Interactions on record — worth a quick check against your medications. Based on 5 of 8 ingredients. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

Biotone EFA Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Genestra Brands

Biotone EFA label
See full label image
Capsule Category: Other Combinations
Most serious interaction: Moderate
Clinical methodology reviewed by · Updated Sep 16, 2026 · Label data from the NIH DSLD
What is this page for?

First and foremost: checking Biotone EFA against your medications. The heart of this page is the interaction checker and the full interaction report — how this product’s ingredients may interact with prescription and over-the-counter medicines you may be taking.

Around that, we add a pharmacist’s high-level view of the product as a whole — what’s inside, the evidence for its stated use, how transparent the label is, and what safety data exists — so you can see the full picture in one place. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases and the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist — not medical advice — and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy

The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Biotone EFA is a dietary supplement by Genestra Brands with 8 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for general antioxidant support, skin and hair care, heart health.Based on those ingredients, 988 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Vitamin E, Flaxseed Oil, Policosanol. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

Jump to a section

Check Your Meds Against Biotone EFA by Genestra Brands

Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with Biotone EFA by Genestra Brands — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.

Pharmacist-reviewed data Checks every ingredient Answer in seconds
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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Biotone EFA by Genestra Brands

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

Generated from HelloPharmacist’s pharmacist-curated databases and editorial rules · Last generated Jul 12, 2026

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 9 of its 9 active ingredients.
  • “Flaxseed Oil” is listed as a grouped ingredient — the label gives one combined amount (144 mg) without saying how much of each component you get.
  • “Mixed Tocopherol concentrate” is listed as a grouped ingredient — the label gives one combined amount (16 mg) without saying how much of each component you get.

Biotone EFA contains 9 ingredients, including three forms of vitamin E (gamma-tocopherol, vitamin E, and delta-tocopherol) plus safflower seed oil, flaxseed oil, soy lecithin, policosanol, linoleic acid, alpha-linolenic acid, and free plant sterols. These are all active ingredients intended to supply essential fatty acids (EFAs) and fat-soluble vitamins.

The product also contains inactive ingredients: a capsule shell and silica (a flow agent).

Does it work?

Strong 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
Strong

Clinical evidence supports at least one of this product's ingredients for its stated purpose.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: Supports healthy blood lipids and cardiovascular function.
  • We looked for evidence on: Atherosclerosis, Cardiovascular disease (CVD), Coronary heart disease (CHD), Familial hypercholesterolemia, Hyperlipidemia, Hypertension — and 4 related terms.
  • The strongest evidence on file: Policosanol is rated "Likely Effective" for Intermittent claudication (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Vitamin E is rated "Possibly Ineffective" for Angina, Atherosclerosis.
  • Also on file: Vitamin E is rated "Likely Ineffective" for Cardiovascular disease (CVD).

For vitamin E, the data shows it is effective for treating vitamin E deficiency itself and ataxia with vitamin E deficiency (a rare neurological condition). It's rated possibly effective for Alzheimer disease, beta-thalassemia, G6PD deficiency, and intracranial hemorrhage.

For policosanol, there is likely effective evidence for intermittent claudication (leg pain on walking), though evidence for coronary heart disease and familial high cholesterol is insufficient. Soy lecithin is rated likely ineffective for Alzheimer disease, and evidence for its other proposed uses—cognitive decline, anxiety, bipolar disorder—is insufficient or not established.

For safflower oil and the other fatty acids in this blend, the evidence is insufficient to establish effectiveness for their labeled uses.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Vitamin E Safflower Flaxseed Oil Lecithin Policosanol

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 4 of the 4 matched ingredients.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 4 of 4.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 4 of 4.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Vitamin E is generally well tolerated at usual dietary amounts, but high-dose long-term supplements may raise the risk of bleeding and other harms. Serious rare adverse effects include bleeding, hemorrhagic stroke (a stroke caused by bleeding into the brain), and cardiovascular complications.

There is a particular concern about hemorrhagic stroke in male smokers taking synthetic vitamin E long-term, though other studies show mixed results. Safflower oil in food amounts is well tolerated, but high-dose supplements and concentrated extracts have less safety data and have been associated with rare cases of liver failure, typically when overused for weight loss.

