the co-pay is too expensive, check with your insurance to see if they have another preferred product. Then consult your health care professional.

Question:

Is there a difference between the prenatal vitamins prescribed by my doctor and the free choice at the pharmacy?

Answer:

Over-the-counter vitamins usually have less folic acid than prescription prenatal vitamins. Also, depending on your lab results, your doctor may have prescribed more or less of some vitamins. So consult with your ob-gyn first. If your doctor approves, it’s fine to use over-the-counter vitamins. It is really important to make sure you are giving your body the right nutrients during this time of fetal growth.

Question:

Is it safe to take birth control pills and diet pills at the same time?

Answer:

Without knowing the exact diet pills and birth control pills you are taking, I cannot fully answer that question.
Consult your local pharmacist about the specifics to get a better answer and to make sure what your taking is safe for you.

Question:

Are there medications that can pass from one person to another through mucous membranes, oral contact, skin contact, or sexual contact?

Answer:

Yes. Medications that are applied topically can be absorbed by touching skin to skin. There are some medications that are so strong in effect (such as cancer medications) that simply touching them can cause side effects. There is no list of these medications. So it is important to ask your local pharmacist or check with your physician.

Question:

Can Entocort make my birth control ineffective?

Answer:

Entocort, or budesonide, is a medication used to treat Crohn’s disease. It is within the class of corticosteroids. The capsules should not be crushed, split, or chewed. It is also recommended that this medication not be taken with grapefruit juice, due to the interaction. There are currently no drug interactions between Entocort and birth control pills. Check with your local pharmacist about your specific type of birth control to make sure.

Question:

How long does it take to get Yaz out of your system?

Answer:

Medication can stay in the body for about 24 hours before elimination. However, the effects of the medication may be felt later on.
By taking Yaz, you are putting an exogenous form of hormones into your body to help regulate your cycle. Your natural hormones are thereby replaced. It takes a moment for your body to kick in with the natural hormones during regulation of menses. This is why it is individualized concerning how long it may take to become pregnant after stopping the pill. If you are switching to another pill, you can start immediately.

Question:

Is it possible to be irritated or get a small discharge from certain condoms?

Answer:

It is possible that the type of condom and any lubricant or liquid it contains can irritate the skin. Discharge can be due to dryness or change in normal flora. Make a mental note of the type of condom that you are using, and speak to your local pharmacist or your ob-gyn about other options that may be less irritating.

Question:

Are flu shots a problem when taking pilocarpine HCL oral?

Answer:

There is not a contraindication for getting the flu shot when taking pilocaprine.
Remember, the flu shot has many benefits and must be taken every year! Check with your health care professional to make sure the injection is right for you.

Question:

Does Trilastin work for stretch marks?

Answer:

I cannot answer that question for you. Looking at the web site, there is no information about the active ingredients or what makes up this product. We have no idea what is inside it. Also, keep in mind that it is not FDA approved. So we do not know enough about its safety.
Check with your ob-gyn about this product. They should have lots of experience with seeing stretch marks in their patients and may have seen outcomes from various products for stretch marks.

Question:

Is there a similar HRT on the market to Femhrt?

Answer:

Femhrt is a tablet containing a combination of ethinyl estradiol and norethindrone. Femhrt is used to treat symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes, vaginal dryness, burning, and irritation. It is also used to prevent osteoporosis.
Femhrt has two formulations; regular Femhrt and Femhrt 1/5. There are several other options for prescription medications to aid in HRT therapy. Depending on what you want from this product, you should consult your health care professional to get a better answer.

Question:

Ortho Tri-Cyclen has released a smaller pill. I don't like this new version because it makes me emotional and causes me to break out. How can I get the older version?

Answer:

Unfortunately, this is the only version available. There are many other birth control options that you can switch to based on your needs. Consult your ob-gyn about samples of birth control pills to see if you can find the right pill for you.

Question:

What are bioidentical hormones for menopause?

Answer:

Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) is a more individualized method of hormone replacement. Saliva testing is required to examine whether or not a patient has reach the targeted level of hormones in the body after receiving the therapy. The types of hormones used in this therapy include estrone, estradiol, progesterone, testosterone, and dehydroepiandrosterone. Usually the cream is compounded by a specialty pharmacy. Some insurance companies do not cover these products.

Question:

Does Herbalife diet supplement interfere with the effectiveness of Camila birth control?

Answer:

From the Herbalife web site, it was hard to find product ingredients for each of their products. There is a list of all the minerals and herb that could be in each of the products. From this list, there does not appear to be any known interactions with your Camila birth control pills.
Keep in mind, if diet pills were FDA approved, there wouldn’t be such a nationwide issue with obesity. The best diet is to exercise and eat healthy. It can take more time, but this method has better and safer outcomes.
Many of the diet pills on the market are diuretics that will initially deplete retained water. So, we think we are losing weight. Some have herbal ingredients that we do not know enough about, and that could interact with medications or be contradictory for certain health conditions. Consult your local pharmacist about the specifics to get a better answer and to make sure what your taking is safe for you.

