Interactions on record — worth a quick check against your medications. Based on 6 of 9 ingredients. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

Cheaters Relief Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by BSN

Cheaters Relief label
See full label image
Capsule Category: Other Combinations
Most serious interaction: Moderate
Clinical methodology reviewed by · Updated Sep 23, 2026 · Label data from the NIH DSLD
What is this page for?

First and foremost: checking Cheaters Relief 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: Moderate

Cheaters Relief is a dietary supplement by BSN with 9 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for blood sugar control, high cholesterol, hangover symptoms.Based on those ingredients, 916 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Citrillin HCA, Fenugreek extract, R-ALA. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

Jump to a section

Check Your Meds Against Cheaters Relief by BSN

Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with Cheaters Relief by BSN — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.

Pharmacist-reviewed data Checks every ingredient Answer in seconds
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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Cheaters Relief by BSN

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 12, 2026

What’s inside

Low disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Low

Most active ingredients don't disclose an individual amount — you can't tell how much of each you're getting.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 1 of its 9 active ingredients.
  • “Fat Relief Blend” is a proprietary blend — the label doesn't break down how much of each component you get.
  • “Carb Relief Blend” is a proprietary blend — the label doesn't break down how much of each component you get.

Cheaters Relief contains 9 ingredients, six of which are active: Prickly Pear Cactus, Chitosan, Cassia Nomame extract, Citrillin HCA (garcinia), R-ALA (alpha-lipoic acid), and Fenugreek extract. The product also includes proprietary blends called the Cheaters Relief Proprietary Matrix, Fat Relief Blend, and Carb Relief Blend, as well as three inactive ingredients—magnesium stearate, gelatin, and silicon dioxide—used as binders and capsule material.

Three ingredients—Phaseo-Lean and Cinnulin-PF—have no interaction data on file, and effectiveness information for some of the blends isn't detailed.

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: manage unwanted body fat.
  • We looked for evidence on: Metabolic syndrome, Hyperlipidemia, Hypercholesterolemia, Hypertriglyceridemia, Impaired glucose tolerance (prediabetes), Diabetes — and 4 related terms.
  • The strongest evidence on file: Fenugreek is rated "Possibly Effective" for Diabetes (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Alpha-lipoic Acid is rated "Possibly Effective" for Hyperlipidemia.
  • Also on file: Prickly Pear Cactus is rated "Possibly Effective" for Diabetes.

Evidence for the active ingredients varies. Prickly Pear Cactus is possibly effective for diabetes.

Chitosan is possibly effective for obesity, postoperative recovery, and high blood pressure. Alpha-lipoic Acid (R-ALA) is possibly effective for diabetic nerve damage (neuropathy), high cholesterol, and obesity.

Fenugreek extract is possibly effective for sexual dysfunction, sexual arousal, difficult menstrual periods (dysmenorrhea), and diabetes. For Citrillin HCA (garcinia), the evidence we hold shows insufficient reliable evidence for athletic performance, fatty liver disease, and high cholesterol.

For Cassia Nomame, no effectiveness ratings are on file. The evidence for the proprietary blends themselves isn't established in our data.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Prickly Pear Cactus Chitosan Cassia Nomame Garcinia Alpha-lipoic Acid Fenugreek

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 5 of the 6 matched ingredients.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 6 of 6.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 6 of 6.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Most of these ingredients are generally well tolerated in short-term use. Prickly Pear Cactus commonly causes abdominal fullness, indigestion, mild diarrhea, and nausea; rare cases of headache, insomnia, and dizziness have been reported.

Chitosan commonly causes constipation, diarrhea, bloating, stomach discomfort, nausea, and throat dryness; in one case, someone with kidney failure experienced itching. Citrillin HCA (garcinia) commonly causes diarrhea, stomach discomfort, headache, and nausea; rare serious cases include liver injury and liver failure, heart inflammation, and mania.

Alpha-lipoic Acid (R-ALA) commonly causes headache, heartburn, nausea, and vomiting; rare cases of insulin autoimmune syndrome have been reported. Fenugreek extract commonly causes stomach pain, bloating, diarrhea, indigestion, gas, and nausea; severe allergic reactions including anaphylaxis are rare but documented.

