ElderMune Ingredients & Drug Interactions
by NOW
What is this page for?
First and foremost: checking ElderMune 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
ElderMune is a dietary supplement by NOW with 3 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for common cold and immune support, antioxidant support, skin health and collagen formation.Based on those ingredients, 326 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Vitamin C, organic Elderberry 65:1 juice concentrate. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.
Check Your Meds Against ElderMune by NOW
Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with ElderMune by NOW — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.
AI summaries are generated from our interaction database for education only — always confirm with your pharmacist. How we use AI
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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of ElderMune 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.
What’s inside
Low disclosure
ElderMune contains three active ingredients. Vitamin C supports immune function and is effective for preventing vitamin C deficiency; it's also possibly effective for anemia of chronic disease, atrial fibrillation, cataracts, and exercise-related respiratory infections.
Organic elderberry 65:1 juice concentrate is included as an immune-support ingredient, though the evidence for its effectiveness in hay fever, heart disease, fatigue, lung disease, brain function, and respiratory infections is not established in the data we hold. The product also contains organic Sunfiber, but we have no interaction data for this ingredient.
The capsules include inactive ingredients: microcrystalline cellulose, hypromellose, stearic acid, and silicon dioxide.
Does it work?
Moderate evidence
Vitamin C in this product is effective for vitamin C deficiency and possibly effective for several other conditions including anemia of chronic disease, atrial fibrillation, cataracts, and exercise-induced respiratory infections. Elderberry, however, does not have reliable evidence supporting its use for allergic rhinitis, heart disease, chronic fatigue, lung disease, cognitive function, or respiratory tract infections—so if those are your reasons for considering this product, the evidence we hold does not establish it will help.
How safe is it?
Well-documented data
Vitamin C is generally well tolerated at normal doses, but doses above 2 grams daily can cause abdominal cramps, heartburn, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and headache—and those prone to kidney stones should be cautious, as kidney stones have been reported at higher doses. Properly cooked elderberry is generally well tolerated, but raw or unripe berries, seeds, leaves, and bark can be toxic due to cyanogenic glycosides (compounds that release cyanide), causing nausea, vomiting, severe diarrhea, and other serious symptoms.
One rare case of autoimmune hepatitis has been reported in a person taking elderberry long-term. Pregnancy: the safety data advises against elderberry supplements during pregnancy and lactation due to insufficient information; normal dietary amounts of vitamin C and amounts in prenatal vitamins are considered safe, but avoid high-dose vitamin C supplements unless your doctor advises otherwise.
Meds to double-check
Moderate interaction found
Before taking ElderMune, double-check your exact medications with the tool below, especially if you take hormonal contraceptives or hormone replacement therapy (estrogens), blood thinners like warfarin, chemotherapy or antitumor drugs, immunosuppressant medications, the cancer drug pazopanib, thyroid medication like levothyroxine, the antipsychotic fluphenazine, the HIV drug indinavir, or aluminum-containing compounds. Vitamin C carries Moderate interactions with all of these.
The bottom line
Scorecard at a glanceFormula with limited ingredient disclosure with some supporting evidence for its stated purpose. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.
ElderMune may be worth considering if you're looking to prevent vitamin C deficiency or support general immune function. However, if you take hormonal contraceptives, blood thinners, thyroid medication, chemotherapy, or immunosuppressant drugs, talk to your pharmacist or doctor before starting this product—several ingredients have documented interactions that could affect how your medications work.
Pregnant and breastfeeding individuals should check with their healthcare provider before use.
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 Jul 27, 2021.
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
General information
Key facts about ElderMune, straight from the product label.
| Brand | NOW |
|---|---|
| Barcode (UPC) | 733739046642 |
| Net contents | 90 Veg Capsule(s) |
| Market status | On market |
| Date entered into DSLD | Jul 27, 2021 |
| DSLD ID | 245094 |
| Product type | Botanical With Nutrients |
| Supplement form | Capsule |
| Dietary claims / uses | Nutrient, All Other, Structure/Function |
| Intended target group(s) | Vegan, Vegetarian, Adult (18 - 50 Years), Gluten Free, Dairy Free |
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 ElderMune by NOW, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.
Supplement Facts
| Ingredient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Vitamin C | 200 mg | 222% |
| organic Sunfiber | 0 NP | -- |
| ElderMune Complex | 500 mg | -- |
| organic Elderberry 65:1 juice concentrate | 0 NP | -- |
Other ingredients: Microcrystalline Cellulose, Hypromellose, Stearic Acid, Silicon Dioxide
Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.
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 1 to 3 times daily.
Formula
Elderberry (Sambucus nigra) is a multipurpose fruit used widely throughout Europe. As a centuries-old tradition, it has been used by herbalists as a tonic to maintain health and well-being. More recently, elderberry has been recognized for its high nutritive value, especially for its potent free radical scavenging vitamins and anthocyanins.
