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Dietary supplement

Cod Liver Oil & Evening Primrose 1000 mg Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by DC

Softgel Capsule Category: Fat/fatty Acid
Most serious interaction: Major
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Major

Cod Liver Oil & Evening Primrose 1000 mg is a dietary supplement by DC with 5 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for bone health and osteoporosis, correcting vitamin d deficiency, immune system support.Based on those ingredients, 1,234 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated major. The ingredients most likely to interact are Vitamin E, Vitamin D, Vitamin A. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Cod Liver Oil & Evening Primrose 1000 mg by DC

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

Partial disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Partial

Most active ingredients list an amount, but at least one is hidden in a blend or missing.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 8 of its 9 active ingredients.
  • “Cod Liver Oil” is listed as a grouped ingredient — the label gives one combined amount (500 mg) without saying how much of each component you get.
  • “Evening Primrose Oil” is listed as a grouped ingredient — the label gives one combined amount (500 mg) without saying how much of each component you get.

This softgel contains 9 ingredients, of which the active ones are vitamins and fatty acids from cod liver oil and evening primrose oil. Vitamin A supports vision and immune function.

Vitamin D helps with calcium absorption and bone health, and is used medically for bone disorders like rickets and osteomalacia. Vitamin E is an antioxidant.

The product also contains omega-3 fatty acids (eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid from cod liver oil) and gamma-linolenic acid and cis-linoleic acid from evening primrose oil. The inactive ingredients are gelatin, vegetable glycerin, and corn oil.

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: brain, eyes, skin and nervous system support.
  • We looked for evidence on: Age-related cognitive decline, Age-related macular degeneration (AMD), Aging skin, Alzheimer disease, Atopic dermatitis (eczema), Cognitive function — and 4 related terms.
  • The strongest evidence on file: Vitamin E is rated "Possibly Effective" for Alzheimer disease (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Vitamin A is rated "Possibly Effective" for Aging skin.
  • Also on file: Vitamin E is rated "Possibly Ineffective" for Age-related macular degeneration (AMD), Atopic dermatitis (eczema).

Vitamin D is effective for vitamin D deficiency, rickets, osteomalacia, renal bone disease, and hypoparathyroidism. Vitamin A is effective for vitamin A deficiency and possibly effective for age-related skin changes, measles, and certain eye and gut conditions.

Vitamin E is effective for vitamin E deficiency and possibly effective for Alzheimer disease and certain blood disorders. We hold no effectiveness data on the omega-3 and gamma-linolenic acid contents of this product.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Vitamin D Cod Liver Oil Vitamin A Vitamin E Evening Primrose

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 3 of the 3 matched ingredients.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 3 of 3.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 3 of 3.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Vitamin D is generally well tolerated at recommended doses but can cause toxicity at very high doses — symptoms include high blood calcium (hypercalcemia), kidney problems, and anemia. Vitamin A is also well tolerated at recommended doses but builds up in the body and can become toxic at high doses, causing liver damage, headaches, dry skin, and hair loss.

In pregnancy, vitamin D is likely safe at recommended amounts but use only under a doctor's guidance; vitamin A is possibly unsafe at high doses and can cause birth defects, so avoid high-dose supplements in pregnancy. Vitamin E is possibly safe in pregnancy at food and prenatal vitamin amounts.

Vitamin A is likely safe during breastfeeding at normal amounts. Vitamin D is likely safe during breastfeeding.

Vitamin E safety during breastfeeding is uncertain — check with your doctor before taking high doses.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Vitamin D Cod Liver Oil Vitamin A Vitamin E Evening Primrose

Meds to double-check

Major interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Major identified

At least one ingredient has a documented Major-severity interaction. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 3 of the 3 matched ingredients can interact with medications — Vitamin D, Vitamin E, Vitamin A.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Major.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs; immunosuppressants / transplant drugs; cancer treatments; heart-rhythm medications.
  • For scale: 1,049 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 taking this product, check with your pharmacist if you take any of the following: retinoid acne medications (isotretinoin, tretinoin); thiazide diuretics for blood pressure; verapamil, diltiazem, or digoxin for heart rhythm or heart disease; atorvastatin or other cholesterol drugs; blood thinners like warfarin or antiplatelet drugs; tetracycline antibiotics; calcipotriene cream for psoriasis; or chemotherapy drugs. High-dose vitamin A and E in this product can increase bleeding risk and reduce how some of these medications work.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

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

This product is a source of vitamins A, D, and E plus omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids from cod and evening primrose oils. If you take blood thinners, heart medications, tetracycline antibiotics, retinoid acne drugs, or chemotherapy, check with your pharmacist before starting it — the vitamins in here interact with those drug classes.