None of these ingredients have adequate safety data for pregnancy, and you should avoid them during pregnancy. For breastfeeding: Prickly Pear Cactus, Chitosan, Citrillin HCA, and Alpha-lipoic Acid should be avoided; Fenugreek extract is possibly safe for breastfeeding and is sometimes used to support milk supply, but discuss this with your provider first.

Cassia Nomame has no reliable safety data for breastfeeding.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Prickly Pear Cactus Chitosan Cassia Nomame Garcinia Alpha-lipoic Acid Fenugreek

Meds to double-check

Moderate interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Moderate identified

The most serious documented interaction for these ingredients is Moderate. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 5 of the 6 matched ingredients can interact with medications — Chitosan, Fenugreek, Alpha-lipoic Acid, Garcinia, Prickly Pear Cactus.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs; cancer treatments; diabetes medications.
  • For scale: 917 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.

Before taking Cheaters Relief, check with your pharmacist if you take serotonergic drugs (antidepressants, some anxiety medications)—this product carries the most serious risk. Also screen for diabetes medications, blood thinners (warfarin, clopidogrel, or other anticoagulants/antiplatelet drugs), theophylline, phenytoin, sildenafil, metoprolol, acyclovir, thyroid hormone, or any chemotherapy drugs.

If you have liver disease or a history of liver problems, discuss this product with your pharmacist—rare cases of liver injury have been reported.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFormula with limited ingredient disclosure with some supporting evidence for its stated purpose. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

This product is a multi-ingredient formula with a wide range of documented interactions, particularly with serotonergic drugs, diabetes medications, blood thinners, and thyroid medications. If you take any prescription drugs—especially antidepressants, blood thinners, diabetes medications, or thyroid hormone—check them against the medication tool before starting.

If you're pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your pharmacist or doctor first. The ingredients are generally tolerated short-term, but quality evidence for the product's overall effectiveness is limited.

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

Assessment coverage: 6 of 9 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Nov 25, 2011.

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 Cheaters Relief, straight from the product label.

Brand BSN
Barcode (UPC) 834266001200
Net contents 120 Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Nov 25, 2011
DSLD ID 2299
Product type Other Combinations
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years)
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 Cheaters Relief by BSN, 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:
2 Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
4 Capsule(s)
Servings per container
120
UPC/BARCODE
834266001200
IngredientAmount% DV
Cheaters Relief Proprietary Matrix510 mg--
Fat Relief Blend0 NP--
NeOpuntia Prickly Pear0 NP--
Chitosan0 NP--
Cassia nomame extract0 NP--
Carb Relief Blend0 NP--
Citrillin HCA0 NP--
Phaseo-Lean0 NP--
R-ALA0 NP--
Fenugreek extract0 NP--
Cinnulin-PF0 NP--

Other ingredients: Magnesium Stearate, Gelatin, Silicon Dioxide

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.
FDA Statement of Identity

DIETARY SUPPLEMENT

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Carbs Per Meal 45g-64g 65g-84g 85g + Fats Per Meal 8g-15g 16g-23g 24g + 15 min. Before Meal 2 capsules 3 capsules 4 capsules 15 min. After Meal 2 capsules 3 capsules 4 capsules

Consume a minimum of 120 oz. of water per day alongside a well balanced nutritional program and regular exercise.

RECOMMENDED USE: As a dietary supplement, use the chart below to determine the amount of capsules to take 15-20 minutes prior to, and 15-20 minutes after a meal which corresponds to the carbohydrates and fats listed in the chart. Drink with 8 oz. of water. Any fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E & K) or essential fatty acids should be taken at least 4 hours before or after ingestion of this product. Do not consume more than 3 servings per day.

Precautions

Keep out of reach of children and pets.

Do no use if you are contemplating pregnancy, pregnant or nursing.

Allergen Warning: DO NOT USE CHEATERS RELIEF(TM) if you are sensitive or allergic to shellfish (this product contains Chitosan which is derived from shellfish).

Manufactured on equipment which processes products containing milk, egg, soybeans, shellfish, fish, tree nuts and peanuts.

