Medications for other conditions

Medicines you get with a prescription and some that you buy over the counter (OTC) can be a problem for people who need to control their blood sugar. It should be discussed with your doctor the potential effects of any prescription medications or dietary supplements you may be taking on your A1C.

Some medicines that are used for other conditions such as high blood pressure, COPD, or depression can affect your blood sugar. For instance, medications including opioids and some HIV medications might cause falsely high A1C levels. Prescription medicines that can raise your glucose include:

• Steroids (also called corticosteroids) are used to treat diseases caused by inflammation, like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and allergies. Common steroids include hydrocortisone and prednisone. But steroid creams (for a rash) or inhalers (for asthma) aren’t a problem.
• Drugs that treat anxiety, ADHD, depression, and other mental health problems. These can include clozapine, olanzapine, quetiapine, and risperidone.
• Birth control pills
• Drugs that treat high blood pressure, such as beta-blockers and thiazide diuretics
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