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Insulin Drug Interactions

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Click on an icon to view.Insulin Drug Interactions Explained
Any of the medications discussed in this article may increase the risk of low blood sugar when combined with insulin (or any other insulin medications). Therefore, it is a good idea to check with your healthcare provider before you take any of these medications with insulin. Your healthcare provider may recommend that you monitor your blood sugar levels more closely for a while to see if you need to adjust your insulin dosage. In some cases, an alternative medication that does not cause interactions may be recommended.
It is also important to check with your healthcare provider any time you stop taking any of the medications listed in this article, or any time your dose is adjusted. Again, you may need to monitor your blood sugar levels more closely for a while, and your healthcare provider may need to adjust your dose of insulin.
Final Thoughts
Many insulin drug interactions were not discussed in this article, including interactions that may cause high blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia). These interactions are not usually dangerous, although they may become dangerous if they are not treated. In these cases, you may need to have your insulin dosage adjusted. It is a good idea to get into the practice of checking with your healthcare provider any time you start, stop, or change the dose of any medication, including non-prescription medications.
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD