Possible conflicts of different meds?

[Blackcat99]

Does anyone know of a website where you can input all your current meds, and it will warn you of any possible conflicts? I seem to be on stuff for several different things, mostly prescribed by different GPs at different times over the years, and I'm beginning to wonder if these are all getting along happily together, or if they might actually be causing some issues. Would prefer a UK website if possible, as I'm never sure how US brand names compare to UK brand meds!

[CDPO16]

You can check interactions on drugs.com but only one medication at a time. Speaking to your pharmacist might help. They would be able to answer your questions and concerns. They are the experts in this area.

[madonbrew]

Aww there is website you can check it on…I’m trying hard to remember the details…someone else might come along first and know but I’ll look on the kidney forum because I’m sure it’s been discussed on there before!

Have you just tried googling medicine contradictions or similar. I’ll try find it!

[madonbrew in reply to madonbrew]

I just googled ‘ drug interactions checker’ and you can put in your list of meds and it tells you there. Hope that helps.

[Blackcat99 in reply to madonbrew]

Just found it, thanks! will bookmark for future use.

[peege]

The British leaflets which have to be supplied with each medication will give all the contraindications. You're wise to check, GPs don't always check your history when prescribing new medications (as I know to my cost). I always keep one leaflet from each medication & keep them all in my meds box, about bi-annually I'll swap for new ones & check that nothings changed. It's worth noting that some foods shouldn't be eaten with certain medicines too. P

[clematis5932]

My GP arranged for the pharmacy at the hospital that I was under to check all contradictions after i was put onto Epilepsy medication together copd medication I was told no contradictions they were sorry that i had to suffer the side effects of both.

[AndrewT]

Dear Blackcat99,

Their is a book, that lists ALL Licenced Medicines within the UK- what they 'do' and (theoretically) all 'Interactions'. It is called 'The British Medical Association' - often just called the BMA. If you are Friendly with either your GP, or your local Pharmacist, you could ask to see their copy. If not the Local Library will have one, though you might have to Reserve it and/or not be Allowed to remove it from the site. (you could buy one...although it is probably rather expensive!)

Pharmacists are, in actual fact, Very Highly Qualified people- an often 'overlooked' resource. It might, very well, be worth 'Putting Your Nose In The Door'.

Can Offer you, all our, Best Wishes Blackcat99

AndrewT

[leo60 in reply to AndrewT]

Well hello Andrew! I haven't seen you since Positive Wellbeing during Lockdown sadly folded! How have you been my dear? I hope all is good with you and that you have coped with the lockdowns and tricky times we have been having? Laurie xx

[AndrewT in reply to leo60]

I'll PM you Laurie, yes a great 'shame' about Positive Wellbeing.

AndrewT

[corriena in reply to AndrewT]

They are online as well BMA

[AndrewT in reply to corriena]

I know that this will sound 'Stupid' but I genuinely hadn't thought of that!

AndrewT

[corriena in reply to AndrewT]

No its not stupid we all need a nudge in the right direction at times lol

[Blackcat99 in reply to AndrewT]

Hi, Andrew, many thanks for your helpful response. As I've just replied to Ibz 1 (below) I have used my local pharmacist in the past, but he currently seems to be struggling with a high workload and I'm reluctant to bother him further. The library is a good idea, will check online for pre-ordering. All good wishes!

[Badbessie]

To be honest most of my medications can have contraindications. However your doctor will weigh up the benefits versus risk. You should also be aware that just because there could be conflicts does not mean there will be. Here in the UK if my doctor prescribes a new medication the computer will warn the doctor of any conflicting medications. Lol...my own flashes red every time! However because I am stable obviously the benefits out weigh the risks.

[CDPO16 in reply to Badbessie]

When I have been prescribed something new I often get told "it's ok with your other meds, I've checked". It is reassuring.

[katieoxo60 in reply to Badbessie]

I'm not as confident as you Badbessie, as I have been prescribed drugs in the past that were incorrect for my illness on more than one occasion no computer warnings or prescriber warning. I find the patient leaflets more specific. Never tried the roots mentioned above, will keep in mind for future. Have a nice day.

