We recently received an email from one of our GPA.com family members:

Question: My father in law  takes a lot of medication and we are concerned that no one is keeping an eye on the big picture to make sure the medicines are all compatible.  The list of what he takes is below.  Are you aware of any possible problems associated with this combination of drugs. 
Glyburide 5mg Take 2 tablets twice a day.   Metformin 500mg Take one tablet twice a day   Simvastatin 40mg take one tablet once a day. Cozaar 50 mg take one tablet daily . Doxazosin 4mg   take one & half tablet at bedtime.
Thanks!

Here is my response:

Hi!  Thanks for contacting us!

Glyburide 5mg -2 tablets twice a day–Diabetes
Metformin 500mg -one tablet twice a day–Diabetes
Simvastatin 40mg -one tablet once a day –Cholesterol
Cozaar 50 mg -one tablet daily –Blood Pressure/kidney protectant
Doxazosin 4mg- one & half tablet at bedtime –BPH/ Blood Pressure

There aren’t any major interactions here.  Use of Cozaar, Doxazosin and Glyburide together can increase risk of blood pressure and blood sugar being too LOW.  This is easily monitored with testing blood pressure and sugar.
Also, he can monitor how he feels -low blood pressure: dizzy, fatigue, light-headed especially upon standing up.  Low blood sugar -light-headed, dizzy, sweating, headache.

He may want to consider adding…
1.  OTC CoEnzyme Q10.  This will help replace the CoQ10 that is decreased from the simvastatin.
2.  OTC B12 (or B-complex).  This will replace the B12 that is decreased from metformin
3.  Talk to physician about adding OTC calcium and vitamin D supplements -for general health and to counteract calcium depletion by Cozaar.

Lastly, are these medications working for him?  Are they controlling his
blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar/ A1c?

Hope this helps!  Please contact us with any questions/comments.

There you have it!  Of course, this is quite specific for this patient but if you have questions about your or your family member’s medications -please leave us a comment, submit a question or send an email at nova@getpharmacyadvice.com .