65:1 Elderberry juice concentrate . With vitamin C
Eldermune
Botanicals/herbs
Eldermune contains approximately 65% Elderberry concentrate, 34% Sunfiber, and 1% Silicon Dioxide (flow agent).
Formulation
The unique process used to make the juice concentrate in ElderMune helps to preserve the bioactive polyphenols and anthocyanins native to elderberry.
Natural color variation may occur in this product.
Immune system support
Vegetarian/vegan
Non-GMO
Not manufactured with wheat, gluten, soy, milk, egg, fish, shellfish or tree nut ingredients.
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
Caution: For adults only.
Consult a physician if pregnant/nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition.
Keep out of reach of children.
Not manufactured with wheat, gluten, soy, milk, egg, fish, shellfish or tree nut ingredients. Produced in a GMP facility that process other ingredients containing these allergens.
Seals/Symbols
GMP Quality Assured
FDA Statement of Identity
A Dietary Supplement
General Statements
Family owned since 1968.
Brand IP Statement(s)
Eldermune is a trademark of Innovatie Natural Solutions, LLC (INS Farms). Sunfiber is a registered trademark of Taiyo International, Inc.
Storage
Store in a cool, dry place after opening.
Is this label outdated? Report a formula or label change and our pharmacy team will review it.
ElderMune by NOW label
The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.
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)The Ingredients in ElderMune 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 container45 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 C
Interacts with207 drugs
Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is an essential nutrient your body needs but cannot make, so you must get it from food or supplements. It's important for im...
Vitamin C monograph & interactionsElderMune Complex
- › Organic Sunfiber
- › Organic Elderberry 65:1 juice concentrate
Other (inactive) ingredients: Microcrystalline Cellulose, Hypromellose, Stearic Acid, Silicon Dioxide. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.
ElderMune by NOW Drug Interactions
HelloPharmacist Interaction Report
ElderMune by NOW contains ingredients with documented interactions affecting multiple medications.
Vitamin C is the primary concern—it moderately interacts with estrogens (oral contraceptives and hormone replacement therapy), potentially increasing estrogen levels by up to 55%. Vitamin C can also reduce the effectiveness of blood thinners like warfarin, especially at higher doses, and may interfere with chemotherapy drugs that work by generating free radicals, including alkylating agents and antitumor antibiotics.
Read the full breakdown — every affected drug type, severity by severity
Vitamin C carries additional Moderate interactions with aluminum compounds (increasing absorption), the antipsychotic fluphenazine (potentially lowering its levels), the HIV medication indinavir (modestly reducing its levels), and the thyroid medication levothyroxine (increasing its absorption, which may require dose adjustment). Elderberry has documented Moderate interactions with immunosuppressant medications (theoretically interfering with their effect due to elderberry's immune-stimulating activity) and the cancer drug pazopanib (with a case report of severe liver injury).
We could not check the interaction data for organic Sunfiber, so we hold no information on whether it interacts with medications. Altogether, these interactions span 322 individual medications.
If you take any prescription medication—especially hormonal contraceptives, blood thinners, chemotherapy, immunosuppressants, or thyroid drugs—use the medication checker below before starting this product.
Check your own medications below · Editorial policy · How we use AI
Want to check YOUR meds against ElderMune?
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 checkerIngredients driving the most interactions
Individual Drug Interactions
The ingredients in ElderMune interact with 326 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.
2 of the 3 ingredients in ElderMune interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Vitamin C organic Elderberry 65:1 juice concentrate
6-mercaptopurinePurinethol
How 6-mercaptopurine interacts with ElderMune — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Organic Elderberry 65:1 Juice ConcentrateImmunosuppressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, elderberry might interfere with immunosuppressant therapy due to its immunostimulant activity.
Read the full Organic Elderberry 65:1 Juice Concentrate + 6-mercaptopurine interactionAbrocitinibCibinqo
How Abrocitinib interacts with ElderMune — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Organic Elderberry 65:1 Juice ConcentrateImmunosuppressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, elderberry might interfere with immunosuppressant therapy due to its immunostimulant activity.
Read the full Organic Elderberry 65:1 Juice Concentrate + Abrocitinib interactionAdalimumabHumira
How Adalimumab interacts with ElderMune — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Organic Elderberry 65:1 Juice ConcentrateImmunosuppressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, elderberry might interfere with immunosuppressant therapy due to its immunostimulant activity.
Read the full Organic Elderberry 65:1 Juice Concentrate + Adalimumab interactionAdalimumab-adazHyrimoz
How Adalimumab-adaz interacts with ElderMune — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Organic Elderberry 65:1 Juice ConcentrateImmunosuppressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, elderberry might interfere with immunosuppressant therapy due to its immunostimulant activity.
