How do you respond to a patient asking about an advertised drug.

Specialties NP

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What response do you give a patient who asks about a specific advertised drug? IF it is a treatment for a diagnosis of theirs? IF not appropriate? Was wondering.

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defer to MD.

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Specializes in Pediatric/Adolescent, Med-Surg.
defer to MD.

I do not feel the answer is appropriate at all. While I am still an NP student, in my state NP's have complete autonomy and many do not work under doctors at all.

As a future mid-level I would have to educate the pt that the medication is not appropriate and why. I might also mention that most medications advertised on tv are going to be more expensive since they are newer, so they should be glad that they do not need x drug

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defer to MD.

huh? Shouldn't a NP perfectly be able to explain why or why not a drug is appropriate for a given pt's dx?

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mea culpa, didn't check forum i was in.

huh? Shouldn't a NP perfectly be able to explain why or why not a drug is appropriate for a given pt's dx?
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Specializes in FNP, ONP.

If it is an inappropriate prescription, I say so and that's the end of it. If it is otherwise appropriate and they want to try it, fine by me. For instance, I have had several men asking about Axiron or Testim this year as they have been heavily advertised in men's health magazines. If they are a candidate and want to pay for it, why not? I learn a lot about new drugs based on my patients' experiences.

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Specializes in retired LTC.

Not an NP/PA, but as an RN, I've been asked about new/current drugs and other TV/literature modalities. My comment - "Oh, I haven't had the chance to fully investigate and read up on it. I need more information on it".

For those of you with prescriptive power, keeping up with the trends must be a herculean effort. I know pts like the newest designer drugs out there regardless of cost, long-term efficacy and potential for negative sequellae. Like it's a badge of honor or having bragging rights for having the newest drug/tx on the market.

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Specializes in ICU, CV-Thoracic Sx, Internal Medicine.

If inappropriate, then like BDDNP posted, mention the reason why it won't be rx'd and thats it.

If it's a legitimate request, it has mostly to do with my familiarity and/or comfort level with the drug.

Pradaxa is a big one. People on coumadin ask me about this drug quite often.

In this case, most people have a cardiologist involved, I defer to that specialty.

Great question OP. Look forward to reading how others handle this.

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

I work in nephrology and have lots of pts asking about vitamins, supplements, herbals, etc.. that will give them much-needed energy, etc.. I try to keep up on the current stuff but yes, I always tell my pts that I will look into it and get back to them. Many, many of the new MIRACLE meds are in no way safe for those with a GFR

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Specializes in Psychiatry.

Hi amoLucia,

I liked your diplomatic answer.

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Specializes in Psychiatry.

TraumaRUs,

So does that imply that you do not get back to them?

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

lol - no - I get back to my pts - usually the same day.

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