Major interaction on record — check this product against your medications before combining. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

Carb & Sugar Blocker Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Dr. Stephanie's

Carb & Sugar Blocker label
See full label image
Capsule Category: Other Combinations
Most serious interaction: Major
Clinical methodology reviewed by · Updated Sep 16, 2026 · Label data from the NIH DSLD
What is this page for?

First and foremost: checking Carb & Sugar Blocker against your medications. The heart of this page is the interaction checker and the full interaction report — how this product’s ingredients may interact with prescription and over-the-counter medicines you may be taking.

Around that, we add a pharmacist’s high-level view of the product as a whole — what’s inside, the evidence for its stated use, how transparent the label is, and what safety data exists — so you can see the full picture in one place. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases and the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist — not medical advice — and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy

The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Major

Carb & Sugar Blocker is a dietary supplement by Dr. Stephanie's with 3 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for blood sugar support in type 2 diabetes, weight loss and appetite control, insulin sensitivity.Based on those ingredients, 1,216 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated major. The ingredients most likely to interact are Berberine Hydrochloride, Gymnema sylvestre, Chromium. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

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Check Your Meds Against Carb & Sugar Blocker by Dr. Stephanie's

Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with Carb & Sugar Blocker by Dr. Stephanie's — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.

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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Carb & Sugar Blocker by Dr. Stephanie's

Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

Generated from HelloPharmacist’s pharmacist-curated databases and editorial rules · Last generated Jul 11, 2026

What’s inside

Full disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Full

Every active ingredient lists its own amount on the label.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 3 of its 3 active ingredients.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

Dr. Stephanie's Carb & Sugar Blocker has 3 active ingredients: chromium, gymnema sylvestre extract, and berberine hydrochloride.

Chromium is a mineral that plays a role in how your body handles blood sugar. Gymnema sylvestre is a plant extract traditionally used to support glucose control.

Berberine is a compound extracted from plants like barberry, shown to affect cholesterol and blood sugar levels. The capsule also contains inactive ingredients—microcrystalline cellulose, magnesium stearate, silicon dioxide, and hypromellose—which help form and fill the capsule.

Does it work?

Moderate evidence
Evidence for Intended Use · database check
By FDA rules, dietary supplements can’t claim to treat, cure, or prevent disease — so labels speak in careful marketing language. We discern each product’s intended use from its name, label claims, and label statements, then grade the clinical evidence for that use. How these ratings are computed
Moderate

Some clinical evidence supports this product's ingredients for its stated purpose, but it isn't conclusive.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: Weight loss and carb and sugar blocking support.
  • We looked for evidence on: Diabetes, Hyperlipidemia, Impaired glucose tolerance (prediabetes), Metabolic syndrome, Obesity, Blood sugar control — and 2 related terms.
  • The strongest evidence on file: Chromium is rated "Possibly Effective" for Diabetes (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Berberine is rated "Possibly Effective" for Diabetes, Hyperlipidemia.
  • Also on file: Chromium is rated "Possibly Ineffective" for Impaired glucose tolerance (Prediabetes).

The evidence for this product's ingredients is mixed. Chromium is likely effective for chromium deficiency and possibly effective for diabetes, but it's rated possibly ineffective for prediabetes.

Berberine shows the strongest backing: it's possibly effective for high cholesterol, PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome), H. pylori infection, high blood pressure, and diabetes. Gymnema sylvestre, however, has insufficient reliable evidence to rate for any of its proposed uses—diabetes, prediabetes, obesity, and metabolic syndrome all lack established evidence in the data we hold.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Chromium Gymnema Berberine

How safe is it?

Well-documented data
Safety Information · database check
Well characterized

Adverse-effect, pregnancy, and general safety data are on file for most of these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • We hold adverse-effect (side-effect) data for 3 of the 3 matched ingredients.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 3 of 3.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 3 of 3.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Chromium is generally well tolerated at typical doses, but high or long-term use may carry risks. Most side effects are mild—gastrointestinal upset, headaches, insomnia, irritability, or mood changes.

Rare serious effects including kidney or liver damage and blood disorders have been reported. Berberine is generally well tolerated short-term but commonly causes digestive side effects: belly pain, constipation, diarrhea, gas, nausea, or vomiting.

