Drug Interactions

[Sqad]

Over the past 2or 3 years there have been increasing number of posts concerning drug interactions and all sorts of helpful replies and all sorts of "emotional" replies.

This is my "take on" of drug interaction and i hope it will be of some use.

What is drug interaction?

Whenever two or more drugs are being taken, there is a chance that there will be an interaction among the drugs. The interaction may increase or decrease the effectiveness of the drugs or the side effects of the drugs.

A known interaction may not occur in every individual, it may be perfectly safe to take the combination despite the advice on the instruction leaflet.

The prescribing information for most drugs contains a list of potential drug interactions. Many of the listed interactions may be rare, minor, or only occur under specific conditions and may not be important.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them or that you will suffer that printed side effect.

If your doctor has prescribed a combination of drugs, you can be assured that drug interaction is not a major factor.

I have always felt that drug interaction has always been exaggerated, but this is a personal opinion.

I hope this helps.

[Prudie]

That's interesting and helpful sqad. I always think people are so over cautious these days. I get most peed off with the counter staff at Boots etc (not the actual dispensary) who ask for every damn over-the-counter med " is that for you, have you taken it before etc etc". Only yesterday stocking up on a travel pack in Boots I was asked those questions about Stugeron (for motion sickness' and then again for Piriteze. She then told me not to take the two together. I find it very annoying.

[Sqad]

Prudie...I agree....I think that a lot of what you describe is a defense mechanism against litigation.

[cazzz1975]

I have only had one drug interaction that existed rather than came from over reacting to an information leaflet. Taking Omeprazole reduced the absorption of my thyroxine, my TSH went from normal to 9.8, I stopped taking them and my TSH returned to normal.

[Ann]

Thanks Sqad, very useful :) The huge list of side effects you get in the tablet box is very frightening to read especially to really elderly people. I have told my 88 year old Mum not to read them as they are only put there in case people sue for compensation. Every info sheet you read has exactly the same side effects listed anyway ..........................

[Sqad]

Interesting cazz.......as if you refer to Drugs.com it states" there were no interactions found in our database between LThyroxine and omeprazole"

[cazzz1975]

yes, my gp said the same thing, yet my endocrinologist seemed to be quite aware of it. I didnt find a lot about it on the internet either

http://www.webmd.com/...d-affect-thyroid-drug

[Sqad]

cazz...LOL well there you go....."you pays yer money and you takes yer choice."..... interesting link.

[cazzz1975]

indeed ;)

[woofgang]

"If your doctor has prescribed a combination of drugs, you can be assured that drug interaction is not a major factor."

Sqad I would purely love to believe that one........

[Sqad]

woofy

If you have anything on your mind, now is the time to get it off your chest.

[woofgang]

I just think that, like everyone else, doctors don't always get it right. I have a great GP and I do trust her to do her best but I think I have a responsibility to be an educated consumer and not rely on her blindly.

[Sqad]

An " educated consumer?" ....not necessarily the best option in my opinion and depends what you mean by "educated."

Still, although you haven't cited any examples of the dangers of "relying on her blindly"....you are entitled to your opinion.

[237SJ]

Not that we claim to be a medical service but when we give drugs at work I can`t think of any where we need to ask the person what they are taking. The conditions tend to be `not to be given if liver disease/thyroid disease etc known to be present`. That tends to be enough info for us not to be sued.

[islasmum]

I chuck the information leaflets away, otherwise I would spend my time worrying about "side effects". This may not be advisable for everyone!

[lcg]

with the amount of drugs i take, lord knows what really goes on inside my body. but....i don't really care as long as they work and nothing drops off!!! i agree with you entirely, squad :-) x