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Dietary supplement

Copper Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Douglas Laboratories

Tablet Or Pill Category: Mineral
Most serious interaction: Moderate
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Copper is a dietary supplement by Douglas Laboratories with 1 active ingredient. Its ingredients are commonly taken for preventing or treating copper deficiency, supporting red blood cell formation, bone and connective tissue health.Based on those ingredients, 31 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Copper. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Copper by Douglas Laboratories

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 1 of its 1 active ingredient.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

This product contains one active ingredient: copper. Copper is an essential mineral your body needs for bone health, immune function, and making red blood cells.

The tablet also contains inactive ingredients — cellulose, stearic acid, magnesium stearate, silica, and pharmaceutical glaze — which are standard binders, thickeners, and coating materials.

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

This product doesn't appear to be marketed for a specific use, so we graded Copper's overall clinical evidence instead.

Strong

Strong clinical evidence supports Copper for:

Why this rating?
  • We looked at the product name, claims, and label statements and couldn't find a stated purpose to grade.
  • Since the label doesn't commit to one use, we graded the ingredient's overall clinical evidence instead.
  • On file: Copper deficiency — rated "Likely Effective" (Natural Medicines).

Copper is likely effective for treating copper deficiency, which is uncommon but can occur in certain conditions. For Alzheimer disease, the evidence suggests copper is possibly ineffective.

For acne, chemotherapy-related low red blood cell count (anemia), and brain tumor, we don't have enough reliable evidence to rate how well it works. Talk with your doctor about whether a copper supplement makes sense for your specific situation.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Copper

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 1 of the 1 matched ingredient.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 1 of 1.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 1 of 1.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Copper is generally well tolerated in amounts you get from food and standard supplements. However, excess copper is toxic, so stay within recommended doses and avoid high-dose supplements unless your doctor advises it.

Rarely, contact dermatitis (skin irritation) from direct copper contact has been reported. There's also evidence that people with diabetes tend to have higher blood copper levels than those without, though it's unclear whether elevated copper contributes to diabetes risk.

For pregnancy, the safety data is mixed: copper is likely safe and actually needed during pregnancy, but stay within recommended amounts and avoid high-dose supplements without medical guidance. Copper is considered likely safe during breastfeeding.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Copper

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 1 matched ingredient can interact with medications — Copper.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • For scale: 31 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.

Check your exact medications against this product if you take penicillamine (a Moderate interaction requiring dose separation) or contraceptive drugs (a Minor interaction that may raise copper levels). No other interactions are documented for this ingredient.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with strong clinical evidence behind its ingredients' uses. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

Copper supplements make sense if you have a documented deficiency. If you take penicillamine or hormonal birth control, check with your pharmacist first — the interactions are manageable but real.

Stick to recommended doses and talk with your doctor before starting, especially if you're pregnant, breastfeeding, or have diabetes.

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

Assessment coverage: 1 of 1 active ingredient matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Jul 25, 2012.

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 Copper, straight from the product label.

Brand Douglas Laboratories
Barcode (UPC) 745287030103
Net contents 100 Tablet(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Jul 25, 2012
DSLD ID 10830
Product type Mineral
Supplement form Tablet Or Pill
Dietary claims / uses All Other
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 Copper by Douglas Laboratories, 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 Tablet(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 Tablet(s)
Servings per container
100
UPC/BARCODE
745287030103
IngredientAmount% DV
Copper2 mg100%

Other ingredients: Cellulose, Stearic Acid, Magnesium Stearate, Silica, Pharmaceutical Glaze

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: As a dietary supplement, adults take 1 tablet daily, or as directed by your healthcare professional.

Brand IP Statement(s)

amni(R) original formula

FDA Statement of Identity

A Dietary Supplement

Precautions

KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN.

Tamper resistant package, do not use if outer seal is missing.

Storage

For optimal storage conditions, store in a cool, dry place. (59(0)-77(0)F/15(0)-25(0)C) (35-65% relative humidity)

General

CUC

See for yourself

Copper by Douglas Laboratories label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Copper by Douglas Laboratories

This is the 1 active ingredient this product is made of. Select it to open its full monograph.

Serving size1 Tablet(s) Dosage formTablet Or Pill Servings per container100 Amounts shown are per serving.

Copper

Interacts with
31 drugs
2 mg per serving Form: copper amino acid chelate

Copper is an essential trace mineral your body needs in small amounts for making red blood cells, supporting nerves and bones, and helping enzymes wor...