Soy lecithin is well tolerated and may cause abdominal pain, diarrhea, or nausea in some people; avoid it if you have egg or soy allergies. Policosanol is usually well tolerated but may cause headache, dizziness, insomnia, upset stomach, or rash, though these are uncommon.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Vitamin E Safflower Flaxseed Oil Lecithin Policosanol

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?
  • 3 of the 4 matched ingredients can interact with medications — Safflower, Policosanol, Vitamin E.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs; immunosuppressants / transplant drugs; cancer treatments; diabetes medications.
  • For scale: 879 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.

Before starting Biotone EFA, check with your pharmacist if you take blood thinners or antiplatelet drugs (including warfarin, aspirin, clopidogrel), chemotherapy drugs, diabetes medications, beta-blockers or other blood pressure drugs, cyclosporine (an immunosuppressant), niacin (nicotinic acid), nitroprusside, or any medications processed by your liver's CYP3A4 enzyme. The most serious risk is increased bleeding, particularly if you're on warfarin or similar medications at doses over 400 IU daily of vitamin E.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

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

This product may be worth considering if you're looking for essential fatty acid supplementation, but it's not right for everyone. If you take any blood thinners (warfarin, other anticoagulants, or antiplatelet drugs), diabetes medications, beta-blockers, blood pressure medications, or chemotherapy drugs, talk to your pharmacist before using it.

The vitamin E content poses real risks at higher doses, particularly for bleeding.

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

Assessment coverage: 6 of 9 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Jul 23, 2020.

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 Biotone EFA, straight from the product label.

Brand Genestra Brands
Barcode (UPC) 883196129904
Net contents 100 Softgel Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Jul 23, 2020
DSLD ID 230744
Product type Other Combinations
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years)
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 Biotone EFA by Genestra Brands, 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:
4 Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
4 Capsule(s)
Servings per container
25
UPC/BARCODE
883196129904
IngredientAmount% DV
Calories15 Calorie(s)--
Protein1 Gram(s)1%
Total Fat1 Gram(s)2%
Gamma-Tocopherol6.8 mg--
Linoleic Acid696 mg--
Alpha-Linolenic Acid72 mg--
Vitamin E3.35 mg22%
Delta-Tocopherol1960 mcg--
Safflower seed Oil1020 mg--
Flaxseed Oil144 mg--
free Plant Sterols448 mg--
Soy Lecithin80 mg--
Policosanol10 mg--
Mixed Tocopherol concentrate16 mg--

Other ingredients: Capsule, Silica

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

Recommended Dose: Take 4 capsules 2 times daily with meals or as recommended by your health professional.

Precautions

Warning: If you are pregnant or lactating, have any health condition or are taking any medication, consult your health professional before use.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Use only if safety seal is intact.

Contains: Soy

FDA Disclaimer Statement

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

General Statements

Contents may not fill package in order to accommodate required labeling. Please rely on stated quantity. Scan to learn about our quality excellence

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Formulation

Supports healthy blood lipids and cardiovascular function

Is this label outdated? Report a formula or label change and our pharmacy team will review it.

See for yourself

Biotone EFA by Genestra Brands label

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

Biotone EFA label

Label images are published by the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database for the version of this product on file. Always read your actual product label.

View the full label (PDF)
What’s inside

The Ingredients in Biotone EFA by Genestra Brands

These are the 8 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size4 Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container25 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.

Protein

1 Gram(s) per serving

Vitamin E

Interacts with
764 drugs
3.35 mg per serving Form: D-Alpha-Tocopherol

Vitamin E is an essential fat-soluble vitamin and antioxidant that most people get in adequate amounts from a normal diet. Supplements can help correc...

Vitamin E monograph & interactions

Safflower seed Oil

Interacts with
208 drugs
1020 mg per serving

Safflower is a thistle-like plant used mainly for its seed oil (a common cooking oil) and its colorful flowers. Safflower oil is a reasonable source o...