Not intended for use by persons under the age of 18.

WARNING: Before consuming CHEATERS RELIEF(TM) seek advice from a health care practitioner if you are unaware of your current health condition or have any pre-existing medical condition including but not limited to: high or low blood pressure, cardiac arrhythmia, storke; heart, liver, or thyroid disease; anxiety, depression, seizure diorder, psychiatric disease, diabetes, pernicious anemia, difficulty urinating due to prostate enlargement, or if you are taking an MAO inhibitor or any other medication.

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.

Storage

Store in a cool dry place.

Formula

DESIGNED FOR: Healthy adults seeking to manage unwanted body fat.*

General Statements

CARB & FAT REGULATION* - WEIGHT MANAGEMENT* - LEAN MUSCLE*

CORE SERIES

FOUNDATION

Made in the USA.

PRE & POST-MEAL CARB & FAT REGULATION*

RELIEF

This product contains ingredients of international and domestic origin

General

V.3.120.0409US

Brand IP Statement(s)

CHEATERS RELIEF(TM) supports the following segment of the BSN Supplement Pyramid(TM): Weight Management.

Cinnulin PF(R) is a registered trademark of Integrity Nutraceuticals International.

FINISH FIRST.(R)

MORE FREEDOM TO ENJOY.(TM)*

Stack with ATRO-PHEX(TM), NITRIX(R), LEAN DESSERT PROTEIN(TM), N.O.-XPLODE(TM), AND SYNTHA-6(TM) for maximum physique and performance impact.*

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

See for yourself

Cheaters Relief by BSN label

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

Cheaters Relief 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 Cheaters Relief by BSN

These are the 9 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size2 Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container120 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.

Cheaters Relief Proprietary Matrix

510 mg per serving

Fat Relief Blend

0 NP per serving

Carb Relief Blend

0 NP per serving

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

Interaction report

Cheaters Relief by BSN Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Cheaters Relief?

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
916Drugs
766 Moderate 150 Minor

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Citrillin HCA 704
Fenugreek extract 389
R-ALA 263
NeOpuntia Prickly Pear 86
Chitosan 3

Individual Drug Interactions

The ingredients in Cheaters Relief interact with 916 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.

5 of the 9 ingredients in Cheaters Relief interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Citrillin HCA Fenugreek extract R-ALA NeOpuntia Prickly Pear Chitosan

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Cheaters Relief 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.

Citrillin HCA4 drug types · 704 drugs

Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, hydroxycitric acid (HCA), the main active ingredient in garcinia, might increase the risk of bleeding when used with antiplatelet or anticoagulant drugs.
HCA inhibits platelet aggregation in vitro. The inhibitory effect seems to be greater in platelets extracted from diabetic subjects than non-diabetic subjects.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, hydroxycitric acid (HCA), the main active ingredient in garcinia, might have additive effects with antidiabetes drugs and increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
HCA reduces fasting and postprandial blood glucose levels in animal models, theoretically by delaying glucose absorption. This effect has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Hepatotoxic Drugs

Theoretically, concomitant use with other potentially hepatotoxic drugs might increase the risk of developing liver damage.
There have been reports of acute hepatitis with elevated liver enzymes associated with garcinia, when taken alone or in combination with other ingredients. Case reports collected from the Drug Induced Liver Injury Network suggest this risk may be greater in people who carry the HLA B*35:01 allele.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Serotonergic Drugs

Theoretically, combining garcinia with other serotonergic drugs might increase the risk of serotonergic side effects, including serotonin syndrome.
In one report, a patient experienced serotonin syndrome after taking garcinia extract (60% hydroxycitric acid) 1000 mg daily in combination with escitalopram 20 mg, which had been taken for a year. The patient was switched to sertraline 50 mg daily and again experienced serotonin syndrome.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Citrillin HCA full monograph & interactions

Fenugreek extract9 drug types · 389 drugs

Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, fenugreek might have additive effects when used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Some of the constituents in fenugreek have antiplatelet effects in animal and in vitro research. However, common fenugreek products might not contain sufficient concentrations of these constituents for clinical effects. A clinical study in patients with coronary artery disease or diabetes shows that taking fenugreek seed powder 2.5 grams twice daily for 3 months does not affect platelet aggregation, fibrinolytic activity, or fibrinogen levels .