Read the full Organic Elderberry 65:1 Juice Concentrate + Adalimumab-adaz interactionAdalimumab-adbmCyltezo
How Adalimumab-adbm interacts with ElderMune — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Organic Elderberry 65:1 Juice ConcentrateImmunosuppressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, elderberry might interfere with immunosuppressant therapy due to its immunostimulant activity.
Read the full Organic Elderberry 65:1 Juice Concentrate + Adalimumab-adbm interactionAdalimumab-afzbAbrilada
How Adalimumab-afzb interacts with ElderMune — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Organic Elderberry 65:1 Juice ConcentrateImmunosuppressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, elderberry might interfere with immunosuppressant therapy due to its immunostimulant activity.
Read the full Organic Elderberry 65:1 Juice Concentrate + Adalimumab-afzb interactionAdalimumab-attoAmjevita
How Adalimumab-atto interacts with ElderMune — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Organic Elderberry 65:1 Juice ConcentrateImmunosuppressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, elderberry might interfere with immunosuppressant therapy due to its immunostimulant activity.
Read the full Organic Elderberry 65:1 Juice Concentrate + Adalimumab-atto interactionAdalimumab-bwwdHadlima
How Adalimumab-bwwd interacts with ElderMune — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Organic Elderberry 65:1 Juice ConcentrateImmunosuppressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, elderberry might interfere with immunosuppressant therapy due to its immunostimulant activity.
Read the full Organic Elderberry 65:1 Juice Concentrate + Adalimumab-bwwd interactionAdalimumab-fkjpHulio
How Adalimumab-fkjp interacts with ElderMune — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Organic Elderberry 65:1 Juice ConcentrateImmunosuppressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, elderberry might interfere with immunosuppressant therapy due to its immunostimulant activity.
Read the full Organic Elderberry 65:1 Juice Concentrate + Adalimumab-fkjp interactionAlefaceptAmevive
How Alefacept interacts with ElderMune — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Organic Elderberry 65:1 Juice ConcentrateImmunosuppressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, elderberry might interfere with immunosuppressant therapy due to its immunostimulant activity.
Read the full Organic Elderberry 65:1 Juice Concentrate + Alefacept interactionAlemtuzumabCampath
How Alemtuzumab interacts with ElderMune — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Organic Elderberry 65:1 Juice ConcentrateImmunosuppressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, elderberry might interfere with immunosuppressant therapy due to its immunostimulant activity.
Read the full Organic Elderberry 65:1 Juice Concentrate + Alemtuzumab interactionAlginic Acid, Aluminum HydroxideRafton
How Alginic Acid, Aluminum Hydroxide interacts with ElderMune — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Vitamin CAluminum Moderate
Interaction Summary
Vitamin C can increase the amount of aluminum absorbed from aluminum compounds.
Read the full Vitamin C + Alginic Acid, Aluminum Hydroxide interactionAltretamineHexalen
How Altretamine interacts with ElderMune — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Vitamin CAlkylating Agents Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, antioxidant effects of vitamin C might reduce the effectiveness of alkylating agents.
Read the full Vitamin C + Altretamine interactionAluminum Acetate, Benzethonium ChlorideBuro-Sol Otic Solution
How Aluminum Acetate, Benzethonium Chloride interacts with ElderMune — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Vitamin CAluminum Moderate
Interaction Summary
Vitamin C can increase the amount of aluminum absorbed from aluminum compounds.
Read the full Vitamin C + Aluminum Acetate, Benzethonium Chloride interactionAluminum ChlorideAluminum Chloride, Anhydrol Forte, Driclor, Drysol
How Aluminum Chloride interacts with ElderMune — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Vitamin CAluminum Moderate
Interaction Summary
Vitamin C can increase the amount of aluminum absorbed from aluminum compounds.
Read the full Vitamin C + Aluminum Chloride interactionAluminum HydroxideAlu-Cap, Amphojel, Gaviscon
How Aluminum Hydroxide interacts with ElderMune — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Vitamin CAluminum Moderate
Interaction Summary
Vitamin C can increase the amount of aluminum absorbed from aluminum compounds.
Read the full Vitamin C + Aluminum Hydroxide interactionAluminum Hydroxide, Aspirin, Codeine Phosphate, Magnesium HydroxideAscriptin Codeine #2
How Aluminum Hydroxide, Aspirin, Codeine Phosphate, Magnesium Hydroxide interacts with ElderMune — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Vitamin CAspirin, Aluminum Moderate
Interaction Summary
Acidification of the urine by vitamin C might increase aspirin levels.
Read the full Vitamin C + Aluminum Hydroxide, Aspirin, Codeine Phosphate, Magnesium Hydroxide interactionAluminum Hydroxide, Aspirin, Magnesium HydroxideAscriptin
How Aluminum Hydroxide, Aspirin, Magnesium Hydroxide interacts with ElderMune — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Vitamin CAspirin, Aluminum Moderate
Interaction Summary
Acidification of the urine by vitamin C might increase aspirin levels.