Otherwise, tell us what medications you're on and we'll verify it's safe for you.

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

Assessment coverage: 3 of 9 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Jun 16, 2022.

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 Cod Liver Oil & Evening Primrose 1000 mg, straight from the product label.

Brand DC
Net contents 60 Softgel(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Jun 16, 2022
DSLD ID 267096
Product type Fat/fatty Acid
Supplement form Softgel Capsule
Dietary claims / uses Nutrient, All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), Women (not pregnant or lactating), Gluten 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 Cod Liver Oil & Evening Primrose 1000 mg by DC, 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:
1 Softgel(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 Softgel(s)
Servings per container
60
IngredientAmount% DV
Cholesterol0.5 mg1%
Total Fat1 Gram(s)2%
Polyunsaturated Fat0.5 Gram(s)--
Vitamin D200 IU50%
Saturated Fat0.5 Gram(s)1%
Calories10 Calorie(s)--
Cod Liver Oil500 mg--
Vitamin A2664 IU53%
Vitamin E10 IU33%
Calories from Fat10 Calorie(s)--
Other Omega-3 Fatty Acids0 NP--
Eicosapentaenoic Acid35 mg--
Gamma-Linolenic Acid45 mg--
Docosahexaenoic Acid50 mg--
Evening Primrose Oil500 mg--
Cis-Linoleic Acid365 mg--

Other ingredients: Gelatin, Vegetable Glycerin, Corn Oil

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

Directions: For adults, as a dietary supplement, take 1 softgel daily, preferably with a meal.

Formula

Cod Liver Oil is naturally rich in the omega-3 fatty acids, EPA and DHA, which play an important role in the brain, eyes, skin and nervous system. Evening Primrose Oil is a rich, natural source of the important unsaturated fatty acid gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) which may assist in maintaining healthy skin. EPA, DHA and GLA are precursors to prostaglandins, action-specific biomolecules that regulate many important functions in cells. Vitamin A helps maintain a healthy immune system.

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.

Precautions

Tamper evident: Do not use this product if imprinted foil seal under cap is broken or missing.

Caution: If you are pregnant or nursing do not take this product.

Keep out of reach of children.

Contains fish (cod) ingredients.

Formulation

Mfg. in an FDA Registered Facility using Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs).

Conforms to USP <2091> for weight. Meets USP <2040> disintegration for maximum bioavailability.

Made in USA

Gluten free

Cold pressed

Storage

Keep tightly closed. Store at room temperature: 59 degrees - 86 degrees F (15 degrees to 30 degrees C).

Seals/Symbols

Quali Pure

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

See for yourself

Cod Liver Oil & Evening Primrose 1000 mg by DC label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Cod Liver Oil & Evening Primrose 1000 mg by DC

These are the 5 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size1 Softgel(s) Dosage formSoftgel Capsule 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.

Vitamin D

Interacts with
715 drugs
200 IU per serving Form: Cholecalciferol

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that helps your body absorb calcium and is important for healthy bones, muscles, and immune function. Many people,...

Vitamin D monograph & interactions

Cod Liver Oil

Interacts with
375 drugs
500 mg per serving

Cod liver oil supplies omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) along with vitamins A and D, and is popular for heart, joint, and general health support. Evi...

Cod Liver Oil monograph & interactions
  • › Other Omega-3 Fatty Acids
  • › Eicosapentaenoic Acid
  • › Docosahexaenoic Acid

Vitamin A

Interacts with
387 drugs
2664 IU per serving Form: Retinyl Palmitate

Vitamin A is an essential nutrient important for vision, skin, immune function, and growth. Most people get enough from a balanced diet, and supplemen...

