Posted on Aug 11, 2020
Can I get Nexium or any similar medication from the pharmacy at Basic Training?
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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.
Posted in these groups: 
Basic Training
Basic Combat Training (BCT)
11B: Infantryman
Fort Moore
Recruit
Basic Training Basic Combat Training (BCT) 11B: Infantryman Fort Moore Recruit
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 11
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.
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.
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Travis Leutbecher
Then i will definitely need a waiver. Will this disqualify me for certain jobs? Seems like a simple “low on the totem pole” waiver as opposed to if i had major surgery or something like that.
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MSG (Join to see)
Travis Leutbecher - Again, Google the DoDI I gave. You could very well find yourself PDQ (permanently disqualified) from entry into the service.
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SPC John Tacetta
Travis Leutbecher - Here's the excerpt directly.
5.12. ABDOMINAL ORGANS AND GASTROINTESTINAL SYSTEM.
a. Esophageal Disease.
(1) History of Gastro-Esophageal Reflux Disease, with complications, including, but not
limited to:
(a) Stricture.
(b) Dysphagia.
(c) Recurrent symptoms or esophagitis despite maintenance medication.
(d) Barrett’s esophagus.
(e) Extraesophageal complications such as: reactive airway disease; recurrent
sinusitis or dental complications; unresponsive to acid suppression.
(2) History of surgical correction (e.g., fundoplication) for Gastro-Esophageal Reflux
Disease within 6 months or with complications.
DoDI 6130.03, March 30, 2018
SECTION 5: DISQUALIFYING CONDITIONS 21
(3) History of dysmotility disorders to include but not limited to diffuse esophageal
spasm, nutcracker esophagus, and achalasia.
(4) History of eosinophilic esophagitis.
(5) History of other esophageal strictures (e.g., from ingesting lye).
(6) History of esophageal disease not specified above; including but not limited to
neoplasia, ulceration, varices, or fistula.
b. Stomach and Duodenum.
(1) Current dyspepsia, gastritis, or duodenitis despite medication (over the counter or
prescription).
(2) Current gastric or duodenal ulcers, including but not limited to peptic ulcers and
gastrojejunal ulcers:
(a) History of a treated ulcer within the last 3 months.
(b) Recurrent or complicated by bleeding, obstruction, or perforation within the
previous 5 years.
(3) History of surgery for peptic ulceration or perforated ulcer.
(4) History of gastroparesis of greater than 6 week’s duration, confirmed by scintigraphy
or equivalent test.
(5) History of bariatric surgery of any type (e.g., lap-band or gastric bypass surgery for
weight loss).
(6) History of gastric varices.
c. Small and Large Intestine.
(1) History of inflammatory bowel disease, including but not limited to Crohn’s disease,
ulcerative colitis, ulcerative proctitis, or indeterminate colitis.
(2) Current infectious colitis.
(3) History of intestinal malabsorption syndromes, including but not limited to celiac
sprue, pancreatic insufficiency, post-surgical and idiopathic.
(4) Dietary intolerances that may interfere with military duty or consuming military
rations. Lactase deficiency does not meet the standard only if of sufficient severity to require
frequent intervention, or to interfere with military duties.
(5) History of gastrointestinal functional or motility disorders including but not limited
to volvulus within the past 24 months, or any history of pseudo-obstruction or megacolon.
DoDI 6130.03, March 30, 2018
SECTION 5: DISQUALIFYING CONDITIONS 22
(6) Current chronic constipation, requiring prescription medication or medical
interventions (e.g., pelvic floor physical therapy, biofeedback therapy).
(7) History of diarrhea of greater than 6 weeks duration, regardless of cause, persisting
or symptomatic in the past 2 years.
(8) History of gastrointestinal bleeding, including positive occult blood, if the cause
requires treatment and has not been corrected.
(9) History of irritable bowel syndrome of sufficient severity to require frequent
intervention or prescription medication or that may reasonably be expected to interfere with
military duty.
(10) History of symptomatic diverticular disease of the intestine.
(11) Personal or family history of familial adenomatous polyposis syndrome or
hereditary non-polyposis colon cancer (Lynch syndrome).
d. Hepatic-Biliary Tract.
(1) History of chronic Hepatitis B unless successfully treated and the cure is
documented. A documented cure for Hepatitis B is viral clearance manifested by Hepatitis B
surface antigen negative/Hepatitis B surface antibody positive/Hepatitis B core antibody
positive.
(2) History of chronic Hepatitis C, unless successfully treated and with documentation of
a cure 12 weeks after completion of a full course of therapy.
(3) Other acute hepatitis in the preceding 6 months, or persistence of symptoms or
abnormal serum aminotransferases after 6 months, or objective evidence of impairment of liver
function.
(4) History of cirrhosis, hepatic abscess, or complications of chronic liver disease.
(5) History of symptomatic gallstones or gallbladder disease unless successfully treated.
(6) History of sphincter of Oddi dysfunction.
(7) History of choledochal cyst.
