Trouble with pediatrics office, how can I stick up for what I believe in?

Question

My son has sinutitus and was given an antibiotic that NEEDS to be kept refrigerated. I called the pharmacist today and they said it becomes useless after being left out and I left it out over night the night of Thanksgiving. My son's symptoms have come back. I called my peds office today and they brushed me off and said he has asthma (which he doesnt) and said to continue giving him the meds.... I am soooo frustrated. I made an appt for tomorrow but dont know what I am going to say. HELP PLEASE - I KNOW I need to trust my instincts. What makes it worse is I worked there for a few months to get an externship and really dont want to look stupid. THANKS for any help. PLUS I feel terrible about leaving the prescription out so please don't make me feel worse!

I left the antibiotic out, asked the doc to refill because I made that mistake.... they are giving me the run around because they are too busy

Answer 1

I've done the same thing, holidays with a sick child its bad enough trying to remember to put on your pants when you wake up let alone keep track of where the medicine was stashed, lol. I can't believe that they didn't just call you in another prescription. That sounds like a lazy office staff to me. Since you made another appointment tom, you will be speaking with the doctor who can write you another one, and if they ***** about it saying he doesn't need the medicine then ask why they were giving him unnecessary medication in the first place? You know? That can be dangerous. I hope that helps and hope your lil one gets to feeling better.

Answer 2

We have all left out those meds before, so don't feel bad. It was a mistake. Call the pharmacist and let them know what happened. See if they can request a new Rx. If not, then call the office back and let them know that you know your son needs a new prescription due to it being left out. If they person on the phone doesn't want to help, then request to speak with the doctor. If that still doesn't work take your son to a new pediatrician. You know he needs the meds. I wouldn't worry about looking rude, I would do anything to get my child the meds he needs.

Best of luck!!

Answer 3

The antibiotics are probably ok.
If you are not feeling like you or your son are getting the care you deserve, please see someone else. Or at the very least get a second opionion. Too often today we patients are left to feel less and less like a person and more and more like a paycheck. Not every office is like this. Keep looking. You won't look stupid. And you don't owe anyone anything there. You worked a job. Did your job and that's it.
A friend always told me go with my gut instincts. Don't be afraid to trust yours.

Answer 4

I've left my children's antibiotics out before so don't be so hard on yourself. Your human and you make mistakes. I know it is hard to make your opinion and beliefs known to someone who is considered an expert, but you know your child the best after all you are with him everyday. The doctor isn't so sometimes they need you to let them know what you think is going on with your child. Just stress to your pediatrician your concern and that you want to take care of your son. Don't worry I've taken my children to the pediatrician numerous times only to hear its a virus or that there is nothing wrong at all. Sometimes I feel stupid, but I try to keep in mind that if it had been something and I didn't take them to get looked at then I'd feel ten times worse. No shame in being a good mother. Good luck and don't be so hard on yourself.

Answer 5

More of the suspension antibiotics remain stable up to 8-12 hours at room temperature. If you were to give the medication, more than likely nothing bad would happen unless it was a tetracycline. Tetracyclines are never given to children anyway. I'm guessing it's probably amoxicillin, and it does not degrade into anything toxic.

Answer 6

I left my daughters anitbiotics out the other night to, it should be fine. We all make mistakes, noone is perfect. You are his mother, he lives with you all the time, noone knows your son the way you do. Maybe you can get a second opinion. Look around for another Dr. and compare the two. Good Luck.

Answer 7

I am sorry i really don't know what that is that your son has. But if your having trouble with the pediatrician then you need a new one asap. You know your son better then anyone else doctors or not there not always right. Go with your instincts.

Answer 8

Go in there acting like its a business appointment. Wear something dressy, a suit preferably. Stay calm and use phrases like, " I understand what you are saying, but I just don't feel comfortable...." Write out all the points you would like to make, " I am concerned because I left his medication out and it ..." If they won't listen in the end say, "Thank you for your time, but I don't feel comfortable with the conclusion you've come to, please understand why I am going to seek a second opinion. I have found that medical professionals take you much more seriously if you are calm and pulled together.

Answer 9

One night of room temperature will reduce the medication's efficacy only slightly. Continue the treatment as prescribed by your doctor.

And you have trouble with the pediatrics office because YOU left the antibiotics out? Interesting transference.

Answer 10

As the mother, no one knows your child's needs better than you. If they don't want to listen to your concerns, I would find another doctor asap. If you don't advocate for what is best for your child, no one else will. Good Luck, I hope your child feels better soon!!!