Can I Continue Taking My Medications & Vitamins While On the HCG Protocol?
In some cases, it's just fine to continue taking medications while on the HCG protocol, but in other cases, certain medications can interfere with the protocol and lead to stalled weight loss. It's important to talk to your doctor about the HCG protocol before you begin, especially if you're on any medications.
Monitoring Medications
Most participants in the HCG protocol who take blood pressure medications or medications to treat high cholesterol, thyroid problems, diabetes, and other chronic conditions do just fine on the protocol while still taking these. However, it's important that your physician monitors your progress and evaluates your medication periodically during the protocol, because some of the effects of the HCG Diet may leave you needing lower doses of these medications. For example, losing a lot of weight can reduce the severity of diabetes, and your blood pressure and cholesterol may automatically go down during and after the protocol.
Weight gain is a side effect of some medications, including steroids, seizure medications, and hormone replacement therapy, and in some cases, this may interfere with the protocol. Visit with your doctor to determine if you can safely go off of these medications during the protocol. If so, your doctor will probably want to closely monitor your condition. If not, there may be nothing to worry about, anyway. Some people do just fine on the protocol despite taking certain medications that purport to cause weight gain.
Vitamins During the Protocol
During the 500-calorie phase of the HCG protocol, you may take vitamin D and calcium if you have poor dental health. HCG can worsen some oral conditions, and vitamin D and calcium can slow the progression of any damage. Vitamin C is also permitted during the diet phase of the protocol and is recommended for treating a common cold during the diet. All other vitamins should be discontinued during the protocol. The most important thing is to make sure you take your vitamins as tablets and avoid any oil-based solutions during the diet phase.
Antibiotics
If you develop an infection that requires antibiotic treatment, go ahead and take it as prescribed. It shouldn't affect the success of the protocol. However, if you injure yourself and need antibiotic cream, make sure to use a topical solution that is oil-free. If you can't find one, use what you have, but apply the least possible amount, and wear a glove when you apply it so that you don't get more on your skin than is necessary. Keep in mind that most people over-apply these types of medications anyway. It doesn't take much antibiotic ointment to stave off an infection.
Asthma and Allergies
If you suffer from asthma or hay fever, cortisone can be taken during the protocol. Dr. Simeons recommends taking triamcinolone, which seems to have fewer negative effects on the success of the protocol. In many cases, people with asthma find that their condition naturally improves during and after the HCG protocol.