Interactions on record — worth a quick check against your medications. Based on 2 of 3 ingredients. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

BioCell Collagen Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by NOW

Capsule Category: Other Combinations
Most serious interaction: Moderate
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

BioCell Collagen is a dietary supplement by NOW with 3 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for osteoarthritis joint pain, joint stiffness, cartilage support.Based on those ingredients, 2 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Chondroitin Sulfate. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of BioCell Collagen by NOW

Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

What’s inside

Full disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Full

Every active ingredient lists its own amount on the label.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 3 of its 3 active ingredients.
  • “Biocell Collagen” is listed as a grouped ingredient — the label gives one combined amount (1 Gram(s)) without saying how much of each component you get.

BioCell Collagen contains three active ingredients: chondroitin sulfate, hyaluronic acid, and hydrolyzed Type II collagen. These work together to support joint, skin, and connective tissue health.

The capsule also holds a few inert ingredients — hypromellose, microcrystalline cellulose, stearic acid, and silicon dioxide — which are fillers and binders that help hold the capsule together.

Does it work?

Moderate evidence
Evidence for Intended Use · database check
By FDA rules, dietary supplements can’t claim to treat, cure, or prevent disease — so labels speak in careful marketing language. We discern each product’s intended use from its name, label claims, and label statements, then grade the clinical evidence for that use. How these ratings are computed
Moderate

Some clinical evidence supports this product's ingredients for its stated purpose, but it isn't conclusive.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: joint health and skin moisture retention.
  • We looked for evidence on: Aging skin, Dry eye, Osteoarthritis, Wound healing, Cartilage support, Skin elasticity.
  • The strongest evidence on file: Chondroitin Sulfate is rated "Possibly Effective" for Osteoarthritis (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Hyaluronic Acid is rated "Possibly Effective" for Dry eye.
  • Also on file: Chondroitin Sulfate is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Aging skin, Dry eye.

The evidence here is mixed. Chondroitin sulfate is possibly effective for cataracts and osteoarthritis, but the data on aging skin, osteoporosis, high cholesterol, and colorectal polyps is too weak to rate.

Hyaluronic acid is possibly effective for dry eye and venous leg ulcers (sores on the leg from poor circulation), but again, evidence for aging skin and hay fever is insufficient. Hydrolyzed Type II collagen's effectiveness isn't established in the data we have.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Chondroitin Sulfate Hyaluronic Acid

How safe is it?

Well-documented data
Safety Information · database check
Well characterized

Adverse-effect, pregnancy, and general safety data are on file for most of these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • We hold adverse-effect (side-effect) data for 2 of the 2 matched ingredients.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 2 of 2.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 2 of 2.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Chondroitin sulfate is generally well tolerated for short-term use, though quality varies between products. The most common side effects taken by mouth are stomach upset, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, heartburn, and nausea.

Rarely, liver injury has been reported. Skin symptoms — swelling of the eyelids, swelling in the lower legs, hair loss, rash, and sensitivity to sun — have also been reported, especially in combination products.

Hyaluronic acid is well tolerated topically and orally in most adults, though long-term safety of oral supplements isn't fully studied. Avoid chondroitin during pregnancy and breastfeeding — there isn't enough safety information.

For hyaluronic acid, avoid oral supplements in pregnancy and while nursing unless your doctor says otherwise.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Chondroitin Sulfate Hyaluronic Acid

Meds to double-check

Moderate interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Moderate identified

The most serious documented interaction for these ingredients is Moderate. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 1 of the 2 matched ingredients can interact with medications — Chondroitin Sulfate.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs.
  • For scale: 2 individual medications appear in the full list. A big number alone doesn't make a product dangerous — what matters is whether YOUR medication is on it, so run yours through the interaction checker on this page.

If you take warfarin (Coumadin) or other blood thinners, double-check with your pharmacist before using this product — chondroitin sulfate may increase how thin your blood gets. No other medication interactions are documented for the ingredients we could check.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with some supporting evidence for its stated purpose. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

BioCell Collagen may help if you're interested in joint or skin support, though the evidence is moderate. The key caution is warfarin — if you take it, check this product with your pharmacist first.

Pregnant or nursing? Talk with your doctor before starting, since safety data is limited.

Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI

Assessment coverage: 2 of 3 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Oct 24, 2024.

This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed

At a glance

General information

Key facts about BioCell Collagen, straight from the product label.

