Can I send my middle schooler with Advil/Tylenol?

[Anonymous]

I've had to jump through so many hoops to get my son's Epipen and asthma inhaler approved. It's not that MCPS is wrong to require paperwork signed by the patient's doctor, it's that most doctor's offices we've had over the years are very, very incompetent, and it becomes a hassle to get the doctor's signature.

My lactose-intolerant daughter just keeps her lactase pills in her lunchbox, and if someone catches her, I'm sure she won't be suspended, because it's middle school. They're a lot more stressed out about drugs in high school, so next year I will go the paperwork route.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I understand the reason for the policy, and I wouldn't risk it.

Is it possible to have a note on file "pain relief as needed"?

I really don’t. At least, I don’t understand what practical benefit they think the policy provides.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I understand the reason for the policy, and I wouldn't risk it.

Is it possible to have a note on file "pain relief as needed"?

I really don’t. At least, I don’t understand what practical benefit they think the policy provides.

Because it gives the school a reason to intervene if they see a kid sharing or taking pills at school, even if the kid has already swallowed them and claims they were Tylenol.

Given that we've had kids die in schools from taking pills, schools have reasons to be concerned.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:They are not allowed to have it, but the risk of getting caught with Tylenol is exceedingly low. The risk of getting suspended for it is even lower.

Not true. Many schools have a “zero tolerance” drug policy. If you are caught with it, you could very easily be suspended no matter the policy.

Having said that, it is stupid that girls can’t have access to OTC pain relief during the school day since period pain is very common at that age.

Your Doc can prescribe an 8 hour dose of anaprox (which is just extra large dose of naproxen which is available over the counter). If take before school, that should last the school day.

If you don’t want to do that, get the doc to write an Rx for ibuprofen and send a bottle to the school nurse and give permission to dose as needed.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:As in, that they hold onto and take when they need it? Or is MCPS going to freak at that?

Your middle schooler would have to do it privately and discreetly. You know your child - is that something they can do and will do? If not, then you should go the official route.

[Anonymous]

We are not supposed to by I my daughter has one in her purse in case of cramps. She knows she’s supposed to keep it hidden and never share it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We are not supposed to by I my daughter has one in her purse in case of cramps. She knows she’s supposed to keep it hidden and never share it.

And she has to take it in a stall, so nobody sees her.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I understand the reason for the policy, and I wouldn't risk it.

Is it possible to have a note on file "pain relief as needed"?

I really don’t. At least, I don’t understand what practical benefit they think the policy provides.

Because it gives the school a reason to intervene if they see a kid sharing or taking pills at school, even if the kid has already swallowed them and claims they were Tylenol.

Given that we've had kids die in schools from taking pills, schools have reasons to be concerned.

And how effective do you think this is, given it isn’t hard to hide these activities when there’s actually something nefarious going on?

[Anonymous]

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[Anonymous]

As long as she keeps it hidden. Take it in the bathroom if needed. F the policy. It’s ridiculous. Both my girls always had Advil on them.

[Anonymous]

My DD keeps a sealed packet of Tylenol in her pencil case in case of bad period cramps or headache. She knows to be discreet if she needs to use it.

[Anonymous]

This is crazy. If your kid can't get a painkiller fron the nurse and you think you need to snuggle it, RAISE HELL at the school.

Don't contribute to the culture of loose pills floating around the building!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:This is crazy. If your kid can't get a painkiller fron the nurse and you think you need to snuggle it, RAISE HELL at the school.

Don't contribute to the culture of loose pills floating around the building!

They don't care. It's a district wide policy. You're wasting your time. Just sneak it in and take it in the bathroom like everyone else.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:As in, that they hold onto and take when they need it? Or is MCPS going to freak at that?

No. Have it as as needed with MD order in health room.

[Anonymous]

Send your kid with it. And tell her to take it discreetly if she needs it. NBD.

Kids are vaping and smoking weed in our schools. If they want to hassle my daughter over an Advil, that’s insane.