Read the full Vitamin C + Aluminum Hydroxide, Aspirin, Magnesium Hydroxide interactionAluminum Hydroxide, Magnesium Hydroxide (otc Drug)Maalox, Mucogel
How Aluminum Hydroxide, Magnesium Hydroxide (otc Drug) interacts with ElderMune — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Vitamin CAluminum Moderate
Interaction Summary
Vitamin C can increase the amount of aluminum absorbed from aluminum compounds.
Read the full Vitamin C + Aluminum Hydroxide, Magnesium Hydroxide (otc Drug) interactionAluminum Hydroxide, Magnesium Hydroxide, Simethicone (otc Drug)Mylanta
How Aluminum Hydroxide, Magnesium Hydroxide, Simethicone (otc Drug) interacts with ElderMune — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Vitamin CAluminum Moderate
Interaction Summary
Vitamin C can increase the amount of aluminum absorbed from aluminum compounds.
Read the full Vitamin C + Aluminum Hydroxide, Magnesium Hydroxide, Simethicone (otc Drug) interactionAluminum, CalciumDomeboro
How Aluminum, Calcium interacts with ElderMune — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Vitamin CAluminum Moderate
Interaction Summary
Vitamin C can increase the amount of aluminum absorbed from aluminum compounds.
Read the full Vitamin C + Aluminum, Calcium interactionAluminum, Magnesium (otc Drug)Almagel
How Aluminum, Magnesium (otc Drug) interacts with ElderMune — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Vitamin CAluminum Moderate
Interaction Summary
Vitamin C can increase the amount of aluminum absorbed from aluminum compounds.
Read the full Vitamin C + Aluminum, Magnesium (otc Drug) interactionAluminum, Magnesium Hydroxide (otc Drug)Wingel
How Aluminum, Magnesium Hydroxide (otc Drug) interacts with ElderMune — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Vitamin CAluminum Moderate
Interaction Summary
Vitamin C can increase the amount of aluminum absorbed from aluminum compounds.
Read the full Vitamin C + Aluminum, Magnesium Hydroxide (otc Drug) interactionAnifrolumab-fniaSaphnelo
How Anifrolumab-fnia interacts with ElderMune — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Organic Elderberry 65:1 Juice ConcentrateImmunosuppressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, elderberry might interfere with immunosuppressant therapy due to its immunostimulant activity.
Read the full Organic Elderberry 65:1 Juice Concentrate + Anifrolumab-fnia interactionAntithymocyte GlobulinThymoglobulin
How Antithymocyte Globulin interacts with ElderMune — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Organic Elderberry 65:1 Juice ConcentrateImmunosuppressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, elderberry might interfere with immunosuppressant therapy due to its immunostimulant activity.
Read the full Organic Elderberry 65:1 Juice Concentrate + Antithymocyte Globulin interactionAspirin, Aluminum Hydroxide, Codeine Phosphate, Magnesium HydroxideAscriptin Codeine #3
How Aspirin, Aluminum Hydroxide, Codeine Phosphate, Magnesium Hydroxide interacts with ElderMune — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Vitamin CAspirin, Aluminum Moderate
Interaction Summary
Acidification of the urine by vitamin C might increase aspirin levels.
Read the full Vitamin C + Aspirin, Aluminum Hydroxide, Codeine Phosphate, Magnesium Hydroxide interactionAtezolizumabTecentriq
How Atezolizumab interacts with ElderMune — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Organic Elderberry 65:1 Juice ConcentrateImmunosuppressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, elderberry might interfere with immunosuppressant therapy due to its immunostimulant activity.
Read the full Organic Elderberry 65:1 Juice Concentrate + Atezolizumab interactionAzamuneImmunoprin
How Azamune interacts with ElderMune — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Organic Elderberry 65:1 Juice ConcentrateImmunosuppressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, elderberry might interfere with immunosuppressant therapy due to its immunostimulant activity.
Read the full Organic Elderberry 65:1 Juice Concentrate + Azamune interactionAzathioprineAzamune, Imuran
How Azathioprine interacts with ElderMune — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Organic Elderberry 65:1 Juice ConcentrateImmunosuppressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, elderberry might interfere with immunosuppressant therapy due to its immunostimulant activity.
Read the full Organic Elderberry 65:1 Juice Concentrate + Azathioprine interactionBasiliximabSimulect
How Basiliximab interacts with ElderMune — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Organic Elderberry 65:1 Juice ConcentrateImmunosuppressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, elderberry might interfere with immunosuppressant therapy due to its immunostimulant activity.
Read the full Organic Elderberry 65:1 Juice Concentrate + Basiliximab interactionEach ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects
For each ingredient in ElderMune 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 C
Alkylating Agents
Theoretically, antioxidant effects of vitamin C might reduce the effectiveness of alkylating agents.