Vitamin A monograph & interactions

Vitamin E

Interacts with
764 drugs
10 IU per serving Form: D-Alpha-Tocopheryl

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

Evening Primrose Oil

Interacts with
233 drugs
500 mg per serving

Evening primrose oil is a seed oil rich in gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), an omega-6 fatty acid, that is popularly used for skin conditions, PMS, and bre...

Evening Primrose Oil monograph & interactions
  • › Gamma-Linolenic Acid
  • › Cis-Linoleic Acid

Other (inactive) ingredients: Gelatin, Vegetable Glycerin, Corn Oil. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Cod Liver Oil & Evening Primrose 1000 mg by DC Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Cod Liver Oil & Evening Primrose 1000 mg?

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
1,234Drugs
9 Major 1,207 Moderate 18 Minor

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Vitamin E 764
Vitamin D 715
Vitamin A 387

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Cod Liver Oil & Evening Primrose 1000 mg 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 D8 drug types · 715 drugs

Aluminum

Vitamin D might increase aluminum absorption and toxicity, but this has only been reported in people with renal failure.
The protein that transports calcium across the intestinal wall can also bind and transport aluminum. This protein is stimulated by vitamin D, which may therefore increase aluminum absorption. This mechanism may contribute to increased aluminum levels and toxicity in people with renal failure, when they take vitamin D and aluminum-containing phosphate binders chronically.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Atorvastatin (Lipitor)

Vitamin D might reduce absorption of atorvastatin.
A small, low-quality clinical study shows that taking vitamin D reduces levels of atorvastatin and its active metabolites by up to 55%. However, while atorvastatin levels decreased, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels did not substantially change. Atorvastatin is metabolized in the gut by CYP3A4 enzymes, and researchers theorized that vitamin D might induce CYP3A4, causing reduced levels of atorvastatin. However, this proposed mechanism was not specifically studied.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Calcipotriene (Dovonex)

Taking calcipotriene with vitamin D increases the risk for hypercalcemia.
Calcipotriene is a vitamin D analog used topically for psoriasis. It can be absorbed in sufficient amounts to cause systemic effects, including hypercalcemia. Theoretically, combining calcipotriene with vitamin D supplements might increase the risk of hypercalcemia.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Digoxin (Lanoxin)

Theoretically, hypercalcemia induced by high-dose vitamin D can increase the risk of arrhythmia from digoxin.
High doses of vitamin D can cause hypercalcemia. Hypercalcemia increases the risk of fatal cardiac arrhythmias with digoxin. Avoid vitamin D doses above the tolerable upper intake level (4000 IU daily for adults) and monitor serum calcium levels in people taking vitamin D and digoxin concurrently.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Diltiazem (Cardizem, Others)

Theoretically, hypercalcemia induced by high-dose vitamin D can reduce the therapeutic effects of diltiazem for arrhythmia.
High doses of vitamin D can cause hypercalcemia. Hypercalcemia can reduce the effectiveness of verapamil in atrial fibrillation. Theoretically this could also occur with diltiazem. Avoid vitamin D doses above the tolerable upper intake level (4000 IU daily for adults) and monitor serum calcium levels in people taking vitamin D and diltiazem concurrently.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Thiazide Diuretics

Theoretically, taking thiazide diuretics and high-dose vitamin D can increase the risk of hypercalcemia.
Thiazide diuretics decrease urinary calcium excretion, which could lead to hypercalcemia if vitamin D supplements are taken concurrently. This has been reported in people being treated with vitamin D for hypoparathyroidism, and also in elderly people with normal parathyroid function who were taking a thiazide, vitamin D, and calcium-containing antacids daily.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Verapamil (Calan, Others)

Hypercalcemia induced by high-dose vitamin D can reduce the therapeutic effects of verapamil for arrhythmia.
Hypercalcemia due to high doses of vitamin D can reduce the effectiveness of verapamil in atrial fibrillation. Avoid vitamin D doses above the tolerable upper intake level (4000 IU daily for adults) and monitor serum calcium levels in people taking vitamin D and verapamil concurrently.