Brand NOW
Barcode (UPC) 733739030085
Net contents 120 Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Oct 24, 2024
DSLD ID 313590
Product type Other Combinations
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses Nutrient, All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), Halal, Gluten Free, Dairy Free
From the label
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.

Supplement Facts

The label details for BioCell Collagen by NOW, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
2 Veg Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
2 Veg Capsule(s)
Servings per container
60
UPC/BARCODE
733739030085
IngredientAmount% DV
Chondroitin Sulfate190 mg--
Hyaluronic Acid95 mg--
Hydrolyzed Type II Collagen570 mg--
Biocell Collagen1 Gram(s)--

Other ingredients: Hypromellose, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Stearic Acid, Silicon Dioxide

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

Label statements
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested usage: Take 2 capsules twice daily.

Formula

BioCell Collagen is a versatile nutritional supplement that supports both joint health and moisture retention in mature skin. This pre-digested complex from chicken sternal cartilage has hydrolyzed collagen and other naturally occurring elements of healthy connective tissues, including chondroitin and hyaluronic acid. With BioCell Collagen you can promote healthy joint function, comfortable movement, and strong connective tissue while maintaining normal moisture levels in aging skin.

Hydrolyzed Type II

Made with BioCell Collagen

Crescent H Halal

FDA Disclaimer Statement

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Formulation

Not manufactured with wheat, gluten, soy, corn, milk, egg, fish, shellfish, tree nut or sesame ingredients.

Natural color variation may occur in this product.

Joint & skin support Joint mobility and comfort Promotes healthy skin Clinically validated

Non-GMO

Made and quality tested in the USA with globally sourced ingredients.

Precautions

Not manufactured with wheat, gluten, soy, corn, milk, egg, fish, shellfish, tree nut or sesame ingredients. Produced in a GMP facility that processes other ingredients containing these allergens.

Caution: For adults only.

Consult physician if pregnant/nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition.

Keep out of reach of children.

General Statements

This bottle is made from 100% PCR (post-consumer recycled) resin.

General health Family owned since 1968.

FDA Statement of Identity

A Dietary Supplement

Brand IP Statement(s)

BioCell Collagen, variously in name and/or design, are trademarks of BioCell Technology LLC, and are registered in the United States and other jurisdictions.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place after opening.

Seals/Symbols

Crescent H Halal GMP Quality Assured

See for yourself

BioCell Collagen by NOW label

The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.

What’s inside

The Ingredients in BioCell Collagen by NOW

These are the 3 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size2 Veg Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container60 Amounts shown are per serving.

Most supplement products combine several ingredients, and a medication can interact with the product through any one of them. Each ingredient below shows whether it has known drug interactions.

Biocell Collagen

1 Gram(s) per serving Form: Chicken Sternal Cartilage Extract, Hydrolyzed

Other (inactive) ingredients: Hypromellose, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Stearic Acid, Silicon Dioxide. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

BioCell Collagen by NOW Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against BioCell Collagen?

Ask about interactions with your drugs in plain English — “Can I take it with lisinopril?” — and we find you the answer in seconds, ingredient by ingredient.

Go to the checker
2Drugs
2 Moderate

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in BioCell Collagen with known interactions, here are the types of medications it can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

Chondroitin Sulfate1 drug type · 2 drugs

Warfarin (Coumadin)

Taking chondroitin in combination with glucosamine might increase the anticoagulant effects of warfarin. However, the effect of chondroitin alone is unclear.
There have been multiple reports of increased international normalized ratio (INR) in patients taking warfarin with glucosamine, with or without chondroitin. The lack of reports with chondroitin alone seem to suggest that the interactions occurring in these reports may have been due to glucosamine. In two individual case reports, glucosamine/chondroitin combinations were associated with a significant increase in INR in patients previously stabilized on warfarin. Additionally, 20 voluntary case reports to the US Food & Drug Administration (FDA) have linked glucosamine plus chondroitin with increased INR, bruising, and bleeding in patients who were also taking warfarin. There have also been 20 additional case reports to the World Health Organization (WHO) that link glucosamine alone, without chondroitin, to increased INR in patients taking warfarin.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence D
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for BioCell Collagen, from the product label.