Safflower seed Oil monograph & interactions

Flaxseed Oil

Interacts with
293 drugs
144 mg per serving

Flaxseed oil is a plant-based source of the omega-3 fatty acid ALA, which the body can partly convert to the omega-3s found in fish oil. It may help s...

Flaxseed Oil monograph & interactions
  • › Linoleic Acid
  • › Alpha-Linolenic Acid

Free Plant Sterols

448 mg per serving Form: Beta-Sitosterol, Campesterol, Soybean, Stigmasterol

Soy Lecithin

No known
interactions
80 mg per serving Form: Soy

Lecithin is a natural fatty substance found in foods and made by the body that is widely used as a supplement and food emulsifier. Evidence supporting...

Soy Lecithin monograph & interactions

Policosanol

Interacts with
242 drugs
10 mg per serving Form: Apis mellifera wax

Policosanol is a mix of waxy alcohols (mostly octacosanol) made from sugar cane or other plant waxes, and it is often marketed as a natural way to low...

Policosanol monograph & interactions

Mixed Tocopherol concentrate

Interacts with
764 drugs
16 mg per serving

Vitamin E is an essential fat-soluble vitamin and antioxidant that most people get in adequate amounts from a normal diet. Supplements can help correc...

Mixed Tocopherol concentrate monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Capsule, Silica. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Biotone EFA by Genestra Brands Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Biotone EFA?

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
988Drugs
987 Moderate 1 Minor

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Vitamin E 764
Flaxseed Oil 293
Policosanol 242
Safflower seed Oil 208

Individual Drug Interactions

The ingredients in Biotone EFA interact with 988 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.

4 of the 8 ingredients in Biotone EFA interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Vitamin E Flaxseed Oil Policosanol Safflower seed Oil

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

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

Vitamin E8 drug types · 764 drugs

Alkylating Agents

Theoretically, antioxidant effects of vitamin E might reduce the effectiveness of alkylating agents.
There's concern that antioxidants could reduce the activity of chemotherapy drugs which generate free radicals, such as cyclophosphamide, chlorambucil, carmustine, busulfan, and thiotepa. However, some researchers theorize that antioxidants might make chemotherapy more effective by reducing oxidative stress that might interfere with apoptosis (cell death) of cancer cells. More evidence is needed to determine what effect, if any, antioxidants such as vitamin E have on chemotherapy. Advise patients to consult their oncologist before using vitamin E supplements, especially in high doses.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Concomitant use of vitamin E and anticoagulant or antiplatelet agents might increase the risk of bleeding.
Vitamin E seems to inhibit of platelet aggregation and antagonize the effects of vitamin K-dependent clotting factors. These effects appear to be dose-dependent, and are probably only likely to be clinically significant with doses of at least 800 units daily. Mixed tocopherols, such as those found in food, might have a greater antiplatelet effect than alpha-tocopherol. RRR alpha-tocopherol (natural vitamin E) 1000 IU daily antagonizes vitamin K-dependent clotting factors. Advise patients to avoid high doses of vitamin E, especially in people with low vitamin K intake or other risk factors for bleeding.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Antitumor Antibiotics

Theoretically, antioxidant effects of vitamin E might reduce the effectiveness of antitumor antibiotics.
There's concern that antioxidants could reduce the activity of antitumor antibiotic drugs such as doxorubicin, which generate free radicals. However, some researchers theorize that antioxidants might make chemotherapy more effective by reducing oxidative stress that might interfere with apoptosis (cell death) of cancer cells. More evidence is needed to determine what effect, if any, antioxidants such as vitamin E have on chemotherapy involving antitumor antibiotics. Advise patients to consult their oncologist before using vitamin E supplements, especially in high doses.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune)

A specific form of vitamin E might increase absorption and levels of cyclosporine.
There is some evidence that one specific formulation of vitamin E (D-alpha-tocopheryl-polyethylene glycol-1000 succinate, TPGS, tocophersolan, Liqui-E) might increase absorption of cyclosporine. This vitamin E formulation forms micelles which seems to increase absorption of cyclosporine by 40% to 72% in some patients. However, this interaction is unlikely to occur with the usual forms of vitamin E.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence B
Cytochrome P450 3A4 (Cyp3A4) Substrates