You may also feel dizzy, drowsy, fatigued, or have a headache. Gymnema is generally well tolerated short-term but can lower blood sugar, and quality varies between products.

Rare cases of liver inflammation have been reported. Avoid chromium supplements beyond a balanced diet during pregnancy and breastfeeding unless your doctor recommends it.

Do not take berberine during pregnancy or while breastfeeding—it may harm the developing baby or pass into breast milk. Gymnema should be avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding due to insufficient safety data.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Chromium Gymnema Berberine

Meds to double-check

Major interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Major identified

At least one ingredient has a documented Major-severity interaction. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 3 of the 3 matched ingredients can interact with medications — Gymnema, Chromium, Berberine.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Major.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs; immunosuppressants / transplant drugs; diabetes medications.
  • For scale: 1,217 individual medications appear in the full list. A big number alone doesn't make a product dangerous — what matters is whether YOUR medication is on it, so run yours through the interaction checker on this page.

Check your medications against this product if you take cyclosporine (Major severity), or any antidiabetes drugs, blood thinners or antiplatelet drugs, blood pressure medications, thyroid medication, insulin, sedatives, or drugs your liver breaks down via the CYP2D6, CYP2C9, or CYP3A4 pathways (all Moderate). Also flag NSAIDs or aspirin (Minor).

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with some supporting evidence for its stated purpose. Major medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

If you take any blood sugar medication, blood thinner, thyroid medication, or immunosuppressant, run this product through our interaction checker first—the risks are real. It may help with cholesterol and blood sugar if you're interested in a supplement approach, but the evidence for gymnema specifically is still uncertain.

Talk to your pharmacist or doctor before starting, especially if you're pregnant, breastfeeding, or on multiple medications.

Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI

Assessment coverage: 3 of 3 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Nov 22, 2024.

This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed

At a glance

General information

Key facts about Carb & Sugar Blocker, straight from the product label.

Brand Dr. Stephanie's
Barcode (UPC) 860001380736
Net contents 45 Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Nov 22, 2024
DSLD ID 318639
Product type Other Combinations
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses Nutrient, All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), Women (not pregnant or lactating)
From the label
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.

Supplement Facts

The label details for Carb & Sugar Blocker by Dr. Stephanie's, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
1 Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 Capsule(s)
Servings per container
45
UPC/BARCODE
860001380736
IngredientAmount% DV
Chromium99 mcg285%
Gymnema sylvestre200 mg--
Berberine Hydrochloride435 mg--

Other ingredients: Microcrystalline Cellulose, Magnesium Stearate, Silicon Dioxide, Hypromellose

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

Label statements
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
Formulation

Stimulant-free weight loss support!

Dr. Stephanie's 700+ mg potent doses!

Weight loss program Fights: Glucose spikes Carb absorption Sugar cravings Fat storage

General Statements

Other sugar blockers Cheap fillers Less than 160 mg Not enough! Our story.... "I was frustrated that there were no products available that contained enough of or the right active ingredients. Using medical research and with a team of the top Endocrinologists in the USA, I formulated my own products. My products offer the most effective combination of ingredients, at high enough doses, with fewer pills, and from one trusted source. You can feel confident you are getting natural supplements that are truly worth taking." Doctor Stephanie Dr. Stephanie Redmond Certified Diabetes Educator

Insulin is a fat-storing hormone! Fat Storage Cycle Eating carbs causes a spike in blood sugars. In response, the pancreas secretes insulin. Insulin stores fat & increases hunger. Describing a normal response in healthy individuals. Benefits described are when used with a healthy lifestyle as part of your weight loss plan. The insert inside includes helpful lifestyle tips as part of this weight loss program.

Founder & formulator Dr. Stephanie Redmond Certified Diabetes Educator

Formula

How it works Take 1 capsule with meals to: Reduce digested carbs Berberine helps block a digestive enzyme that breaks down carbs into sugars to reduce absorption of carbs & calories. Reduce sugar cravings Gymnema can occupy sugar receptors to trick the brain into not craving sugar. Fight fat storage Chromium supports healthy after-meal blood sugars and insulin levels (a fat-storing hormone) to support weight loss. Support fat burn Berberine supports healthy leptin function, a hormone that decreases hunger & promotes calorie burn.