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

Vitamin D might induce CYP3A4 enzymes and reduce the bioavailability of CYP3A4 substrates.
There is some concern that vitamin D might induce CYP3A4. In vitro research suggests that vitamin D induces CYP3A4 transcription. Additionally, observational research has found that increased UV light exposure and serum vitamin D levels are associated with decreased serum levels of CYP3A4 substrates such as tacrolimus and sirolimus, while no association between UV light exposure or vitamin D levels and levels of mycophenolic acid, a non-CYP3A4 substrate, was found. A small, low-quality clinical study shows that taking vitamin D reduces levels of the CYP3A4 substrate atorvastatin and its active metabolites by up to 55%; however, the clinical effects of atorvastatin were not reduced. While researchers theorized that vitamin D might induce CYP3A4, this proposed mechanism was not specifically studied.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

Vitamin A4 drug types · 387 drugs

Retinoids

Concomitant use of retinoids with vitamin A supplements might produce supratherapeutic vitamin A levels.
Retinoids, which are vitamin A derivatives, could have additive toxic effects when taken with vitamin A supplements.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Hepatotoxic Drugs

Theoretically, taking high doses of vitamin A in combination with other potentially hepatotoxic drugs might increase the risk of liver disease.
The tolerable upper intake level (UL) is the highest level of intake that is likely to pose no risk of adverse effects. Doses of vitamin A above the UL can cause hepatotoxicity, ranging from elevated liver enzymes to liver failure.

Likelihood Possible Evidence C
Tetracycline Antibiotics

Theoretically, taking tetracycline antibiotics with high doses of vitamin A can increase the risk of pseudotumor cerebri.
Benign intracranial hypertension (pseudotumor cerebri) can occur with tetracyclines and with acute or chronic vitamin A toxicity. Case reports suggest that taking tetracyclines and vitamin A concurrently can increase the risk of this condition. Avoid high doses of vitamin A in people taking tetracyclines chronically.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Warfarin (Coumadin)

Theoretically, high doses of vitamin A could increase the risk of bleeding with warfarin.
Vitamin A toxicity is associated with hemorrhage and hypoprothrombinemia, possibly due to vitamin K antagonism. Advise patients taking warfarin to avoid doses of vitamin A above the tolerable upper intake level of 10,000 IU/day for adults.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

Cod Liver Oil3 drug types · 375 drugs

Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, cod liver oil may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
High doses of cod liver oil, 20-40 mL daily, have been associated with prolonged bleeding time and reduced platelet aggregation in healthy volunteers.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, taking cod liver oil with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
Some clinical research shows that cod liver oil may lower blood glucose levels in women with gestational diabetes who are already taking antidiabetes drugs when used for at least 12 weeks. However, it does not appear to have any effect on blood glucose when used for shorter durations. Until more is known, use caution.

Likelihood Possible Evidence A
Antihypertensive Drugs

Theoretically, taking cod liver oil with antihypertensive drugs might increase the risk of hypotension.
Cod liver oil can lower blood pressure and might have additive effects in patients treated with antihypertensives; use with caution.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B

Evening Primrose Oil5 drug types · 233 drugs

Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, evening primrose oil may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Evening primrose oil contains gamma linolenic acid (GLA). There is preliminary clinical evidence that GLA can reduce platelet aggregation and prolong bleeding time.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Lithium

Theoretically, concomitant use of lithium with evening primrose oil might decrease lithium levels and effects.
In a case report, a patient on a stable dose of lithium for 10 years experienced a reduction in lithium levels after taking evening primrose oil 500 mg daily. Baseline levels were 0.69 mmol/L, which decreased to 0.37 mmol/L after 2 months and 0.23 mmol/L after 3 months of use. Lithium levels increased within 6 weeks of discontinuing evening primrose oil, to 0.73 mmol/L; no clinical effects were noted.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Lopinavir/Ritonavir (Kaletra)