NOW

See all NOW products
Name
NOW FOODS
Street Address
395 S. Glen Ellyn Rd.
City
Bloomingdale
State
IL
ZipCode
60108
Web Address
nowfoods.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

BioCell Collagen by NOW: Common Questions

Does BioCell Collagen by NOW interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, BioCell Collagen has a known interaction with 2 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
BioCell Collagen contains 3 active ingredients, and an interaction can come from any of them. We check every ingredient, combine the results into one list per medication, and show which ingredient and mechanism is responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
Does this really help with joint pain or arthritis?
Chondroitin sulfate is possibly effective for osteoarthritis, which means the evidence supports it but isn't rock-solid. Whether it works for you is individual — some people notice a difference, others don't. It's not a fast fix, so give it time.
What are the most common side effects?
Stomach complaints are most typical: bloating, constipation, diarrhea, heartburn, or nausea. Skin symptoms like rash or swelling are less common. If you notice these, let your pharmacist know.
Can I take this if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
For chondroitin sulfate, the safety data advises against it — there isn't enough information. For hyaluronic acid, the same applies: avoid oral supplements unless your doctor clears it. Talk with your OB or pharmacist before starting.
What is hyaluronic acid, and why is it in this product?
Hyaluronic acid is a natural substance that holds water and keeps skin and tissues hydrated. It's possibly effective for dry eye and may support skin aging, which is why it's included in a collagen blend.
How long should I take this before I notice a difference?
The data we have doesn't specify how long it takes to see results. Everyone's different — some people see changes in weeks, others in months. Be patient and consistent, and talk with your pharmacist if you're not noticing anything after a reasonable time.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

Not sure if BioCell Collagen is safe with your meds?

Our pharmacists answer your medication & supplement questions — free.

Ask a pharmacist

Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.

BioCell Collagen label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

BioCell Collagen's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.

Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.

