This IS and will always be a complicated issue. How many times have you been waiting in ANY doc's waiting room and finding the 'suited' reps with their wheelie-totes just sailing in? DUH?
What I've done about my meds and the s/e's has been to read, list -laboriously by hand or 'puter the myriad of known common, less common and rare s/e's for each med...Then I cross referenced them and found that I could of my 5 primary meds have had anywhere from 3-8 potential cross-over effects.
Then I took a good look at 'cautions' regarding other medications to be taken or not, with that particular med...I found lots of 'cautions'...
Next the Hard part? Requiring lots of patience/persistence and time. Call those 800 #'s for each drug MFR and plan on spending at least 15-45 minutes for each call...they will ask you your history, meds you're on, for how long, dosages etc. Best to be as honest as you feel comfy with. I have found a LOT of useful info by calling these MFRS and it's stuff not put out in research nor public. Be quick, accurate and sure in making notes tho -as info can come at you soo fast if you don't make notes and recap back at them...well when you hang up you do go DUH? Also, some meds affect for the good and bad your blood test #'s -so be sure to ask about that.
Lastly put it all together IF you can and then call the FDA about the meds you are on if there are any potential negative s/e's..WHY? because the MFR's don't necessarily report all you have 'reported'! You have to be sure that your concerns, issues and side effects about meds or med combos count! It's kind of like voting but for all of us FAR MORE important for us and for others. It's not a scary process, just a time consuming one and one I know helps, because of my own reporting [vote] and that of others has changed the notings of s/e's a great deal on those 'prescribing information' sheets! Now, if only we could get the docs to read them?
Have and keep faith, help and hope is out there? You just have to find the rite docs, meds and resources for YOU. I know you will - j