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Take with meals

Suggested Use: Take 1 capsule before meals. Do not exceed 3 capsules per day. Please allow 3-4 weeks of consistent daily use before expecting benefits.

FDA Statement of Identity

A Dietary Supplement

Seals/Symbols

Made in USA with globally sourced ingredients

Precautions

Do not exceed 3 capsules per day.

Please read before use: Never stop medications without doctor supervision when starting this supplement. Not to be used during pregnancy or lactation. Consult with your doctor before use if you have any medical conditions or take medications.

Warning: For adult use only. Keep out of reach of children.

Use only as directed. Do not use if bottle seal is broken.

FDA Disclaimer Statement

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Is this label outdated? Report a formula or label change and our pharmacy team will review it.

See for yourself

Carb & Sugar Blocker by Dr. Stephanie's label

The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.

Carb & Sugar Blocker label

Label images are published by the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database for the version of this product on file. Always read your actual product label.

View the full label (PDF)
What’s inside

The Ingredients in Carb & Sugar Blocker by Dr. Stephanie's

These are the 3 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size1 Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container45 Amounts shown are per serving.

Most supplement products combine several ingredients, and a medication can interact with the product through any one of them. Each ingredient below shows whether it has known drug interactions.

Chromium

Interacts with
178 drugs
99 mcg per serving Form: Chromium Picolinate

Chromium is an essential trace mineral involved in how the body handles sugar and fat. Some studies suggest it may modestly help blood sugar control i...

Chromium monograph & interactions

Gymnema sylvestre

Interacts with
851 drugs
200 mg per serving

Gymnema is an Ayurvedic herb best known for possibly helping lower blood sugar and reducing the taste of sweetness on the tongue. Some early human stu...

Gymnema sylvestre monograph & interactions

Berberine Hydrochloride

Interacts with
1,160 drugs
435 mg per serving Form: Phellodendron amurense

Berberine is a yellow plant compound that has shown promise for lowering blood sugar and cholesterol in some studies, but the quality of research vari...

Berberine Hydrochloride monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Microcrystalline Cellulose, Magnesium Stearate, Silicon Dioxide, Hypromellose. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Carb & Sugar Blocker by Dr. Stephanie's Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Carb & Sugar Blocker?

Ask about interactions with your drugs in plain English — “Can I take it with lisinopril?” — and we find you the answer in seconds, ingredient by ingredient.

 Go to the checker
1,216Drugs
1 Major 1,196 Moderate 19 Minor

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Berberine Hydrochloride 1,160
Gymnema sylvestre 851
Chromium 178

Individual Drug Interactions

The ingredients in Carb & Sugar Blocker interact with 1,216 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.

3 of the 3 ingredients in Carb & Sugar Blocker interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Berberine Hydrochloride Gymnema sylvestre Chromium

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Carb & Sugar Blocker with known interactions, here are the types of medications they can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

Berberine Hydrochloride15 drug types · 1,160 drugs

Cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune)

Berberine can increase serum levels of cyclosporine.
Berberine can reduce metabolism and increase serum levels of cyclosporine. Berberine might inhibit cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4), which metabolizes cyclosporine.

Likelihood Probable Evidence A
Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, berberine might increase the risk of bleeding when used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
In vitro and in vivo research suggest that berberine can inhibit platelet aggregation. Theoretically, berberine might have additive effects when used with anticoagulant and antiplatelet drugs and increase the risk of bleeding.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, berberine may increase the risk of hypoglycemia when taken with antidiabetes drugs.
Clinical research shows that berberine may lower blood glucose levels. Theoretically, berberine might have additive effects with antidiabetes drugs and increase the risk of hypoglycemia.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antihypertensive Drugs

Theoretically, berberine might have additive effects with antihypertensive drugs.
Animal research suggests that berberine can have hypotensive effects. Also, a clinical study suggests that taking berberine in combination with amlodipine can lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure when compared with amlodipine alone.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cns Depressants

Theoretically, berberine might increase the sedative effects of CNS depressants.
Animal research suggests that berberine may have sedative effects. Theoretically, use of berberine along with CNS depressants might produce additive therapeutic and adverse effects.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 2C9 (Cyp2C9) Substrates