The use of antioxidants like vitamin C during chemotherapy is controversial. There is concern that antioxidants could reduce the activity of chemotherapy drugs that generate free radicals, such as cyclophosphamide, chlorambucil, carmustine, busulfan, and thiotepa. In contrast, some researchers theorize that antioxidants might make chemotherapy more effective by reducing oxidative stress that could interfere with apoptosis (cell death) of cancer cells. More evidence is needed to determine what effect, if any, antioxidants such as vitamin C have on chemotherapy.
Aluminum
Vitamin C can increase the amount of aluminum absorbed from aluminum compounds.
Research in animals and humans shows that vitamin C increases aluminum absorption, theoretically by chelating aluminum and keeping it in solution where it is available for absorption. In people with normal renal function, urinary excretion of aluminum will likely increase, making aluminum retention and toxicity unlikely. Patients with renal failure who take aluminum-containing compounds such as phosphate binders should avoid vitamin C supplements in doses above the recommended dietary allowances.
Antitumor Antibiotics
Theoretically, the antioxidant effects of vitamin C might reduce the effectiveness of antitumor antibiotics.
The use of antioxidants like vitamin C during chemotherapy is controversial. There is concern that antioxidants could reduce the activity of chemotherapy drugs which generate free radicals, such as doxorubicin. In contrast, some researchers theorize that antioxidants might make chemotherapy more effective by reducing oxidative stress that could interfere with apoptosis (cell death) of cancer cells. More evidence is needed to determine what effects, if any, antioxidants such as vitamin C have on chemotherapy.
Estrogens
Vitamin C might increase blood levels of estrogens.
Increases in plasma estrogen levels of up to 55% occur under some circumstances when vitamin C is taken concurrently with oral contraceptives or hormone replacement therapy, including topical products. It is suggested that vitamin C prevents oxidation of estrogen in the tissues, regenerates oxidized estrogen, and reduces sulfate conjugation of estrogen in the gut wall. When tissue levels of vitamin C are high, these processes are already maximized and supplemental vitamin C does not have any effect on estrogen levels. Increases in plasma estrogen levels may occur when patients who are deficient in vitamin C take supplements. Monitor these patients for estrogen-related side effects.
Fluphenazine (Prolixin)
Theoretically, vitamin C might decrease levels of fluphenazine.
In one patient there was a clinically significant decrease in fluphenazine levels when vitamin C (500 mg twice daily) was started. The mechanism is not known, and there is no further data to confirm this interaction.
Indinavir (Crixivan)
Vitamin C can modestly reduce indinavir levels.
One pharmacokinetic study shows that taking vitamin C 1 gram orally once daily along with indinavir 800 mg orally three times daily reduces the area under the concentration-time curve of indinavir by 14%. The mechanism of this interaction is unknown, but it is unlikely to be clinically significant in most patients. The effect of higher doses of vitamin C on indinavir levels is unknown.
Levothyroxine (Synthroid, Others)
Vitamin C can increase levothyroxine absorption.
Two clinical studies in adults with poorly controlled hypothyroidism show that swallowing levothyroxine with a glass of water containing vitamin C 500-1000 mg in solution reduces thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels and increases thyroxine (T4) levels when compared with taking levothyroxine alone. This suggests that vitamin C increases the oral absorption of levothyroxine, possibly due to a reduction in pH.
Warfarin (Coumadin)
High-dose vitamin C might reduce the levels and effectiveness of warfarin.
Vitamin C in high doses may cause diarrhea and possibly reduce warfarin absorption. There are reports of two people who took up to 16 grams daily of vitamin C and had a reduction in prothrombin time. Lower doses of 5-10 grams daily can also reduce warfarin absorption. In many cases, this does not seem to be clinically significant. However, a case of warfarin resistance has been reported for a patient who took vitamin C 500 mg twice daily. Cessation of vitamin C supplementation resulted in a rapid increase in international normalized ratio (INR). Tell patients taking warfarin to avoid taking vitamin C in excessively high doses (greater than 10 grams daily). Lower doses may be safe, but the anticoagulation activity of warfarin should be monitored. Patients who are stabilized on warfarin while taking vitamin C should avoid adjusting vitamin C dosage to prevent the possibility of warfarin resistance.
Acetaminophen (Tylenol, Others)
High-dose vitamin C might slightly prolong the clearance of acetaminophen.
A small pharmacokinetic study in healthy volunteers shows that taking high-dose vitamin C (3 grams) 1.5 hours after taking acetaminophen 1 gram slightly increases the apparent half-life of acetaminophen from around 2.3 hours to 3.1 hours. Ascorbic acid competitively inhibits sulfate conjugation of acetaminophen. However, to compensate, elimination of acetaminophen glucuronide and unconjugated acetaminophen increases. This effect is not likely to be clinically significant.