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence B
Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, fenugreek seed might have additive hypoglycemic effects when used with antidiabetes drugs.
Clinical research shows that fenugreek seed can reduce fasting blood glucose and 2-hour postprandial glucose levels in adults with type 2 diabetes.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Clopidogrel (Plavix)

Theoretically, fenugreek seed might alter the clinical effects of clopidogrel by inhibiting its conversion to the active form.
Animal research shows that fenugreek seed 200 mg/kg daily for 14 days increases the maximum serum concentration of clopidogrel by 21%. It is unclear how this affects the pharmacokinetics of the active metabolite of clopidogrel; however, this study found that concomitant use of fenugreek seed and clopidogrel prolonged bleeding time by an additional 11%.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Metoprolol (Toprol)

Theoretically, fenugreek seed might have additive hypotensive effects when used with metoprolol.
Animal research shows that fenugreek seed 300 mg/kg daily for 2 weeks decreases systolic and diastolic blood pressure by 9% and 11%, respectively, when administered alone, and by 15% and 22%, respectively, when given with metoprolol 10 mg/kg.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Phenytoin (Dilantin)

Theoretically, fenugreek might decrease plasma levels of phenytoin.
Animal research shows that taking fenugreek seeds for 1 week decreases maximum concentrations and the area under the curve of a single dose of phenytoin by 44% and 72%, respectively. This seems to be related to increased clearance. So far, this interaction has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Sildenafil (Viagra)

Theoretically, concurrent use of sildenafil and fenugreek might reduce levels and therapeutic effects of sildenafil.
Animal research shows that taking fenugreek seeds for 1 week reduces maximum concentrations and the area under the curve of a single dose of sildenafil by 27% and 48%, respectively. So far, this interaction has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Theophylline

Theoretically, fenugreek may reduce the levels and clinical effects of theophylline.
Animal research shows that fenugreek 50 grams daily for 7 days reduces the maximum serum concentration (Cmax) of theophylline by 28% and the area under the plasma drug concentration-time curve (AUC) by 22%.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Warfarin (Coumadin)

Theoretically, fenugreek might have additive effects with warfarin and increase the international normalized ratio (INR).
Some fenugreek constituents have antiplatelet effects, although these might not be present in concentrations that are clinically significant. In one case report, a patient taking warfarin experienced an increased INR when starting to take fenugreek in combination with boldo.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antihypertensive Drugs

Fenugreek may also have an additive effect on blood pressure-lowering medications. Studies on animals have shown that fenugreek seed can decrease both systolic and diastolic blood pressure by up to 22% when combined with metoprolol. Therefore, it is essential to monitor your blood pressure regularly if you are taking fenugreek and metoprolol together or any other antihypertensive drugs.

Likelihood Possible Evidence C
Fenugreek extract full monograph & interactions

R-ALA5 drug types · 263 drugs

Alkylating Agents

Theoretically, the antioxidant effects of alpha-lipoic acid might alter the effectiveness of alkylating agents.
The use of antioxidants like alpha-lipoic acid during chemotherapy is controversial. There are concerns that antioxidants could reduce the activity of chemotherapy drugs that generate free radicals. However, some researchers theorize that antioxidants might make chemotherapy more effective by reducing oxidative stress that might interfere with apoptosis (cell death) of cancer cells. More evidence is needed to determine what effect, if any, antioxidants such as alpha-lipoic acid have on chemotherapy. Advise patients to consult their oncologist before using alpha-lipoic acid.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, alpha-lipoic acid may have antiplatelet effects and may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
In vitro, alpha-lipoic acid inhibits platelet aggregation.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antitumor Antibiotics

