Chromium picolinate and Rytary

• Generic Name: chromium picolinate
• Dosage Forms: n.a.
• Other Brand Names: Cr-GTF, CRM, Chromium GTF

Chromium is a mineral found in certain foods. The body needs only trace amounts of chromium, and deficiency of this mineral in humans is rare.

Chromium picolinate works together with insulin produced by the pancreas to metabolize carbohydrates.

Chromium picolinate has been used in alternative medicine to treat chromium deficiency, as an aid to controlling blood sugar in people with diabetes or prediabetes, to lower cholesterol, and as a weight-loss supplement.

Not all uses for chromium picolinate have been approved by the FDA. Chromium picolinate should not be used in place of medication prescribed for you by your doctor.

Chromium picolinate is often sold as an herbal supplement. There are no regulated manufacturing standards in place for many herbal compounds and some marketed supplements have been found to be contaminated with toxic metals or other drugs. Herbal/health supplements should be purchased from a reliable source to minimize the risk of contamination.

Chromium picolinate may also be used for purposes not listed in this product guide.

• Generic Name: carbidopa / levodopa
• Dosage Forms: capsule, extended release
• Other Brand Names: Parcopa, Rytary, Sinemet, Sinemet CR, Duopa

Rytary is a combination medicine used to treat symptoms of Parkinson's disease, such as muscle stiffness, tremors, spasms, and poor muscle control. Parkinson's disease may be caused by low levels of a chemical called dopamine (DOE pa meen) in the brain.

Levodopa is converted to dopamine in the brain. Carbidopa helps prevent the breakdown of levodopa before it can reach the brain and take effect.

Rytary is also used to treat Parkinson symptoms caused by carbon monoxide poisoning or manganese intoxication.

Rytary may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.