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Herbs & Supplements
Airelle
Scientific Name: Bilberry
Other Names: Dyeberry, European Blueberry, Huckleberry, Vaccinium myrtillus, Whortleberry, Wineberry
What interactions should I watch for?
Prescription Drugs
The possible blood sugar-lowering effects of bilberry leaf may interfere with insulin and oral drugs for diabetes, such as:
- acarbose
- Avandia
- glimepiride
- glipizide
- glyburide
- Glyset
- metformin
- Prandin
Herbal Products
Because bilberry leaf may decrease blood sugar levels, taking it with other blood sugar-lowering herbal products may result in hypoglycemia--blood sugar that is too low. Herbals that may reduce blood sugar include:
- Eleuthero
- Fenugreek
- Ginger (in high amounts)
- Kudzu
- Panax ginseng
Foods
Although no interactions have been reported between bilberry and foods, the tannins in bilberry may interfere with the absorption of minerals such as calcium, iron, and magnesium from foods. A dietary deficiency of these minerals is very rare in the United States, but it might be possible if very large amounts of bilberry are used.
No other interactions have been reported between bilberry and prescription drugs, non-prescription drugs, other herbal supplements, or foods. However, because few reliable studies of bilberry have been conducted, its possible interactions with drugs, foods, and other dietary supplements are not understood completely. Other oral products that contain tannins have interfered with the way the body uses certain drugs. A doctor or pharmacist should be aware of all the prescription and non-prescription medicines being taken before an individual begins to use bilberry or any other herbal supplement.
Some interactions between herbal products and medications can be more severe than others. The best way for you to avoid harmful interactions is to tell your doctor and/or pharmacist what medications you are currently taking, including any over-the-counter products, vitamins, and herbals. For specific information on how bilberry interacts with drugs, other herbals, and foods and the severity of those interactions, please use our Drug Interactions Checker to check for possible interactions.
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Note: The above information is not intended to replace the advice of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It is not meant to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you.
In general, herbal products are not subject to review or approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). They are not required to be standardized, meaning that the amounts of active ingredients or contaminants they contain may vary between brands or between different batches of the same brand. Not all of the risks, side effects, or interactions associated with the use of herbal products are known because few reliable studies of their use in humans have been done.
This information is provided for your education only. Please share this information with your healthcare provider and be sure that you talk to your doctor and pharmacist about all the prescription and non-prescription medicines you take before you begin to use any herbal product.
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What interactions should I watch for?