Theoretically, the antioxidant effects of alpha-lipoic acid might alter the effectiveness of antitumor antibiotics.
The use of antioxidants like alpha-lipoic acid during chemotherapy is controversial. There are concerns that antioxidants could reduce the activity of antitumor antibiotic drugs, which work by generating free radicals. However, some researchers theorize that antioxidants might make chemotherapy more effective by reducing oxidative stress that might interfere with apoptosis (cell death) of cancer cells. More evidence is needed to determine what effect, if any, antioxidants such as alpha-lipoic acid have on chemotherapy involving antitumor antibiotics. Advise patients to consult their oncologist before using alpha-lipoic acid.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Thyroid Hormone

Theoretically, alpha-lipoic acid might decrease the effects of thyroid hormone drugs.
Animal research suggests that co-administration of thyroxine with alpha-lipoic acid reduces conversion into the active T3 form.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, taking alpha-lipoic acid with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
Although some small clinical studies have suggested that alpha-lipoic acid can lower blood glucose levels, larger clinical studies in patients with diabetes have shown no clinically meaningful effect. Additionally, co-administration of single doses of alpha-lipoic acid and glyburide or acarbose did not cause detectable drug interactions in healthy volunteers.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence B
R-ALA full monograph & interactions

NeOpuntia Prickly Pear1 drug type · 86 drugs

Antidiabetes Drugs

Combining prickly pear cactus with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
Case reports show that combining prickly pear cactus with antidiabetes drugs such as chlorpropamide, glyburide, glipizide, and metformin can increase the risk of hypoglycemia in patients with type 2 diabetes. Advise patients to monitor glucose levels closely. Dose adjustments may be necessary.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
NeOpuntia Prickly Pear full monograph & interactions

Chitosan2 drug types · 3 drugs

Acyclovir (Zovirax)

Chitosan can reduce the absorption of acyclovir, potentially increasing the risk for treatment failure.
Clinical research in humans shows that taking chitosan along with acyclovir 200 mg reduces acyclovir absorption. Concomitant administration of chitosan 400 mg or 1000 mg reduced the acyclovir area under the curve (AUC) and peak plasma concentration by about 30% and 40%, respectively, compared with control. Concomitant administration with chitosan 1000 mg also increased time to peak concentration from 1 hour to 2 hours. In vitro research suggests that the mechanism for reduced absorption is due to acyclovir entrapment in chitosan-mucus complexes, which reduces intestinal absorption.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Warfarin (Coumadin)

Theoretically, chitosan might increase the risk of bleeding when taken with warfarin.
In a case report, a patient taking warfarin had a significantly increased international normalized ratio (INR) after starting chitosan 1200 mg daily. The INR normalized after chitosan was discontinued and vitamin K was administered. The patient once again started taking chitosan and again had a significant increase in INR. The INR stabilized again once chitosan was discontinued. Researchers theorize that this interaction might occur because chitosan decreases absorption of fat-soluble vitamins, including vitamin K, which could increase the anticoagulant effect of warfarin.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Chitosan full monograph & interactions
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Cheaters Relief, from the product label.

BSN

See all BSN products
Web Address
www.BSNonline.net
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Cheaters Relief by BSN: Common Questions

Does Cheaters Relief by BSN interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Cheaters Relief has a known interaction with 916 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Cheaters Relief contains 9 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.
Does this product actually work for weight loss?
Some of the individual ingredients—Chitosan, Citrillin HCA (garcinia), and Alpha-lipoic Acid—are possibly effective for obesity according to clinical evidence. But the effectiveness of the proprietary blends in this product isn't established in our data, so we can't speak to how well the full formula works. Your results will depend on the dose, your individual metabolism, and lifestyle choices.
Is it safe to take this while I'm on blood thinners?
No—multiple ingredients in this product can interact with blood thinners and theoretically increase bleeding risk: Chitosan, Citrillin HCA, Alpha-lipoic Acid, and Fenugreek extract all carry documented moderate interactions. Talk to your pharmacist or doctor before taking this product if you're on warfarin, clopidogrel, or any other anticoagulant or antiplatelet drug.
Can I take this if I have diabetes or take diabetes medication?
You need to check with your pharmacist first. Prickly Pear Cactus, Citrillin HCA, Fenugreek extract, and Alpha-lipoic Acid all can interact with diabetes drugs and theoretically increase the risk of low blood sugar. Your doctor or pharmacist may need to monitor your glucose levels more closely or adjust your medication.
What's in the proprietary blends, and why aren't they listed individually?
The Cheaters Relief Proprietary Matrix, Fat Relief Blend, and Carb Relief Blend contain unnamed component ingredients that the manufacturer has kept confidential. We can't check interactions or effectiveness for those blends specifically, only for the six named active ingredients. If you need to know exactly what's inside, contact the manufacturer directly.
Can I take this while pregnant or breastfeeding?
During pregnancy, you should avoid this product—none of the active ingredients have enough safety data, and Fenugreek extract may affect the uterus. While breastfeeding, Fenugreek is possibly safe and is sometimes used to support milk supply, but talk to your doctor or pharmacist first. The other ingredients should be avoided while breastfeeding.
What are the most common side effects?
The most common side effects from these ingredients are gastrointestinal: abdominal pain or fullness, diarrhea, constipation, nausea, indigestion, and gas. Headache and nausea are also reported. Most people tolerate these ingredients short-term, but if you have a sensitive stomach or existing digestive issues, start low and monitor how you feel.