Theoretically, berberine might increase serum levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2C9.
Preliminary clinical research shows that berberine can inhibit CYP2C9. Theoretically, taking berberine with drugs metabolized by CYP2C9 might increase drug levels and increase the risk of adverse effects.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Cytochrome P450 2D6 (Cyp2D6) Substrates

Theoretically, berberine might increase serum levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2D6.
In vitro research and preliminary clinical evidence show that berberine can inhibit CYP2D6. Theoretically, use of berberine with drugs metabolized by CYP2D6 might increase drug levels and increase the risk of adverse effects.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Cytochrome P450 3A4 (Cyp3A4) Substrates

Theoretically, berberine might increase serum levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
In vitro research and preliminary clinical research show that berberine moderately inhibits CYP3A4. Theoretically, use of berberine with drugs metabolized by CYP3A4 might increase drug levels and increase the risk of adverse effects.

Likelihood Possible Evidence A
Dextromethorphan (Robitussin Dm, Others)

Theoretically, berberine may increase serum levels of dextromethorphan.
Preliminary clinical research shows that berberine can inhibit cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) activity and reduce the metabolism of dextromethorphan. This may increase the effects and side effects of dextromethorphan.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Losartan (Cozaar)

Berberine might reduce the therapeutic effects of losartan by decreasing its conversion to its active form.
Preliminary clinical research suggests that berberine can inhibit cytochrome P450 2C9 (CYP2C9) activity and reduce metabolism of losartan.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Metformin (Glucophage)

Theoretically, berberine might increase the therapeutic and adverse effects of metformin.
In vitro and animal studies show that berberine can increase the systemic exposure and half-life of metformin, potentially increasing metformin's effects and side effects. This interaction seems to be most apparent when berberine is administered 2 hours prior to metformin. Taking berberine and metformin at the same time does not appear to increase systemic exposure to metformin.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Midazolam (Versed)

Berberine can reduce metabolism of midazolam, which might increase the risk of severe adverse effects.
Preliminary clinical research shows that berberine can inhibit cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) activity and reduce metabolism of midazolam.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Pentobarbital (Nembutal)

Berberine might increase the sedative effect of pentobarbital.
Evidence from animal research shows that berberine can prolong pentobarbital-induced sleeping time. Theoretically, combining berberine and pentobarbital might increase the sedative effects of pentobarbital.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Tacrolimus (Prograf)

Berberine has been associated with increased blood levels of tacrolimus.
In a 16-year-old patient with idiopathic nephrotic syndrome who was being treated with tacrolimus 6.5 mg twice daily, intake of berberine 200 mg three times daily increased the blood concentration of tacrolimus from 8 to 22 ng/mL. Following a reduction of the tacrolimus dose to 3 mg daily, blood levels of tacrolimus decreased to 12 ng/mL.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Acetazolamide

Laboratory studies and initial clinical findings suggest that berberine has the potential to increase acetazolamide concentrations in the body. More research is needed to confirm this interaction.

Likelihood Possible Evidence C
Berberine Hydrochloride full monograph & interactions

Gymnema sylvestre6 drug types · 851 drugs

Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, taking gymnema with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
Gymnema reduces blood glucose levels in some human and animal research. In human studies, it has been shown to enhance the blood glucose lowering effects of hypoglycemic drugs. However, other research in adults with prediabetes or metabolic syndrome suggests that gymnema does not reduce fasting levels of blood glucose. Until more is known, monitor blood glucose levels closely.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Cytochrome P450 1A2 (Cyp1A2) Substrates

Theoretically, gymnema might increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP1A2.
Animal and in vitro research shows that gymnema can inhibit the CYP1A2 enzyme. In one animal study, oral administration of gymnema for 7 days increased the plasma concentrations of phenacetin, a CYP1A2 substrate, by about 1.4-fold and reduced the clearance of phenacetin by about 29%.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 2C9 (Cyp2C9) Substrates

Theoretically, gymnema might increase or decrease levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2C9.
Animal research shows that gymnema can induce the CYP2C9 enzyme. In one animal study, gymnema caused a 2.4-fold increase in the clearance of tolbutamide, a CYP2C9 substrate, in rats. In vitro research also shows that gymnema can inhibit CYP2C9.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Phenacetin