Aspirin
Acidification of the urine by vitamin C might increase aspirin levels.
It has been suggested that acidification of the urine by vitamin C could increase reabsorption of salicylates by the renal tubules, and increase plasma salicylate levels. However, short-term use of up to 6 grams daily of vitamin C does not seem to affect urinary pH or salicylate excretion, suggesting this interaction is not clinically significant.
Choline Magnesium Trisalicylate (Trilisate)
Acidification of the urine by vitamin C might increase choline magnesium trisalicylate levels.
It has been suggested that acidification of the urine by vitamin C could increase reabsorption of salicylates by the renal tubules, and increase plasma salicylate levels. However, short-term use of up to 6 grams daily of vitamin C does not seem to affect urinary pH or salicylate excretion, suggesting this interaction probably is not clinically significant.
Niacin
Vitamin C might decrease the beneficial effects of niacin on high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels.
A combination of niacin and simvastatin (Zocor) effectively raises HDL cholesterol levels in patients 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% in patients with coronary disease. It is not known whether this adverse effect is due to a single antioxidant such as vitamin C, or to the combination. It also is not known whether it will occur in other patient populations.
Salsalate (Disalcid)
Acidification of the urine by vitamin C might increase salsalate levels.
It has been suggested that acidification of the urine by vitamin C could increase reabsorption of salicylates by the renal tubules, and increase plasma salicylate levels. However, short-term use of up to 6 grams/day vitamin C does not seem to affect urinary pH or salicylate excretion, suggesting this interaction probably is not clinically significant.
organic Elderberry 65:1 juice concentrate
Immunosuppressants
Theoretically, elderberry might interfere with immunosuppressant therapy due to its immunostimulant activity.
Elderberry has immunostimulant activity, increasing the production of cytokines, including interleukin and tumor necrosis factor.
Pazopanib (Votrient)
Theoretically, elderberry might interact with pazopanib, potentially increasing the risk of adverse effects.
Brand information
Manufacturer and brand details for ElderMune, 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
ElderMune by NOW: Common Questions
Does ElderMune by NOW interact with any medications?
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Where does this information come from?
Can I take this while pregnant?
Can I take this while breastfeeding?
Will this help prevent colds and respiratory infections?
What are the side effects of vitamin C in this product?
Is the elderberry in this product safe?
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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.
The Full Monographs Behind ElderMune’s Ingredients
Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.
Vitamin C
Interacts with 207 drugsVitamin C (ascorbic acid) is an essential nutrient your body needs but cannot make, so you must get it from food or supplements. It's important for immune function, collagen, and acts as an...
Read the full Vitamin C monograph → Herb & supplement monographElderberry
Interacts with 121 drugsElderberry is a popular herbal supplement, mainly taken to help with colds and flu. Some small studies suggest it may modestly shorten cold or flu symptoms, but the evidence is limited and n...
Read the full Elderberry monograph →Sources & How We Checked
ElderMune'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.
- NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD) — The official product label on file for this supplement.
- Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center) — Evidence-graded clinical reference behind the ingredient interaction data.
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 57 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 C 51 references
- McEvoy GK, ed. AHFS Drug Information. Bethesda, MD: American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, 1998.
- Back DJ, Breckenridge AM, MacIver M, et al. Interaction of ethinyloestradiol with ascorbic acid in man. Br Med J (Clin Res Ed) 1981;282:1516.
- Morris JC, Beeley L, Ballantine N. Interaction of ethinyloestradiol with ascorbic acid in man [letter]. Br Med J (Clin Res Ed) 1981;283:503.
- Labriola D, Livingston R. Possible interactions between dietary antioxidants and chemotherapy. Oncology 1999;13:1003-8.
- Dwyer JH, Merz NB, Shirocre AM, et al. Progression of early atherosclerosis and intake of vitamin C and vitamin E from supplements and food. The Los Angeles Atherosclerosis Study. 41st Annual Conference on Cardiovascular Disease Epidemiology and Prevent
- Levine M, Rumsey SC, Daruwala R, et al. Criteria and recommendations for vitamin C intake. JAMA 1999;281:1415-23. PubMed
- Hansten PD, Horn JR. Drug Interactions Analysis and Management. Vancouver, WA: Applied Therapeutics Inc., 1997 and updates.
- Segal S, Kaminski S. Drug-nutrient interactions. American Druggist 1996 Jul;42-8.
- Food and Nutrition Board, Institute of Medicine. Dietary Reference Intakes for Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Selenium, and Carotenoids. Washington, DC: National Academy Press, 2000. Available at: http://www.nap.edu/books/0309069351/html/.