Theoretically, vitamin E might induce metabolism of CYP3A4, possibly reducing the levels CYP3A4 substrates.
Vitamin E appears to bind with the nuclear receptor, pregnane X receptor (PXR), which results in increased expression of CYP3A4. Although the clinical significance of this is not known, use caution when considering concomitant use of vitamin E and other drugs affected by these enzymes.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Selumetinib (Koselugo)

Taking selumetinib with vitamin E can result in a total daily dose of vitamin E that exceeds safe limits and therefore might increase the risk of bleeding.
Selumetinib contains 48-54 IU vitamin E per capsule. The increased risk of bleeding with vitamin E appears to be dose-dependent. Be cautious when using selumetinib in combination with supplemental vitamin E, especially in patients at higher risk of bleed, such as those with chronic conditions and those taking antiplatelet drugs.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Warfarin (Coumadin)

Using vitamin E with warfarin might increase the risk of bleeding.
Due to interference with production of vitamin K-dependent clotting factors, use of more than 400 IU of vitamin E daily with warfarin might increase prothrombin time (PT), INR, and the risk of bleeding,. At a dose of 1000 IU per day, vitamin E can antagonize vitamin K-dependent clotting factors even in people not taking warfarin. Limited clinical evidence suggests that doses up to 1200 IU daily may be used safely by patients taking warfarin, but this may not be applicable in all patient populations.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Niacin

Vitamin E might decrease the beneficial effects of niacin on high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels.
A combination of niacin and simvastatin (Zocor) effectively raises high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels in people with coronary disease and low HDL levels. Clinical research shows that taking a combination of antioxidants (vitamin C, vitamin E, beta-carotene, and selenium) along with niacin and simvastatin (Zocor) attenuates this rise in HDL, specifically the HDL-2 and apolipoprotein A1 fractions, by more than 50%. Vitamin E alone combined with a statin does not seem to decrease HDL levels. It is not known whether the adverse effect on HDL is due to one of the other antioxidants or to the combination. It also is not known whether it will occur in other patient populations.

Likelihood Possible Evidence A
Vitamin E full monograph & interactions

Flaxseed Oil3 drug types · 293 drugs

Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, using flaxseed oil in combination with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs might have additive effects and increase the risk of bleeding.
Small clinical studies show that consuming flaxseed oil might decrease platelet aggregation and increase bleeding time.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antihypertensive Drugs

Theoretically, combining flaxseed oil with other antihypertensive drugs might have additive effects and increase the risk of hypotension.
Some clinical evidence suggests that long-term consumption of flaxseed oil can modestly lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure, while other clinical research shows no effect.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Ezetimibe (Zetia)

Concomitant use of flaxseed oil and ezetimibe reduces the absorption of alpha-linolenic acid from flaxseed oil.
In one clinical study, concomitant consumption of ezetimibe 10 mg daily with flaxseed oil 2 grams providing 1 gram of alpha-linolenic acid daily blocked the absorption of alpha-linolenic acid, resulting in an overall reduction in alpha-linolenic plasma levels from baseline.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Flaxseed Oil full monograph & interactions

Policosanol6 drug types · 242 drugs

Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, taking policosanol with other antiplatelet or anticoagulant drugs might increase the risk of bruising and bleeding.
Some clinical research shows that taking policosanol 10-50 mg daily for 7-15 days can inhibit platelet aggregation in healthy patients. Although, one clinical trial shows that taking policosanol 10 mg twice daily for 2 weeks prior to warfarin dosing does not affect warfarin pharmacokinetics or warfarin response. Furthermore, a study in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention with a drug-eluting stent found that taking policosanol 40 mg plus clopidogrel and aspirin daily for 30 days modestly reduced the risk for minor bleeding events when compared with taking clopidogrel and aspirin alone. Until more is known, use with caution.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, policosanol might have additive effects with antidiabetes drugs and increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
Clinical research shows that policosanol can lower blood glucose levels.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Beta-Blockers

Concomitant use of policosanol with beta-blockers can cause additive blood pressure-lowering effects.
Clinical research shows that policosanol 5 mg daily can have additive blood pressure-lowering effects in patients with hypertension who are taking beta-blockers. Also, animal research shows that policosanol can increase the blood-pressure lowering effects of propranolol.