Theoretically, taking gymnema with phenacetin might increase the levels of phenacetin.
Animal research shows that gymnema, administered orally for 7 days, decreases the clearance of phenacetin in a dose-dependent manner by about 21% to 29% and increases plasma levels about 1.3- to 1.4-fold when compared to control.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Tolbutamide (Orinase)

Theoretically, taking gymnema with tolbutamide might the decrease levels of tolbutamide.
Animal research shows that gymnema, administered orally for 7 days, increases the clearance of tolbutamide by 2.4-fold when compared to control.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 3A4 (Cyp3A4) Substrates

Theoretically, gymnema might increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
One in vitro study using rat liver microsomes shows that gymnema can modestly inhibit the CYP3A4 enzyme. However, other in vitro research using human liver microsomes shows that gymnema does not affect CYP3A4 activity. Animal research also shows that gymnema does not alter the function of CYP3A4. In one study in rats, oral administration of gymnema for 7 days did not alter the clearance of amlodipine, a CYP3A4 substrate.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence D
Gymnema sylvestre full monograph & interactions

Chromium5 drug types · 178 drugs

Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, chromium may have additive effects with antidiabetic agents and increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
Some research shows that taking chromium might lower blood glucose levels, especially in patients with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes.

Likelihood Possible Evidence A
Insulin

Theoretically, concomitant use of chromium and insulin might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
In clinical research, chromium has been shown to increase insulin sensitivity,

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Levothyroxine (Synthroid, Others)

Chromium might bind levothyroxine in the intestinal tract and decrease levothyroxine absorption.
Clinical research in healthy volunteers shows that taking chromium picolinate 1000 mcg with levothyroxine 1 mg decreases serum levels of levothyroxine by 17% when compared to taking levothyroxine alone. Advise patients to take levothyroxine at least 30 minutes before or 3-4 hours after taking chromium.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Aspirin

Theoretically, aspirin might increase chromium absorption.
Animal research suggests that aspirin may increase chromium absorption and chromium levels in the blood.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (Nsaids)

NSAIDs might increase chromium levels in the body.
Drugs that are prostaglandin inhibitors, such as NSAIDs, seem to increase chromium absorption and retention.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Chromium full monograph & interactions
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Carb & Sugar Blocker, from the product label.

Dr. Stephanie's

See all Dr. Stephanie's products
Name
Pharmaganics LLC
Street Address
2010 East Center Circle Suite 500
City
Plymouth
State
MN
ZipCode
55441
Phone Number
1-888-554-0345
Web Address
www.DrStephanies.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Carb & Sugar Blocker by Dr. Stephanie's: Common Questions

Does Carb & Sugar Blocker by Dr. Stephanie's interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Carb & Sugar Blocker has a known interaction with 1,216 medications, including 1 rated major. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Carb & Sugar Blocker contains 3 active ingredients, and an interaction can come from any of them. We check every ingredient, combine the results into one list per medication, and show which ingredient and mechanism is responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
Can I take this if I'm on diabetes medication?
No—both chromium and gymnema are documented to have additive effects with diabetes drugs and raise the risk of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Berberine does the same. Talk to your pharmacist or doctor before using this product if you take any diabetes medication.
Will this help my blood sugar or cholesterol?
Chromium is possibly effective for diabetes, and berberine is possibly effective for both high cholesterol and diabetes. Gymnema has insufficient evidence in our data to rate. Results vary person to person, and this product is not a substitute for medical care or prescribed medications.
Can I take this while pregnant or breastfeeding?
No. Berberine should be avoided—it may harm the developing baby or pass into breast milk. Gymnema should also be avoided due to insufficient safety data. Chromium in small amounts from food or prenatal vitamins is generally acceptable, but extra supplement doses should be avoided unless your doctor recommends them. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist for personalized advice.
What are the most common side effects?
Berberine most commonly causes digestive upset—belly pain, constipation, diarrhea, gas, nausea, or vomiting—plus possible dizziness, drowsiness, or headache. Chromium may cause gastrointestinal irritation, headaches, insomnia, or mood changes. Both ingredients are generally well tolerated at typical doses, but side effects vary.
Does this interact with my thyroid medication?
Yes. Chromium can bind to levothyroxine (thyroid medication) in your gut and reduce how much your body absorbs—one study showed a 17% drop in thyroid medication levels. Ask your pharmacist or doctor about spacing and dosing before you start.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

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Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.