(8) History of primary biliary cirrhosis or primary sclerosing cholangitis.
(9) History of metabolic liver disease, excluding Gilbert’s syndrome. This includes but
is not limited to hemochromatosis, Wilson’s disease, or alpha-1 anti-trypsin deficiency.
(10) History of alcoholic or non-alcoholic fatty liver disease if there is evidence of
chronic liver disease, manifested as impairment of liver function or hepatic fibrosis.
(11) History of traumatic injury to the liver within the preceding 6 months.
DoDI 6130.03, March 30, 2018
SECTION 5: DISQUALIFYING CONDITIONS 23
e. Pancreas. History of:
(1) Pancreatic insufficiency.
(2) Acute pancreatitis, unless due to cholelithiasis successfully treated by
cholecystectomy.
(3) Chronic pancreatitis.
(4) Pancreatic cyst or pseudocyst.
(5) Pancreatic surgery.
f. Anorectal.
(1) Current anal fissure or anal fistula.
(2) History of rectal prolapse or stricture within the last 2 years.
(3) History of fecal incontinence after the 13th birthday.
(4) Current hemorrhoid (internal or external), if symptomatic or requiring medical
intervention within the last 60 days.
g. Abdominal Wall.
(1) Current abdominal wall hernia other than small (less than 2 centimeters (cm) in size),
asymptomatic inguinal or umbilical hernias.
(2) History of open or laparoscopic abdominal surgery during the preceding 3 months.
(3) The presence of any ostomy (gastrointestinal or urinary).
Don't obsess about it. Agita is no more a disease than headache, unless it's caused by an underlying condition. You should consult your physician if you're worried or have an actual condition.
5.12. ABDOMINAL ORGANS AND GASTROINTESTINAL SYSTEM.
a. Esophageal Disease.
(1) History of Gastro-Esophageal Reflux Disease, with complications, including, but not
limited to:
(a) Stricture.
(b) Dysphagia.
(c) Recurrent symptoms or esophagitis despite maintenance medication.
(d) Barrett’s esophagus.
(e) Extraesophageal complications such as: reactive airway disease; recurrent
sinusitis or dental complications; unresponsive to acid suppression.
(2) History of surgical correction (e.g., fundoplication) for Gastro-Esophageal Reflux
Disease within 6 months or with complications.
DoDI 6130.03, March 30, 2018
SECTION 5: DISQUALIFYING CONDITIONS 21
(3) History of dysmotility disorders to include but not limited to diffuse esophageal
spasm, nutcracker esophagus, and achalasia.
(4) History of eosinophilic esophagitis.
(5) History of other esophageal strictures (e.g., from ingesting lye).
(6) History of esophageal disease not specified above; including but not limited to
neoplasia, ulceration, varices, or fistula.
b. Stomach and Duodenum.
(1) Current dyspepsia, gastritis, or duodenitis despite medication (over the counter or
prescription).
(2) Current gastric or duodenal ulcers, including but not limited to peptic ulcers and
gastrojejunal ulcers:
(a) History of a treated ulcer within the last 3 months.
(b) Recurrent or complicated by bleeding, obstruction, or perforation within the
previous 5 years.
(3) History of surgery for peptic ulceration or perforated ulcer.
(4) History of gastroparesis of greater than 6 week’s duration, confirmed by scintigraphy
or equivalent test.
(5) History of bariatric surgery of any type (e.g., lap-band or gastric bypass surgery for
weight loss).
(6) History of gastric varices.
c. Small and Large Intestine.
(1) History of inflammatory bowel disease, including but not limited to Crohn’s disease,
ulcerative colitis, ulcerative proctitis, or indeterminate colitis.
(2) Current infectious colitis.
(3) History of intestinal malabsorption syndromes, including but not limited to celiac
sprue, pancreatic insufficiency, post-surgical and idiopathic.
(4) Dietary intolerances that may interfere with military duty or consuming military
rations. Lactase deficiency does not meet the standard only if of sufficient severity to require
frequent intervention, or to interfere with military duties.
(5) History of gastrointestinal functional or motility disorders including but not limited
to volvulus within the past 24 months, or any history of pseudo-obstruction or megacolon.
DoDI 6130.03, March 30, 2018
SECTION 5: DISQUALIFYING CONDITIONS 22
(6) Current chronic constipation, requiring prescription medication or medical
interventions (e.g., pelvic floor physical therapy, biofeedback therapy).
(7) History of diarrhea of greater than 6 weeks duration, regardless of cause, persisting
or symptomatic in the past 2 years.
(8) History of gastrointestinal bleeding, including positive occult blood, if the cause
requires treatment and has not been corrected.
(9) History of irritable bowel syndrome of sufficient severity to require frequent
intervention or prescription medication or that may reasonably be expected to interfere with
military duty.
(10) History of symptomatic diverticular disease of the intestine.
(11) Personal or family history of familial adenomatous polyposis syndrome or
hereditary non-polyposis colon cancer (Lynch syndrome).
d. Hepatic-Biliary Tract.