Question:

Can I take Pamprin with Valium?

Answer:

Currently, there are no reported drug interactions between Valium (diazepam) and Pamprin products. So it is acceptable to take these medications together. Continue to consult with your pharmacist to make sure there are no interactions.

Question:

Is Geritol Complete OK to take under the age of 50? I heard you can get pregnant while taking it. Is that true?

Answer:

Geritol is a multivitamin that contains vitamins and minerals in levels appropriate for the elderly. It will not hurt you to take if you are under the age of 50. You may not get all the right supplements needed for your age group, but it will not be harmful.
It is a myth that thinking Geritol can increase the risk of pregnancy. Improper use of contraception can increase your risk of getting pregnant, but not with taking a multivitamin.

Question:

Is it safe to take Estroven and a multivitamin if I smoke?

Answer:

Estroven contains black cohosh (herbal supplement) plus soy isoflavones, combined with essential nutrients like calcium, folic acid, and B vitamins. Estroven products work to help reduce hot flashes, night sweats, and other menopausal symptoms. Although not an FDA-approved product, many pharmacist and health care professionals have recommended using this product.
Taking Estroven along with a multivitamin is not problematic. Consult your local pharmacist if you decide to change your multivitamin or add other supplements to your routine. Smoking is not recommended under any circumstances, but it does not interfere with these medications.

Question:

How can I acquire the morning-after pill?

Answer:

You can go to any pharmacy counter and ask for the Plan B One Step pill. There are currently no generics, so there is only one product available. You will need to have a state or government-issued ID, and be 17 or older to purchase this medication. It normally costs about $40 for one pill.
The new formulation includes one pill that is supposed to be taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex. It is not an abortion pill, but rather a medication that can help prevent implantation of a fertilized egg. The side effects from the medication are generally mild and mimic the side effects of birth control pills (spotting, nausea, lower abdominal pain, fatigue, headache, dizziness and breast tenderness). Again, it is important to take it within the 72 hours of unprotected sex. The sooner the better.
You should also continue taking your birth control if you are currently taking any. Follow up with your ob-gyn office shortly after taking this medication.

Question:

Are Reclipsen and Ortho-Cept the same kind of pill, or similar to each other? Do they help with acne?

Answer:

There are a few pills that have been approved by the FDA for use as birth control and for reduction of acne. These pills consist of ethinyl estradiol and norgestimate (Ortho Tri-Cyclen), ethinyl estradiol and norethindrone (Estrostep), and ethinyl estradiol and drospirenone (Yaz). There are many other formulations of birth control medication with a combination of the same estrogen/progesterone forms that can be used to help with acne outbreaks. Ortho-Cept and Reclipsen are equivalent. The combination of estrogen is ethinyl estradiol and desogestrel.
Other names for this combination are Apri, Cesia, Cyclessa, Desogen, Kariva, Mircette, and Velivet. This combination has been effectively used to help control acne outbreaks. Consult your ob-gyn to find a formulation that is right for you.

Question:

Can Profasi lead to a false-positive when taking a pregnancy test?

Answer:

Profasi is chorionic gonadotropin, also known as Chorex, Novarel, Ovidrel, and Pregnyl. This medication is used in women to aid in conception. It is usually given in combination with other drugs, such as menotropins and urofollitropins. It works similarly to a natural hormone in the body, the lutenizing hormorne (LH).
Yes, it will give a positive result, so please make sure you're monitored for true pregnancy by your doctor.

Question:

A relative informed me that my daughter had lice. She used a flea and tick dog shampoo on my daughter and allowed it to set for about 6 to 8 minutes. She believes that this got rid of the lice. But I am worried because that product is not intended for use on people. I know that general lice shampoo products can be dangerous if used unnecessarily. Should I be concerned? Also, my relative said that the lice were black. I thought lice were either white when in egg form or gray if hatched.

Answer:

Knowing the exact product and how much she used is really important. Frontline ingredients contain chemicals that are used to treat fleas and ticks, and in other products, termites. Just as in human products, these chemicals can irritate the skin. I would watch the scalp area for irritation that may continue to get worse. Toxicity with these chemicals can lead to vomiting and agitation. The chemicals most people use for lice are a bit different, but can also cause irritation. We tend to use permethrin products. Consult your pediatrician to make sure everything is fine with your child, especially if irritation continues.

Question:

I am on Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo, and have been for nearly a year. My period started a week early this month, when it is normally very regular. What could this mean?

Answer:

Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo contains a low amount of estrogen. Sometimes your own hormones can rule over the pill form that you are taking. Other factors can also throw off your cycle, like stress. Sometimes women’s’ hormones can also "talk" to each other, causing women in the same vicinity to become regulated to the same cycle. If you have just started a new job or school where you are hanging out with other women every day, your cycles can become synced with theirs.
Before you start a new pill pack you may want to take an at-home pregnancy test. Keep an eye on your cycles, and if they are continually irregular, you may need a different type of birth control.

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