Carb & Sugar Blocker label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Carb & Sugar Blocker’s Ingredients

Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.

Herb & supplement monograph

Chromium

Interacts with 178 drugs

Chromium is an essential trace mineral involved in how the body handles sugar and fat. Some studies suggest it may modestly help blood sugar control in certain people with type 2 diabetes, b...

Read the full Chromium monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Gymnema

Interacts with 851 drugs

Gymnema is an Ayurvedic herb best known for possibly helping lower blood sugar and reducing the taste of sweetness on the tongue. Some early human studies are encouraging for blood sugar sup...

Read the full Gymnema monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Berberine

Interacts with 1,160 drugs

Berberine is a yellow plant compound that has shown promise for lowering blood sugar and cholesterol in some studies, but the quality of research varies and it is not a replacement for presc...

Read the full Berberine monograph →
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Carb & Sugar Blocker's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.

Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.

The 106 references behind this product’s interaction data

Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

Chromium 53 references
  1. Cerulli J, Grabe DW, Gauthier I, et al. Chromium picolinate toxicity. Ann Pharmacother 1998;32:428-31. PubMed
  2. Urberg M, Zemel MB. Evidence for synergism between chromium and nicotinic acid in the control of glucose tolerance in elderly humans. Metabolism 1987;36:896-9. PubMed
  3. Mohamedshah FY, Moser-Veillon PB, Yamini S, et al. Distribution of a stable isotope of chromium (53Cr) in serum, urine, and breast milk in lactating women. Am J Clin Nutr 1998;67:1250-5. PubMed
  4. Wasser WG, Feldman NS, D'Agati VD. Chronic renal failure after ingestion of over-the-counter chromium picolinate. [letter]. Ann Intern Med 1997;126:410. PubMed
  5. Mertz W. Interaction of chromium with insulin: a progress report. Nutr Rev 1998;56:174-7. PubMed
  6. Anderson RA. Chromium, glucose intolerance and diabetes. J Am Coll Nutr 1998;17:548-55. PubMed
  7. McLeod MN, Gaynes BN, Golden RN. Chromium potentiation of antidepressant pharmacotherapy for dysthymic disorder in 5 patients. J Clin Psych 1999;60:237-40. PubMed
  8. Fowler JF Jr. Systemic contact dermatitis caused by oral chromium picolinate. Cutis 2000;65:116. DOI
  9. Trent LK, Thieding-Cancel D. Effects of chromium picolinate on body composition. J Sports Med Phys Fitness 1995;35:273-80.
  10. Food and Nutrition Board, Institute of Medicine. Dietary Reference Intakes for Vitamin A, Vitamin K, Arsenic, Boron, Chromium, Copper, Iodine, Iron, Manganese, Molybdenum, Nickel, Silicon, Vanadium, and Zinc. Washington, DC: National Academy Press, 2002.
  11. Rabinovitz H, Friedensohn A, Leibovitz A, et al. Effect of chromium supplementation on blood glucose and lipid levels in type 2 diabetes mellitus elderly patients. Int J Vitam Nutr Res 2004;74:178-82. PubMed
  12. Lanca S, Alves A, Vieira AI, et al. Chromium-induced toxic hepatitis. Eur J Intern Med 2002;13:518-20. PubMed
  13. Kockler DR, McCarthy MW, Lawson CL. Seizure activity and unresponsiveness after hydroxycut ingestion. Pharmacotherapy 2001;21:647-51.. PubMed
  14. Davidson JR, Abraham K, Connor KM, McLeod MN. Effectiveness of chromium in atypical depression: a placebo-controlled trial. Biol Psychiatry 2003;53:261-4.. PubMed
  15. Food Standards Agency. Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). Expert Group on Vitamins and Minerals. Available at: http://cot.food.gov.uk/sites/default/files/vitmin2003.pdf.
  16. Mouser JF, Hak EB, Helms RA, et al. Chromium and zinc concentrations in pediatric patients receiving long-term parenteral nutrition. Am J Health Syst Pharm 1999;56:1950-6. PubMed
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