Theoretically, evening primrose oil might increase the levels and effects of lopinavir.
In a case report, an HIV patient who took evening primrose oil (Efamol) along with lopinavir/ritonavir experienced an increase in serum levels of lopinavir to 15.2 mg/L. Six weeks after discontinuing evening primrose oil, levels of lopinavir returned to the normal range of 5-10 mg/L. When re-challenged with evening primrose oil for a week, the patient's lopinavir levels increased from 6.69 to 8.11 mg/L. It is suspected that evening primrose oil increases levels of lopinavir by inhibiting cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4), which metabolizes lopinavir. However, this effect has not been reported in other research.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Phenothiazines

Theoretically, taking evening primrose oil with phenothiazines might increase the risk of convulsions.
Evening primrose oil contains gamma-linolenic acid (GLA). There is some concern that taking supplements containing GLA might cause seizures, or lower the seizure threshold, when taken with phenothiazines. In one report, three patients with schizophrenia who had received phenothiazines developed EEG changes suggestive of temporal lobe epilepsy after starting treatment with GLA, although none experienced an actual seizure. In another report, two patients with schizophrenia who were stabilized on phenothiazines developed seizures when evening primrose oil 4 grams daily was added. One of these patients had a prior history of seizures. It is unclear whether evening primrose oil had any additive epileptogenic effects with the phenothiazines; there is no evidence that taking evening primrose oil alone causes seizures.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 2C9 (Cyp2C9) Substrates

Theoretically, evening primrose may increase the levels and clinical effects of CYP2C9 substrates.
In vitro research shows that linoleic acid, a constituent of evening primrose oil, inhibits CYP2C9.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Cod Liver Oil & Evening Primrose 1000 mg, from the product label.

DC

See all DC products
Name
Dee Cee Laboratories, Inc.
Street Address
304 Dee Cee Ct.
City
White House
State
TN
ZipCode
37188
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Cod Liver Oil & Evening Primrose 1000 mg by DC: Common Questions

Does Cod Liver Oil & Evening Primrose 1000 mg by DC interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Cod Liver Oil & Evening Primrose 1000 mg has a known interaction with 1,234 medications, including 9 rated major. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Cod Liver Oil & Evening Primrose 1000 mg contains 5 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 product have any fillers or other inactive ingredients?
Yes — the softgel capsule contains gelatin, vegetable glycerin, and corn oil as inactive ingredients. These are standard capsule materials and don't affect the active vitamins and oils.
Can I take this if I'm pregnant?
Vitamin D at recommended doses is likely safe in pregnancy, but only use it under your doctor's guidance. Vitamin A at high doses can cause birth defects, so avoid high-dose supplements — stick to recommended amounts or what's in your prenatal vitamin. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before starting this product.
What is vitamin D in this product used for?
Vitamin D helps your body absorb calcium and is effective for treating vitamin D deficiency, rickets, osteomalacia, renal bone disease, and hypoparathyroidism. It also supports bone and immune health.
Can I take too much of this product?
Yes. Very high doses of vitamins A and D over time can cause toxicity — vitamin D toxicity causes high blood calcium, kidney problems, and anemia; vitamin A toxicity damages the liver and causes headaches and skin changes. Stick to the label dose and avoid combining this with other vitamin A or D supplements unless your doctor says it's okay.
Is this product safe to breastfeed while taking?
Vitamin A and vitamin D at normal amounts are considered likely safe during breastfeeding. Vitamin E safety during breastfeeding is uncertain at high doses — check with your doctor before taking higher amounts or additional supplements.
What are the omega-3 fatty acids in this for?
This product contains eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid from cod liver oil, and gamma-linolenic acid from evening primrose oil. We don't have effectiveness data on file for how these specific fatty acids work in this product, but they're commonly used for heart and joint health — ask your pharmacist what the brand claims.

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.

Cod Liver Oil & Evening Primrose 1000 mg label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Cod Liver Oil & Evening Primrose 1000 mg’s Ingredients

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

Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Cod Liver Oil & Evening Primrose 1000 mg'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 174 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 D 26 references
  1. McEvoy GK, ed. AHFS Drug Information. Bethesda, MD: American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, 1998.
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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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