Copper monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Cellulose, Stearic Acid, Magnesium Stearate, Silica, Pharmaceutical Glaze. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Copper by Douglas Laboratories Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Copper?

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
31Drugs
1 Moderate 30 Minor

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Copper 31

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Copper 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.

Copper2 drug types · 31 drugs

Penicillamine (Cuprimine, Depen)

Theoretically, taking copper with penicillamine might decrease the absorption of penicillamine; separate dosing by at least 2 hours.
Copper chelates penicillamine, which decreases its absorption and may reduce its clinical effects.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Contraceptive Drugs

Theoretically, taking copper with contraceptive drugs might increase the levels and toxic effects of copper.
A meta-analysis of clinical studies suggests that chronic use of oral contraceptives increases serum copper levels by a mean of 57 mcg/dL. In most people, this resulted in levels above the normal reference range for copper.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Copper, from the product label.

Douglas Laboratories

See all Douglas Laboratories products
Name
Douglas Laboratories
Street Address
600 Boyce Road
City
Pittsburgh
State
PA
ZipCode
15205
Web Address
www.douglaslabs.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Copper by Douglas Laboratories: Common Questions

Does Copper by Douglas Laboratories interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Copper has a known interaction with 31 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Copper contains a single active ingredient, and that one ingredient can interact with many different medications on its own. We check it against each medication and show the mechanism 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 copper safe to take during pregnancy?
Copper is likely safe and is actually needed during pregnancy, but the safety data advises staying within recommended amounts. Avoid high-dose supplements unless your doctor tells you to take them. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about the right dose for you.
Can copper help with Alzheimer disease?
The evidence suggests copper is possibly ineffective for Alzheimer disease. If you're interested in supplementing for cognitive health, discuss other options with your doctor.
What does copper do in the body?
Copper is an essential mineral that helps your body make red blood cells, keeps bones strong, and supports immune function. Deficiency is uncommon but can happen in certain medical conditions.
Can I take this with my birth control pill?
It's a Minor interaction — long-term use of oral contraceptives can raise your blood copper levels above normal. It's manageable, but mention it to your pharmacist so they can monitor your copper status if needed.
What are the side effects?
Copper is generally well tolerated at normal doses. Rarely, direct contact with copper has caused skin irritation (contact dermatitis). Excess copper is toxic, so don't exceed recommended amounts.

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

Not sure if Copper is safe with your meds?

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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.

Copper label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Copper'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 11 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.

Copper 11 references
  1. Murry JJ, Healy MD. Drug-mineral interactions: a new responsibility for the hospital dietician. J Am Diet Assoc 1991;91:66-73.
  2. Campbell IA, Elmes PC. Ethambutol and the eye: zinc and copper (letter). Lancet 1975;2:711. DOI
  3. Segal S, Kaminski S. Drug-nutrient interactions. American Druggist 1996 Jul;42-8.
  4. Kozak SF, Inderlied CB, Hsu HY, et al. The role of copper on ethambutol's antimicrobial action and implications for ethambutol-induced optic neuropathy. Diag Microbiol Infect Dis 1998;30:83-7. PubMed
  5. 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.
  6. Cantilena LR, Klaassen CD. The effect of chelating agents on the excretion of endogenous metals. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 1982;63:344-50.
  7. Babic Z, Tariba B, Kovacic J, Pizent A, Varnai VM, Macan J. Relevance of serum copper elevation induced by oral contraceptives: a meta-analysis. Contraception. 2013 Jun;87(6):790-800. PubMed
  8. Qui Q, Zhang F, Zhu W, Wu J, Liang M. Copper in diabetes mellitus: a meta-analysis and systematic review of plasma and serum studies. Biol Trace Elem Res 2017;177(1):53-63.
  9. Walker-Smith PK, Keith DJ, Kennedy CT, Sansom JE. Allergic contact dermatitis caused by copper. Contact Dermatitis 2016;75(3):186-7. PubMed
  10. Gallentine A. Third-degree burn on the neuropathic lower extremity in a patient with diabetes while wearing a copper-containing compression sock: a case report. Wound Manag Prev 2021;67(12):26-29. DOI
  11. Chung KJ, Chin YM, Wong MS, Sanmugam A, Singaravel S, Nah SA. Effectiveness of table salt versus copper sulphate in treating umbilical granuloma: A pilot randomized controlled trial. J Pediatr Surg 2022;57(2):261-265. PubMed

See these in context on the Copper 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

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