Check all your possible drug interactions in 10 min.

Hawthorne wrote:For me, I will stick with my Pharmacist's and my doctors (GP and Rheumatologist) counsel.

Certainly wise advice for anyone... though I still think there is value in the web site. I think the key here is to educate yourself and ask your doctor about anything you find concerning--I would imagine in most cases, interactions can be managed. In my case, it lists my BP medications as having synergistic effects--which is actually the intent of taking the medications in combination. So, it's not saying it shouldn't be done, but awareness is always better than not. And as everyone should know, no doctor or pharmacist is going to be educated on the effects every combination of medication. Just like this forum, taking control of managing your own medical issues is important--this is another tool to help with that.

Thanks for sharing this link... I found it educational, and feel a little better educated about why my doctor prescribed me a combination of BP medications.

Wow, so many interactions...wonder what I want to fiddle with....

Guess Lansoprazole is available as generic now, wonder if I should ask to get switched back to it (from Omeprazole).... They both interact the same way with other stuff, though Lansoprazole is listed as minor and Omeprazole is listed as Significant...and also has additional interactions with other meds (Significant). Though Esomeprazole doesn't show as interactions with any of the meds that Omeprazole (or Lansoprazole) did. Though I suspect my insurance won't pay for Esomeprazole...

Meanwhile....seems that I'm not supposed to be taking calcium supplement with my essential tremor medication (says I should take them 2 hours apart)....

Nuvigil seems to interact with just about everything.... but its the only thing working so far on keeping me employed.

The Dreamer.

Hawthorne wrote:For me, I will stick with my Pharmacist's and my doctors (GP and Rheumatologist) counsel.

Doctors see a lot of patients, and in my experience anyway, overlook things with alarming frequency. In addition, many patients see more than one doctor, a GP, several specialists, etc., and typically one does not know what has been prescribed by the other, at least not without very accurate information from the patient, who may or may not provide it. Often, patients get their prescriptions filled at more than one location as well, so the pharmacist may not be aware of potential interactions. It is essential that each patient be an informed, aggressive advocate for their own health care. One of the few bullet proof truisms of life is that you cannot have TOO MUCH factual information. This resource is probably not for everyone, but I think it's very valuable.

DD

I only deal with ONE Pharmacy ALWAYS. My Rheumatologist and GP both prescribe meds BUT ALL meds go through my GP for repeats and the same Pharmacist checks for any possible interactions. All prescriptions that my Rheumatologist and GP suggest are reported immediately by each to the other so they both know what meds and supplements I am taking.

I am only responding for my situation and, given that my situation is set up like this, I will rely on it.

This resource can be helpful for people but, in my case, it is not one that I need. I try to be a well informed patient and never take a suggested prescription unless I ask what it will do for me, what are the possible side effects, is there an alternative that has fewer potential side effects and what happens if I decide not to take it?

EVERYONE should be as informed as possible about their health and meds, definitely! I am very fortunate to have some many checks and balances in place thanks to my doctors and my pharmacist. I think my setup is excellent but I do keep informed myself as well. I take many meds unfortunately and carry a list with me at all times which includes times of day the med is taken and the dosage. For many this site would certainly be helpful. I think what I have is even better.

Question - Is this website totally accurate? I doubt it. Websites need to be questioned and evaluated as well. Everything on the internet is not absolute.

Many thanks for this post. My doctor has been surprised that some medication she prescribed for me did not seem to working effectively. Looking at the site I found that my medication interacted badly with calcium tablets. I mentioned it to the doctor who said "oh you can't take those 2 medications within 4 hours of each other or they won't work!" So glad I read your post as the doctor was just going to keep increasing the dose!
Susan