- Houston JB, Levy G. Drug biotransformation interactions in man VI: Acetaminophen and ascorbic acid. J Pharm Sci 1976;65:1218-21. PubMed
- Brown BG, Zhao XQ, Chait A, et al. Simvastatin and niacin, antioxidant vitamins, or the combination for the prevention of coronary disease. N Engl J Med 2001;345:1583-93. DOI
- Rosenthal G. Interaction of ascorbic acid and warfarin. JAMA 1971;215:1671. DOI
- Hume R, Johnstone JM, Weyers E. Interaction of ascorbic acid and warfarin. JAMA 1972;219:1479. DOI
- Smith EC, Skalski RJ, Johnson GC, Rossi GV. Interaction of ascorbic acid and warfarin. JAMA 1972;221:1166. DOI
- Traxer O, Huet B, Poindexter J, et al. Effect of ascorbic acid consumption on urinary stone risk factors. J Urol 2003;170:397-401.. PubMed
- Domingo JL, Gomez M, Llobet JM, Richart C. Effect of ascorbic acid on gastrointestinal aluminum absorption (letter). Lancet 1991;338:1467.
- Domingo JL, Gomez M, Llobet JM, Corbella J. Influence of some dietary constituents on aluminum absorption and retention in rats. Kidney Int 1991;39:598-601. PubMed
- Partridge NA, Regnier FE, White JL, Hem SL. Influence of dietary constituents on intestinal absorption of aluminum. Kidney Int 1989;35:1413-7. PubMed
- Mc Leod DC, Nahata MC. Inefficacy of ascorbic acid as a urinary acidifier (letter). N Engl J Med 1977;296:1413. DOI
- Hansten PD, Hayton WL. Effect of antacid and ascorbic acid on serum salicylate concentration. J Clin Pharmacol 1980;20:326-31. PubMed
- Dysken MW, Cumming RJ, Channon RA, Davis JM. Drug interaction between ascorbic acid and fluphenazine. JAMA 1979;241:2008. DOI
- Vihtamaki T, Parantainen J, Koivisto AM, et al. Oral ascorbic acid increases plasma oestradiol during postmenopausal hormone replacement therapy. Maturitas 2002;42:129-35. PubMed
- Slain D, Amsden JR, Khakoo RA, et al. Effect of high-dose vitamin C on the steady-state pharmacokinetics of the protease inhibitor indinavir in healthy volunteers. Pharmacotherapy 2005;25:165-70. PubMed
- Cheung MC, Zhao XQ, Chait A, et al. Antioxidant supplements block the response of HDL to simvastatin-niacin therapy in patients with coronary artery disease and low HDL. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2001;21:1320-6. PubMed
- Feetam CL, Leach RH, Meynell MJ. Lack of a clinically important interaction between warfarin and ascorbic acid. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 1975;31:544-7. PubMed
- Weintraub M, Griner PF. Warfarin and ascorbic acid: lack of evidence for a drug interaction. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 1974;28:53-6. PubMed
- Lee DH, Folsom AR, Harnack L, et al. Does supplemental vitamin C increase cardiovascular disease risk in women with diabetes? Am J Clin Nutr 2004;80:1194-200. PubMed
- Taylor EN, Stampfer MJ, Curhan GC. Dietary factors and the risk of incident kidney stones in men: new insights after 14 years of follow-up. J Am Soc Nephrol 2004;15:3225-32. PubMed
- Ward NC, Hodgson JM, Croft KD, et al. The combination of vitamin C and grape-seed polyphenols increases blood pressure: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. J Hypertens 2005;23:427-34.. PubMed
- Prasad KN. Rationale for using high-dose multiple dietary antioxidants as an adjunct to radiation therapy and chemotherapy. J Nutr 2004;134:3182S-3S. PubMed
- Conklin KA. Cancer chemotherapy and antioxidants. J Nutr 2004;134:3201S-3204S. PubMed
- Fairweather-Tait S, Hickson K, McGaw B, et al. Orange juice enhances aluminium absorption from antacid preparation. Eur J Clin Nutr. 1994;48(1):71-3.
- Gruenwald, J., Graubaum, H. J., Busch, R., and Bentley, C. Safety and tolerance of ester-C compared with regular ascorbic acid. Adv.Ther. 2006;23(1):171-178.
- Rahimi, R., Nikfar, S., Rezaie, A., and Abdollahi, M. A meta-analysis on the efficacy and safety of combined vitamin C and E supplementation in preeclamptic women. Hypertens.Pregnancy. 2009;28(4):417-434. PubMed
- Einerson, B., Nathorn, C., Kitiyakara, C., Sirada, M., and Thamlikitkul, V. The efficacy of ascorbic acid in suboptimal responsive anemic hemodialysis patients receiving erythropoietin: a meta-analysis. J Med.Assoc.Thai. 2011;94 Suppl 1:S134-S146.
- Li, G., Li, L., Yu, C., and Chen, L. Effect of vitamins C and E supplementation on Helicobacter pylori eradication: a meta-analysis. Br.J Nutr 2011;106(11):1632-1637.
