Can I get Nexium or any similar medication from the pharmacy at Basic Training?

Travis Leutbecher — Tue, 11 Aug 2020 21:34:03 -0400

Do I need to have a prescription to get heartburn medication at BCT? I don’t have an official diagnosis for acid reflux but not having the otc Nexium is a bitch and half.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 11 at 2020 9:51 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 11 Aug 2020 21:51:10 -0400

Make sure you report this at MEPS or have you been and not reported this condition?

Response by SPC Erich Guenther made Aug 11 at 2020 10:44 PM

SPC Erich Guenther — Tue, 11 Aug 2020 22:44:07 -0400

DId you disclose this issue at the MEPS as a Medical issue? Also, Army Doctors do not dispense drugs on request, they diagnose first and make the decision on their own what to give you.

Response by SSgt Christophe Murphy made Aug 11 at 2020 10:45 PM

SSgt Christophe Murphy — Tue, 11 Aug 2020 22:45:42 -0400

Once you are on Active Duty and have a medical issue go to the doctor. If you need medicine they can prescribe it. Don’t overthink it

Response by SSG Brian G. made Aug 11 at 2020 11:01 PM

SSG Brian G. — Tue, 11 Aug 2020 23:01:14 -0400

You have to be diagnosed for it to have a prescription. Without it you will not have it at basic.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 11 at 2020 11:45 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 11 Aug 2020 23:45:04 -0400

Reference DoDI 6130.03, March 30, 2018, Section 5.12.

This section dictates PDQ reasons for Gastric Reflux disease. I am guessing since you were never diagnosed that this particular section may not apply. If you were, you would have either required a waiver or would have been straight up denied acceptance into the Army upon your disclosure during Medical. Had this been disclosed/diagnosed.

When you get to BCT, if you have OTC meds for heartburn, you will be told to throw it away since it was not prescribed to you by a medical doctor. Then...and only then...in order to get more meds you will be required to go to sick call and see a provider to get said 'script.

Doing this may raise red flags. Which could lead to your getting discharged at basic for an undisclosed medical issue that could have/should have PDQ you from service for a medical issue that was/is preexisting before service.

I am not saying this to scare you. I am saying this to enlighten you. I will not sugar coat this.

Response by PFC Scott Whitmire made Aug 11 at 2020 11:49 PM

PFC Scott Whitmire — Tue, 11 Aug 2020 23:49:15 -0400

Is it chronic heartburn if no, just buy medicine over the counter!

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Aug 12 at 2020 5:10 AM

CSM Darieus ZaGara — Wed, 12 Aug 2020 05:10:56 -0400

If you do not have a diagnosis your DS will question any medications you bring with you, and the Aid station will not issue medicine, even off the shelf without you seeing a PA or physician. You will need to speak with MEPS. While it does not seem significant to you stomach issues are a serious distract or to the mission. Have yourself checked out by a physician.

Response by SFC Robert Walton made Aug 12 at 2020 9:51 AM

SFC Robert Walton — Wed, 12 Aug 2020 09:51:06 -0400

You Need to talk to your Recruiter AND make sure you make note of it with MEPS if you make it that far. There is several different levels of acid reflux, Medical folks can diagnose it and decided if you are at a level to continue in the service no one else can.

Response by SSG Watis Ekthuvapranee made Aug 12 at 2020 10:57 AM

SSG Watis Ekthuvapranee — Wed, 12 Aug 2020 10:57:56 -0400

Yes. Go to sick call and have the PA prescribe it. You don't need to by it. All medication will be confiscated once you go to the training unit. You'll get a very rude awakening there, hehehe...

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 12 at 2020 8:09 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 12 Aug 2020 20:09:29 -0400

If you have been to MEPS, why did you not report this? You keep asking questions about things being found out after the fact. Be completely honest in all questions asked of you and forms that you fill out.

Response by PO2 Geoffrey Bieniek made Nov 1 at 2020 9:21 PM

PO2 Geoffrey Bieniek — Sun, 01 Nov 2020 21:21:58 -0500

You can probably get it anywhere, but watch out for that guy Raniere. He is very charming, and fairly good looking, so you will think you're well on your way to feeling good, next thing you know his initials are tattooed on your crotch and you're his sex slave. Just sayin. Eyes on a swivel.

Response by Daniel Bambrey made Apr 29 at 2023 5:18 AM

Daniel Bambrey — Sat, 29 Apr 2023 05:18:02 -0400

Hey there! I can understand how frustrating it can be to deal with heartburn without the medication you're used to.