[Albertisadog1991 in reply to Badbessie]

That's what my doctor always tells me ..."the benefits will outweigh the problems" - I always read the leaflets enclosed with my medications and confer with him when I see a conflict......... what to do ..... ??

[bwp91]

Your GP Practice may have a community pharmacist who should do your check so do ask. If not, ask for an appointment at your local pharmacy. My pharmacist asks about once a year anyway (as did a GP by appointment recently before my repeat prescription was updated) . They get paid for it!

[Blackcat99 in reply to bwp91]

Thanks, will ask at surgery!

[Karenanne61]

You are wise to ask Blackcat99. Not all prescribers seem to be aware of contraindications . I am on levothyroxine and other meds which are nothing to do with lungs. E.g Steroids can soften bones so put on calcium which can affect absorption of levothyroxine. Just need to keep on eye on things ourselves to be on the safe side.

[Blackcat99 in reply to Karenanne61]

Yes, that's my issue - I have meds for lungs, for heart, for osteoporosis, for IBS + a couple of other minor issues, and I'm not convinced that anyone has ever really taken a full overview of it all. I do read all the leaflets which come with meds but, on a couple of occasions when I've queried a flagged issue with medical staff, they've reassured me, saying that that doesn't apply to me!😕

[Karenanne61 in reply to Blackcat99]

It's actually quite scary isn't it. One of my regular meds, when combined with a recent temporary lung med can cause heart problems. When I queried it with my consultant she arranged an ecg to check all was well. It was but once upon a time I would have blithely trusted medics. Not so much now.

[Izb1]

When I was first diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis , the hospital pharmacist went through everything I take including vitamins and she said i was ok to continue with what i was taking. It may be worth making an appointment with your pharmacist and take a list of everything you are taking, I am sure they can help x

[Blackcat99 in reply to Izb1]

Yes, our local pharmacist has always been really good for advice but, over the past couple of years, he seems to be being rushed off his feet, rarely pokes his nose out of the dispensary, and I don't like to bother him. Also, the shop have erected big barriers around the counter area, and you have to shout across to staff - not sure I feel like bellowing my long list across the great divide! Hopefully the barriers may go soon, and I can ask about a short appointment, then.

[Izb1 in reply to Blackcat99]

You could try a large chemist like Boots, phone them up and see if you can have an apointment x

[micox]

British National Formulary (BNF)

[Blackcat99 in reply to micox]

Thank you! Will bookmark that - really useful to have it all in one place.

[Hidden]

I use drugs.com because, although it’s a US site, it’s very user-friendly AND you can save your list of drugs & add to/delete them as necessary, and it’ll flag up all the interactions. You can have a named list for every family member.

To avoid confusion with different brand names, just put in the generic name of the drug instead of the brand.

I find it invaluable

[Hidden]

To save you looking it up drugs.com/drug_interactions...

[Blackcat99 in reply to Hidden]

Many thanks - that sounds really good, will head over there and try it out! 😉

[SORRELHIPPO]

I also look at WebMD, the American site, as I have found some useful stuff on interactions with supplements, drinks and herbs. For instance I discovered there can be a problem with blood thinners and Cranberry juice, I now mention my supplements etc to Doctors as well as reminding them of other meds I take.

[Blackcat99 in reply to SORRELHIPPO]

Ah, that's a good idea, too - I do know about the no grapefruit with statins, etc., but I'm sure there'll be numerous similar issues that I'm unaware of. Thank you.

[Blackcat99]

Thank you to everyone who responded. All your suggestions are much appreciated! I've tried to answer some of you individually, apologies to those I haven't managed to do so.Silly me, I had thought that someone somewhere might have developed an online tool where you could input all your meds, and the database would throw up potential conflicts for the user to then delve into any possible problems in greater depth.

However, I can see that it will take time and concentration to sort it all out!

All the best to you all.😉

[Nevasayneva]

The WHO has a database of drugs known to cause adverse reactions vigiaccess.org/

Also check this.

You enter a drug name and it lists drugs that may cause unwanted interactions.

bnf.nice.org.uk/interaction/

[Blackcat99 in reply to Nevasayneva]

Many thanks for that, I've noted the URL, will try it out tomorrow!