(1) History of chronic Hepatitis B unless successfully treated and the cure is
documented. A documented cure for Hepatitis B is viral clearance manifested by Hepatitis B
surface antigen negative/Hepatitis B surface antibody positive/Hepatitis B core antibody
positive.
(2) History of chronic Hepatitis C, unless successfully treated and with documentation of
a cure 12 weeks after completion of a full course of therapy.
(3) Other acute hepatitis in the preceding 6 months, or persistence of symptoms or
abnormal serum aminotransferases after 6 months, or objective evidence of impairment of liver
function.
(4) History of cirrhosis, hepatic abscess, or complications of chronic liver disease.
(5) History of symptomatic gallstones or gallbladder disease unless successfully treated.
(6) History of sphincter of Oddi dysfunction.
(7) History of choledochal cyst.
(8) History of primary biliary cirrhosis or primary sclerosing cholangitis.
(9) History of metabolic liver disease, excluding Gilbert’s syndrome. This includes but
is not limited to hemochromatosis, Wilson’s disease, or alpha-1 anti-trypsin deficiency.
(10) History of alcoholic or non-alcoholic fatty liver disease if there is evidence of
chronic liver disease, manifested as impairment of liver function or hepatic fibrosis.
(11) History of traumatic injury to the liver within the preceding 6 months.
DoDI 6130.03, March 30, 2018
SECTION 5: DISQUALIFYING CONDITIONS 23
e. Pancreas. History of:
(1) Pancreatic insufficiency.
(2) Acute pancreatitis, unless due to cholelithiasis successfully treated by
cholecystectomy.
(3) Chronic pancreatitis.
(4) Pancreatic cyst or pseudocyst.
(5) Pancreatic surgery.
f. Anorectal.
(1) Current anal fissure or anal fistula.
(2) History of rectal prolapse or stricture within the last 2 years.
(3) History of fecal incontinence after the 13th birthday.
(4) Current hemorrhoid (internal or external), if symptomatic or requiring medical
intervention within the last 60 days.
g. Abdominal Wall.
(1) Current abdominal wall hernia other than small (less than 2 centimeters (cm) in size),
asymptomatic inguinal or umbilical hernias.
(2) History of open or laparoscopic abdominal surgery during the preceding 3 months.
(3) The presence of any ostomy (gastrointestinal or urinary).
Don't obsess about it. Agita is no more a disease than headache, unless it's caused by an underlying condition. You should consult your physician if you're worried or have an actual condition.
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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.
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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
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SSgt Christophe Murphy
Travis Leutbecher once you arrive at basic you will have the opportunity to address medical issues. It may not be immediate but within the first week you will get to report any ongoing issues and routine medical checks are pretty common.
Again, don’t overthink it. They have newjoins arriving every week. This is 101 stuff
Again, don’t overthink it. They have newjoins arriving every week. This is 101 stuff
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SPC John Tacetta
Travis Leutbecher - When you are inducted, that is report for duty and are sworn in.
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You have to be diagnosed for it to have a prescription. Without it you will not have it at basic.
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Travis Leutbecher
So if im understanding correctly acid reflux if manageable with a prescription will not disqualify me from joining the Army?
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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.
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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...
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Travis Leutbecher
Wanting to avoid raising flags for fraudulent enlistment - especially over something as dumb as heartburn - but do i need a prescription from my civilian doctor to take with me to prove i require the medication? Worried this will disqualify me since i need a daily pill
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SSG Watis Ekthuvapranee
Nope. Just your medical record to expedite the process. You should go to sick-call as soon as you arrive at the MEP station (sick call is in the morning only). Once you are cattle-truck to the training unit. It will be very difficult because of the beginning drill is mentally draining. You'll get worse heartburn than now for sure. By the way, you can still go to sick-call while in training unit.
Just remember, the drill process is designed to tear you down and build you back up. The drill and the drill sergeant are not there to hurt you, but doesn't mean that you will not get hurt. You can get hurt because your body fail you or you were mentally fatigue causes you to fail to pay attention to the detail and awareness of the situation around you. You'll get through it. I did and I could barely do 13 push-up. I can run faster than a jack rabbit, though.
Good Luck.
Just remember, the drill process is designed to tear you down and build you back up. The drill and the drill sergeant are not there to hurt you, but doesn't mean that you will not get hurt. You can get hurt because your body fail you or you were mentally fatigue causes you to fail to pay attention to the detail and awareness of the situation around you. You'll get through it. I did and I could barely do 13 push-up. I can run faster than a jack rabbit, though.
Good Luck.
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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.
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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.
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Travis Leutbecher
I have not had my physical screening at meps, I’m waiting for an appt with my civilian doctor to get a full exam as requested by my recruiters before we can schedule. I’m asking a lot of questions because it helps me to understand how things work and I have have issues with recruiters being real dishonest in the past.
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Sgt (Join to see)
Travis Leutbecher - As long as you answer questions honestly at MEPs or on forms, you will be fine. Make sure you mention the acid reflux to your civilian doctor.
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