....there are web sites in USA and Canada I have used where we can type in the name/s of our meds and find out if there is a possible interaction, as well some sites give information on food (I think we have all been warned about eating grapefruit with some meds.)
Husband on many meds as he has diabetes and open heart surgery in November... pages and pages from Pharmacy about warnings etc. etc. and its really overwhelming, and a pharmacist who says oh that's just for insurance purposes for manufacturer etc. There have been so many pages we don't always read them yet last week I did and one - Candesartan(Cilexetil)/Atacand the information page says "limit potassium containing foods - bananas, oranges, avocados tomatoes, potatoes and fried fruits." WE had no idea.
Also the 20 meds he is on ALL have alternative names (as has Candesartan) and the drug name on the pill bottle may not be the same name as on the list given him by attending doctor in the hospital. Not complaining, but it is very very confusing.
A few months ago I told a doctor I was taking Rivotril and he didnt know what that was - its Clonazepam and I think in USA Klonapin. I don't know if anyone else is confused or concerned but I am and with many new meds with exes XX and zeds ZZ and lengthy names, similar names, even medical personnel have to take a second look.
Glad we have these meds to help us but single meds or taking multiple meds, might be a good idea to have someone review them or even, if we can, do it ourselves. As an example, a visiting nurse noticed he had been given FOUR blood thinners on discharge (old meds already on and new meds).. from which he could have bled to death. Had she not noticed.... well, hate to think what could have happened... just to say, without wanting to upset anyone, might be a good idea to double check prescription, over the counter, "natural" remedies and even home remedies to make sure they don't add to our woes? J.