The 26 references behind this product’s interaction data

Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

Chondroitin Sulfate 22 references
  1. Food and Nutrition Board, Institute of Medicine. Dietary Reference Intakes for Vitamin A, Vitamin K, Arsenic, Boron, Chromium, Copper, Iodine, Iron, Manganese, Molybdenum, Nickel, Silicon, Vanadium, and Zinc. Washington, DC: National Academy Press, 2002.
  2. Tallia AF, Cardone DA. Asthma exacerbation associated with glucosamine-chondroitin supplement. J Am Board Fam Pract 2002;15:481-4..
  3. Danao-Camara T. Potential side effects of treatment with glucosamine and chondroitin. Arthritis Rheum 2000;43:2853. PubMed
  4. Rozenfeld V, Crain JL, Callahan AK. Possible augmentation of warfarin effect by glucosamine-chondroitin. Am J Health Syst Pharm 2004;61:306-307. PubMed
  5. Clegg DO, Reda DJ, Harris CL, et al. Glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, and the two in combination for painful knee osteoarthritis. N Engl J Med 2006;354:795-808. DOI
  6. Knudsen J, Sokol GH. Potential glucosamine-warfarin interaction resulting in increased international normalized ratio: Case report and review of the literature and MedWatch database. Pharmacotherapy 2008;28:540-8. PubMed
  7. Yue QY, Strandell J, Myrberg O. Concomitant use of glucosamine potentiates the effect of warfarin. Jan 2006. Drug Safety 29(10):911-1010. DOI
  8. Nordling, J. and van, Ophoven A. Intravesical glycosaminoglycan replenishment with chondroitin sulphate in chronic forms of cystitis. A multi-national, multi-centre, prospective observational clinical trial. Arzneimittelforschung. 2008;58(7):328-335. PubMed
  9. Nickel, J. C., Egerdie, B., Downey, J., Singh, R., Skehan, A., Carr, L., and Irvine-Bird, K. A real-life multicentre clinical practice study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of intravesical chondroitin sulphate for the treatment of interstitial cystit
  10. Oliviero, U., Sorrentino, G. P., De Paola, P., Tranfaglia, E., D'Alessandro, A., Carifi, S., Porfido, F. A., Cerio, R., Grasso, A. M., Policicchio, D., and . Effects of the treatment with matrix on elderly people with chronic articular degeneration. Drug
  11. Crowley, D. C., Lau, F. C., Sharma, P., Evans, M., Guthrie, N., Bagchi, M., Bagchi, D., Dey, D. K., and Raychaudhuri, S. P. Safety and efficacy of undenatured type II collagen in the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee: a clinical trial. Int.J.Med.Sc PubMed
  12. Nickel, J. C., Egerdie, R. B., Steinhoff, G., Palmer, B., and Hanno, P. A multicenter, randomized, double-blind, parallel group pilot evaluation of the efficacy and safety of intravesical sodium chondroitin sulfate versus vehicle control in patients with
  13. Sawitzke, A. D., Shi, H., Finco, M. F., Dunlop, D. D., Harris, C. L., Singer, N. G., Bradley, J. D., Silver, D., Jackson, C. G., Lane, N. E., Oddis, C. V., Wolfe, F., Lisse, J., Furst, D. E., Bingham, C. O., Reda, D. J., Moskowitz, R. W., Williams, H. J.
  14. Wildi, L. M., Raynauld, J. P., Martel-Pelletier, J., Beaulieu, A., Bessette, L., Morin, F., Abram, F., Dorais, M., and Pelletier, J. P. Chondroitin sulphate reduces both cartilage volume loss and bone marrow lesions in knee osteoarthritis patients starti
  15. Pavelka and et al. Double-blind, dose effect study of oral cs 4 & 6 1200mg, 800mg, 200mg against placebo in the treatment of femorotibial osteoarthritis. Wular Rheumatol Liter 1998;27(suppl 2):63.
  16. Cerda C, Bruguera M, Parés A. Hepatotoxicity associated with glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate in patients with chronic liver disease. World J Gastroenterol 2013;19(32):5381-4. PubMed
  17. von Felden J, Montani M, Kessebohm K, Stickel F. Drug-induced acute liver injury mimicking autoimmune hepatitis after intake of dietary supplements containing glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate. Int J Clin Pharmacol Ther 2013;51(3):219-23. PubMed
  18. Provenza JR, Shinjo SK, Silva JM, Peron CR, Rocha FA. Combined glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate, once or three times daily, provides clinically relevant analgesia in knee osteoarthritis. Clin Rheumatol 2015;34:1455-62. PubMed
  19. Ossendza RA, Grandval P, Chinoune F, Rocher F, Chapel F, Bernardini D. [Acute cholestatic hepatitis due to glucosamine forte]. Gastroenterol Clin Biol. 2007 Apr;31(4):449-50.
  20. Greenlee H, Crew KD, Shao T, Kranwinkel G, Kalinsky K, Maurer M, Brafman L, Insel B, Tsai WY, Hershman DL. Phase II study of glucosamine with chondroitin on aromatase inhibitor-associated joint symptoms in women with breast cancer. Support Care Cancer 201 PubMed
  21. Chu EC, Huang KHK, Cheung G, Ng G, Lin A. Delayed Skin Allergy to Glucosamine Chondroitin Supplement. Cureus 2023;15(3):e36310. PubMed
  22. Lila AM, Alekseeva LI, Baranov AA, et al. Chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine combination in patients with knee and hip osteoarthritis: A long-term observational study in Russia. World J Orthop 2023;14(6):443-457. PubMed

See these in context on the Chondroitin Sulfate monograph →

Hyaluronic Acid 4 references
  1. Park Y, Song JS, Choi CY, Yoon KC, Lee HK, Kim HS. A randomized multicenter study comparing 0.1%, 0.15%, and 0.3% sodium hyaluronate with 0.05% cyclosporine in the treatment of dry eye. J Ocul Pharmacol Ther. 2017;33(2):66-72. PubMed
  2. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Do Not Use Needle-Free Devices for Injection of Dermal Fillers - FDA Safety Communication. October 8, 2021. Available at: https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/safety-communications/do-not-use-needle-free-devices-injection
  3. Disphanurat W, Srisantithum B. Efficacy and safety of 0.15% isobutylamido thiazolyl resorcinol combined with hyaluronic acid vs 0.15% isobutylamido thiazolyl resorcinol or hyaluronic acid alone in melasma treatment: A randomized evaluator-blind trial. J C PubMed
  4. Humbert P, Mikosinki J, Benchikhi H, Allaert FA. Efficacy and safety of a gauze pad containing hyaluronic acid in treatment of leg ulcers of venous or mixed origin: a double-blind, randomised, controlled trial. Int Wound J 2013;10(2):159-66. PubMed

See these in context on the Hyaluronic Acid monograph →

Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC

Keep exploring