Likelihood Probable Evidence A
Nitroprusside (Nitropress)

Theoretically, concomitant use of policosanol with nitroprusside might cause additive blood pressure-lowering effects.
Animal research shows that taking policosanol along with nitroprusside can increase the blood pressure-lowering effects of nitroprusside.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Propranolol (Inderal)

Animal research shows that taking policosanol along with propranolol can increase the blood pressure-lowering effects of propranolol.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Warfarin (Coumadin)

Theoretically, taking policosanol with warfarin might increase the risk of bruising and bleeding.
Some clinical research shows that taking policosanol 10-50 mg daily for 7-15 days can inhibit platelet aggregation in healthy patients. However, one clinical trial shows that taking policosanol 10 mg twice daily for 2 weeks prior to warfarin dosing does not affect warfarin pharmacokinetics or warfarin response.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Policosanol full monograph & interactions

Safflower seed Oil3 drug types · 208 drugs

Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

High doses of safflower oil might increase the risk of bleeding when taken with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Small clinical studies show that taking safflower oil, approximately 55 grams daily for 2-3 weeks, decreases platelet aggregation. However, taking lower doses of safflower oil, such as 5 grams daily for 4 weeks, does not seem to affect platelet function. In one case report, a 74-year-old male stabilized on warfarin developed urinary tract bleeding and an elevated INR after taking a safflower extract 20 grams daily for 14 days.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, safflower oil might alter the effects of antidiabetes drugs.
Some clinical research shows that taking safflower oil 10 grams daily for 3 weeks can increase fasting blood glucose in patients with type 2 diabetes. However, clinical research in patients with metabolic syndrome with or without impaired glucose tolerance shows that taking safflower oil 8 grams daily for 12 weeks reduces fasting glucose levels by around 8 mg/dL. Some clinical research also shows that taking safflower oil 8 grams daily for 16 weeks does not affect fasting glucose levels in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Warfarin

Theoretically, safflower oil might increase the risk of bleeding when taken with warfarin.
In one case report, a 74-year-old male stabilized on warfarin developed urinary tract bleeding and an elevated INR after taking a safflower extract 20 grams daily for 14 days.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Safflower seed Oil full monograph & interactions
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Biotone EFA, from the product label.

Genestra Brands

Name
Seroyal USA
City
Pittsburgh
State
PA
ZipCode
15275
Phone Number
1-888-737-6925
Web Address
seroyal.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Biotone EFA by Genestra Brands: Common Questions

Does Biotone EFA by Genestra Brands interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Biotone EFA has a known interaction with 988 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Biotone EFA contains 8 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.
Is it safe to take Biotone EFA if I'm pregnant?
Vitamin E is rated possibly safe in pregnancy, but amounts from food and prenatal vitamins are appropriate—avoid high-dose supplements unless your doctor directs it. Safflower oil is rated possibly unsafe to likely unsafe in pregnancy because safflower flower may stimulate the uterus and has traditionally been used to bring on menstruation. Policosanol is not rated as safe in pregnancy. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking this product if you're pregnant.
Is it safe while breastfeeding?
Vitamin E is rated likely safe in lactation, though the data includes a possibly unsafe rating, so check with your doctor before taking high-dose supplements. Soy lecithin is rated likely safe while breastfeeding and is often used to help with clogged milk ducts. Safflower and policosanol lack sufficient safety data in lactation, so it's best to avoid medicinal amounts. Talk to your healthcare provider to be sure.
What is policosanol and why is it in this product?
Policosanol is a plant compound extracted from sugarcane and other sources. It's included in this product because it's likely effective for intermittent claudication (pain or cramping in the legs during walking) and may have other cardiovascular benefits, though the evidence for heart disease is insufficient.
Will this product help with high cholesterol?
The effectiveness data we hold shows insufficient evidence that safflower oil, the essential fatty acids, or soy lecithin work for high cholesterol. Policosanol is included for its possible benefit in intermittent claudication, not cholesterol, and evidence for its use in coronary heart disease and familial high cholesterol is insufficient. Talk to your doctor about whether this product is right for your cholesterol goals.
What are the most common side effects?
Soy lecithin is the ingredient most likely to cause side effects, which may include abdominal pain, diarrhea, fullness, or nausea. Policosanol may cause headache, mild dizziness, insomnia, upset stomach, or rash, but these are uncommon. Vitamin E is generally well tolerated. If you experience any unusual symptoms, stop the product and talk to your pharmacist.
Does this product contain any allergens?
Soy lecithin is derived from soy, so if you have a soy allergy, avoid this product. Soy lecithin can also cause allergic skin reactions in people with egg allergies. Check the full ingredient list and talk to your pharmacist if you have food allergies.

