AboutMary E Scott, RPh, CGP Expertise I am a certified geriatric pharmacist with over 23 years experience as a long-term care consultant to nursing homes. I also do community-based consulting on an individual basis. My facility-based monthly newsletter on pharmacy topics is read by nurses in over 200 long-term care facilities in 5 states.
Experience I received a BS in Pharmacy in 1980 with post-graduate work in public health. I have had a Consultant Pharmacist license since 1984.
Organizations American Society of Consultant Pharmacists .I received certification in geriatric pharmacy in 1998.
Question Hi Dr. Scott, My wife is taking BenicarHTC(olmesartan medoxomil-hydrocholrothiazide) for high blood preasure. She has a Mega Vitamin that she has been taking that contains (chromium picolinate) which I believe can cause a spike in the blood insulin level. Is this safe for her to continue taking? We live in the US and I am not sure where BenicarHTC is made.
Thanks for your time.
Earl
Answer Hi,Earl!
Benicar HTC can cause hyperglycemia (increased blood sugar) but there should not be an interaction between it and chromium picolinate if it causes a spike in the blood insulin level. I would monitor her blood sugar level while on both for a week or so for any abnormal levels just to be sure. Benicar HCT is made by Sankyo Pharmaceuticals.
Hope this helps, Mary
