What is this medicine?
CHROMIUM (KROH mee um) is an essential nutrient. People need very small amounts of chromium in the diet. Very few people develop low levels of chromium. Most people get their needed amount by eating a balanced, healthy diet. Chromium may help regulate blood sugar. Chromium is also claimed to increase athletic performance in athletes and to decrease body fat in dieters. However, chromium supplements are not approved by the FDA for these uses.
This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
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What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
- allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
- changes in emotions or mood
- changes in vision
- fever or chills
- muscle aches, cramps, or pains
- swelling of the legs or ankles
- symptoms of low blood sugar like chills, confusion, fast or pounding heartbeat, headache, seizure, trembling
- trouble passing urine or change in the amount of urine
- unusually weak or tired
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
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How should I use this medicine?
Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the package or prescription label. For best results take with food. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for selected conditions, precautions do apply.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
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What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
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What may interact with this medicine?
- levothyroxine and other thyroid hormones
- medicines used to treat diabetes or used to lower blood sugar
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
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What should I watch for while using this medicine?
Follow a good diet. Taking a supplement does not replace the need for a balanced diet. Some foods that have chromium naturally are whole grains, egg yolks, brewer's yeast, liver, meats, nuts, and potatoes with skin. Limit alcohol, smoking and stress.
This supplement may affect blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes, check with your doctor or health care professional before you change your diet or the dose of your diabetic medicine.
Too much of this supplement can be unsafe. Talk to your doctor or health care provider about how much is right for you.
Tell your doctor if you have a change in your physical or mental health while taking this supplement.
Certain forms of chromium are not for human use. Do not take chromium products that are not labeled for use as nutritional supplements or medicine.
Supplements are not regulated like medicines. Rigid quality control standards are not required for dietary supplements. The purity and strength of these products can vary. The safety and effect of this dietary supplement for a certain disease or illness is not well known. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
The Food and Drug Administration suggests the following to help consumers protect themselves:
- Always read product labels and follow directions.
- Natural does not mean a product is safe for humans to take.
- Look for products that include USP after the ingredient name. This means that the manufacturer followed the standards of the US Pharmacopoeia.
- Supplements made or sold by a nationally known food or drug company are more likely to be made under tight controls. You can write to the company for more information about how the product was made.
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What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
- diabetes
- kidney disease
- an unusual or allergic reaction to chromium, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
- pregnant or trying to get pregnant
- breast-feeding
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Can I stop taking the medication if I feel better?
As a general rule, you should always take your medications exactly as prescribed and do not change the dosage or stop taking the medication without first discussing it with your healthcare provider.
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I am on so many medications; do I have to take them all?
This is called polypharmacy—many different medications being used at the same time by one person. Sometimes, being on multiple medications is acceptable and appropriate but at other times it may be problematic. If you are receiving your medications from multiple physicians you need to ensure that they all know what medications you are taking. The best way to do this is to make a list of all the medications you are currently using, including all nutritional supplements, homeopathic remedies, vitamins and over-the-counter drugs (if possible, also include all the diseases you have been diagnosed with). Give a copy to every doctor who takes care of you so they have it on file, this way they can avoid duplicating medications and perhaps even try to consolidate some. After every doctor's visit remember to update the list accordingly. Also, as much as you possibly can, try to use the same pharmacy to fill all your prescriptions, this way any potential drug interactions can be caught and averted.
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