- Chen X, Shen L, Gu X, et al. High-dose supplementation with vitamin C--induced pediatric urolithiasis: the first case report in a child and literature review. Urology. 2014;84(4):922-4. PubMed
- Sattar A, Willman JE, Kolluri R. Possible warfarin resistance due to interaction with ascorbic acid: case report and literature review. Am J Health Syst Pharm. 2013;70(9):782-6. PubMed
- Yaich S, Chaabouni Y, Charfeddine K, et al. Secondary oxalosis due to excess vitamin C intake: a cause of graft loss in a renal transplant recipient. Saudi J Kidney Dis Transpl. 2014;25(1):113-6. PubMed
- Jalloh MA, Gregory PJ, Hein D, et al. Dietary supplement interactions with antiretrovirals: a systematic review. Int J STD AIDS. 2017 Jan;28(1):4-15. PubMed
- Rumbold A, Ota E, Nagata C, Shahrook S, Crowther CA. Vitamin C supplementation in pregnancy. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2015;(9):CD004072. PubMed
- Seo MS, Kim JK, Shim JY. High-dose vitamin C promotes regression of multiple pulmonary metastases originating from hepatocellular carcinoma. Yonsei Med J. 2015;56(5):1449-52. PubMed
- Skelin M, Lucijanic T, Amidzic Klaric D, et al. Factors Affecting Gastrointestinal Absorption of Levothyroxine: A Review. Clin Ther. 2017 Feb;39(2):378-403. PubMed
- Jiang K, Tang K, Liu H, Xu H, Ye Z, Chen Z. Ascorbic acid supplements and kidney stones incidence among men and women: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Urol J. 2019;16(2):115-120.
- Thomas S, Patel D, Bittel B, et al. Effect of High-Dose Zinc and Ascorbic Acid Supplementation vs Usual Care on Symptom Length and Reduction Among Ambulatory Patients With SARS-CoV-2 Infection: The COVID A to Z Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Netw Open. 2 PubMed
- Giffen MA, McLemore JL. Hyperoxalosis Secondary to Intravenous Vitamin C Administration as a Non-Allopathic Treatment for Cancer. Acad Forensic Pathol 2019;9(1-2):118-126. PubMed
- Maike A, Sturgill D, Gallan A. Oxalate Nephropathy in a Renal Transplant Recipient After Receiving High Dose Ascorbic Acid. Am J Med Sci 2021. PubMed
- Shen ZY, Chen YR, Wang MC, Chang SS. High-dose vitamin C-induced acute oxalate nephropathy in a renal transplant recipient: a case report and literature review. Asian J Surg 2022. PubMed
- Yanase F, Spano S, Maeda A, et al. Mega-dose sodium ascorbate: a pilot, single-dose, physiological effect, double-blind, randomized, controlled trial. Crit Care 2023;27(1):371. PubMed
- Sharma Y, Sumanadasa S, Shahi R, et al. Efficacy and safety of vitamin C supplementation in the treatment of community-acquired pneumonia: a systematic review and meta-analysis with trial sequential analysis. Sci Rep 2024;14(1):11846. PubMed
- Pejcic AV, Petrovic NZ, Djordjic MD, Milosavljevic MN. Vitamin C Levels in Pregnant Women and the Efficacy of Vitamin C Supplements in Preventing Premature Rupture of Membranes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Balkan Med J 2024;41(4):248-260. PubMed
Elderberry 6 references
- Barak V, Halperin T, Kalickman I. The effect of Sambucol, a black elderberry-based, natural product, on the production of human cytokines: I. Inflammatory cytokines. Eur Cytokine Netw 2001;12:290-6..
- Elderberry (Sambucus species). The Poison Plant Patch, Novia Scotia Museum, 2007. Available at: http://museum.gov.ns.ca/poison/?section=species&id=117 (Accessed 16 October 2009).
- European elder. Canadian Poisonous Plants Information System. Available at: http://www.cbif.gc.ca/pls/pp/ppack.jump?p_null=all&p_psn=121&p_type=all&p_sci=comm&p_x=px (Accessed 16 October 2009).
- Raus K, Pleschka S, Klein P, Schoop R, Fisher P. Effect of an echinacea-based hot drink versus oseltamivir in Influenza treatment: a randomized, double-blind, double-dummy, multicenter, noninferiority clinical trial. . Curr Ther Res Clin Exp. 2015;20;77:6 PubMed
- Ramachandran A, Antala D, Pudasainee P, Panginikkod S, Gupta H. A Plausible Association Between the Use of Elderberry and Autoimmune Hepatitis. Cureus 2022;14(4):e24250. PubMed
- Agarwal N, Mangla A. Elderberry interaction with pazopanib in a patient with soft-tissue sarcoma: A case report and literature review. Mol Clin Oncol 2024;20(5):36. PubMed
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