(snip)

>I’m not aware of one available online (at least without being charged
>for searches).  There are, of course, numerous commercial packages that
>can be purchased and installed on your system (either hard drive or
>CD ROM) that have a sizable database of presecription drugs … e.g.
>Parson’s Technology’s "Medical Matters," and Softkey International’s
>"PharmAssist" programs.  Of course, these programs will become obsolete
>over time, unless they are upgraded periodically (quarterly or annually).

Also, the PDR (Physician’s Desk Reference) is available.  One can input all
the meds currently ingested, and the database will report possible conflicts
and side effects.

eg, I learned that two Rx’s I’m taking for conditions other than diabetes DO
have side effect of elevating BG’s — and I reported this to my endo.  He was
NOT impressed and seemed rather aggravated that I was doing independent
research.  Commented that EVERYTHING has some side effect.

(so much for my initiatives!)  But at least I know — and am on record as
knowing!

>> Does anyone know of a database that can be accessed to find out
>> information on different prescription medicines? (Such as glucotrol or
>> other meds.) I know Compuserve users can find a database like that.
>> Anything I have found has been very general. I want specific information.
>> Please email info.
>> Thanks…..Dot

I am not aware of commercial on-line services with this information,
but you should be able to look up this info in a library.  Look
for the Physician’s Desk Reference (PDR).  It is updated yearly
and contains information on how the medicine is supplied, usual
dosage, what it is used for, side effects, overdose procedures,
effects in animal models and information for patients.  Do not
use this information to diagnose yourself, use it to find out more
about the medicine perscribed.  Do not be alarmed about the adverse
effects section; any effect ever, even 1 in 10,000,000 must be reported.
Put the information in perspective by looking at the percentage of
the population (cohort) that it occurred in.

Laura Clift

Cli…@aa.wl.com

I do not represent my employer here.

>Dan, type II

Dan,

Just checked "The Pill Book" and it agrees with your doctor.  In some cases
it may reduce levels of cholesterol.  Odd, I have been taking it for years
and thought it was for cholesterol.<G>  Live and learn.

–Ray B.

 > >My physician disagrees and says that this drug is one of the few that

> >preserves (fairly well) the HDL level.

> >Dan, type II

> Dan,

> Just checked "The Pill Book" and it agrees with your doctor.  In some cases
> it may reduce levels of cholesterol.  Odd, I have been taking it for years
> and thought it was for cholesterol.<G>  Live and learn.

I think that Lopid (Gemfibrozil) is (often) used as a primary treatment
to reduce triglycerides; as a secondary affect it often will cause a small
reduction in cholesterol and LDL.  At least that’s my understanding,
and I researched it some prior to taking it.  <G>

Ted Rodrick