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

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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.

Biotone EFA label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Biotone EFA’s Ingredients

Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.

Herb & supplement monograph

Vitamin E

Interacts with 764 drugs

Vitamin E is an essential fat-soluble vitamin and antioxidant that most people get in adequate amounts from a normal diet. Supplements can help correct a true deficiency, but high-dose vitam...

Read the full Vitamin E monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Safflower

Interacts with 208 drugs

Safflower is a thistle-like plant used mainly for its seed oil (a common cooking oil) and its colorful flowers. Safflower oil is a reasonable source of unsaturated fats, but strong proof tha...

Read the full Safflower monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Flaxseed Oil

Interacts with 293 drugs

Flaxseed oil is a plant-based source of the omega-3 fatty acid ALA, which the body can partly convert to the omega-3s found in fish oil. It may help support heart health and provide healthy...

Read the full Flaxseed Oil monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Lecithin

Lecithin is a natural fatty substance found in foods and made by the body that is widely used as a supplement and food emulsifier. Evidence supporting most of its health claims is limited, t...

Read the full Lecithin monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Policosanol

Interacts with 242 drugs

Policosanol is a mix of waxy alcohols (mostly octacosanol) made from sugar cane or other plant waxes, and it is often marketed as a natural way to lower cholesterol. Early studies from Cuba...

Read the full Policosanol monograph →
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Biotone EFA'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 123 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.

Vitamin E 64 references
  1. Kim JM, White RH. Effect of vitamin E on the anticoagulant response to warfarin. Am J Cardiol 1996;77:545-6. PubMed
  2. Corrigan JJ Jr. The effect of vitamin E on warfarin-induced vitamin K deficiency. Ann N Y Acad Sci 1982;393:361-8. PubMed
  3. Corrigan JJ Jr. Coagulation problems relating to vitamin E. Am J Pediatr Hematol Oncol 1979;1:169-73.
  4. Corrigan JJ Jr, Marcus FI. Coagulopathy associated with vitamin E ingestion. JAMA 1974;230:1300-1. DOI
  5. Labriola D, Livingston R. Possible interactions between dietary antioxidants and chemotherapy. Oncology 1999;13:1003-8.
  6. Chang T, Benet LZ, Hebert MF. The effect of water-soluble vitamin E on cyclosporine pharmacokinetics in healthy volunteers. Clin Pharmacol Ther 1996;59:297-303. PubMed
  7. Pan SH, Lopez RR Jr, Sher LS, et al. Enhanced oral cyclosporine absorption with water-soluble vitamin E early after liver transplantation. Pharmacother 1996;16:59-65. DOI
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Safflower 14 references
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Flaxseed Oil 21 references
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Lecithin 9 references
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Policosanol 15 references
  1. Carbajal D, Arruzazabala ML, Valdes S, Mas R. Effect of policosanol on platelet aggregation and serum levels of arachidonic acid metabolites in healthy volunteers. Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids 1998;58:61-4.
  2. Arruzazabala ML, Valdes S, Mas R, et al. Comparative study of policosanol, aspirin and the combination therapy policosanol-aspirin on platelet aggregation in healthy volunteers. Pharmacol Res 1997;36:293-7. PubMed
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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.

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