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.

Cheaters Relief label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Cheaters Relief’s Ingredients

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

Herb & supplement monograph

Prickly Pear Cactus

Interacts with 86 drugs

Prickly pear cactus is a desert plant whose pads and fruit are eaten as food and taken as a supplement, mainly for blood sugar, cholesterol, and hangover symptoms. Some small studies suggest...

Read the full Prickly Pear Cactus monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Chitosan

Interacts with 3 drugs

Chitosan is a fiber-like substance made from the shells of shrimp, crabs, and other shellfish, often marketed for weight loss and cholesterol. The evidence for these benefits is weak, and an...

Read the full Chitosan monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Cassia Nomame

Cassia nomame is a legume plant traditionally used in parts of Asia and now marketed mainly in weight-loss supplements for its supposed ability to block fat absorption. Human evidence is ver...

Read the full Cassia Nomame monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Garcinia

Interacts with 704 drugs

Garcinia is a tropical fruit whose rind contains hydroxycitric acid (HCA), widely marketed for weight loss and appetite control. The scientific evidence is weak and mixed, with most studies...

Read the full Garcinia monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Alpha-lipoic Acid

Interacts with 263 drugs

Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) is an antioxidant made naturally by the body and found in small amounts in foods. It is most studied for diabetic nerve pain, where some evidence suggests it may help...

Read the full Alpha-lipoic Acid monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Fenugreek

Interacts with 389 drugs

Fenugreek is a common kitchen spice that is also taken as a supplement, mainly for blood sugar, cholesterol, and to support breast milk production. Some early research is encouraging for blo...

Read the full Fenugreek monograph →
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Cheaters Relief'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 151 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.

Prickly Pear Cactus 9 references
  1. Meckes-Lozyoa M, Roman-Ramos R. Opuntia streptacantha; a coadjutor in the treatment of diabetes mellitus. Am J Chin Med 1986;14:116-8.
  2. Rayburn K, Martinez R, Escobedo M, et al. Glycemic effects of various species of nopal (Opuntia sp.) in type 2 diabetes mellitus. Texas J Rural Health 1998;26:68-76.
  3. Bush TM, Rayburn KS, Holloway SW, et al. Adverse interactions between herbal and dietary substances and prescription medications: a clinical survey. Altern Ther Health Med 2007;13:30-5.
  4. Sobieraj DM, Freyer CW. Probable hypoglycemic adverse drug reaction associated with prickly pear cactus, glipizide, and metformin in a patient with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Ann Pharmacother 2010;44:1334-7. PubMed
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Cassia Nomame 3 references
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Garcinia 44 references
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Alpha-lipoic Acid 48 references
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  29. Al-Mohizea AM, Ahad A, El-Maghraby GM, et al. Effects of Nigella sativa, Lepidium sativum and Trigonella foenum-graecum on sildenafil disposition in beagle dogs. Eur J Drug Metab Pharmacokinet. 2015;40(2):219-24. PubMed
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DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC

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