Major interaction on record — check this product against your medications before combining. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

Enhanced FernBlock With Red Orange Complex Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Life Extension

Enhanced FernBlock With Red Orange Complex label
See full label image
Capsule Category: Botanical
Most serious interaction: Major
Clinical methodology reviewed by · Updated Sep 16, 2026 · Label data from the NIH DSLD
What is this page for?

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

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

The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Major

Enhanced FernBlock With Red Orange Complex is a dietary supplement by Life Extension 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, 855 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated major. The ingredients most likely to interact are FernBlock Polypodium leucotomos extract, Red Orange Complex, Vitamin C. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

Jump to a section

Check Your Meds Against Enhanced FernBlock With Red Orange Complex by Life Extension

Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with Enhanced FernBlock With Red Orange Complex by Life Extension — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.

Pharmacist-reviewed data Checks every ingredient Answer in seconds
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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Enhanced FernBlock With Red Orange Complex by Life Extension

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

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

Generated from HelloPharmacist’s pharmacist-curated databases and editorial rules · Last generated Jul 23, 2026

What’s inside

Full disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Full

Every active ingredient lists its own amount on the label.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 3 of its 3 active ingredients.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

Enhanced FernBlock With Red Orange Complex contains 3 active ingredients. Vitamin C is an antioxidant vitamin that supports immune function and collagen formation.

FernBlock Polypodium leucotomos extract is a plant compound derived from a tropical fern. Red Orange Complex is a citrus fruit extract.

The product also contains several inactive ingredients—corn starch, microcrystalline cellulose, vegetable cellulose, maltodextrin, vegetable stearate, and silica—which serve as fillers and binders in the capsule.

Does it work?

Insufficient 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
Insufficient

There isn't enough reliable clinical evidence to rate this product's ingredients for its stated purpose.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: skin resilience to internal and external stresses.
  • We looked for evidence on: Aging skin, Atopic dermatitis (eczema), Melasma, photoaging, skin barrier function, UV stress protection.
  • The closest evidence on file: Sweet Orange is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Stress (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Vitamin C is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Aging skin, Melasma, Stress.
  • Also on file: Polypodium Leucotomos is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Atopic dermatitis (eczema), Melasma.

The evidence we hold on these ingredients is mixed. Vitamin C is effective for preventing vitamin C deficiency and is possibly effective for anemia of chronic disease, atrial fibrillation, cataracts, and exercise-induced respiratory infections.

For Polypodium leucotomos extract and red orange complex, the evidence isn't established in our data—we have insufficient reliable evidence to rate their effectiveness for the conditions they're used for, including skin conditions and sun damage.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Vitamin C Polypodium Leucotomos Sweet Orange

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 C is generally well tolerated at normal dietary and supplement doses, though doses above 2 grams daily can cause abdominal cramps, heartburn, diarrhea, nausea, and headache. People prone to kidney stones should be cautious.

During pregnancy, normal amounts from food and prenatal vitamins are fine, but avoid high-dose supplements unless your doctor advises otherwise. Polypodium leucotomos extract is generally well tolerated in studies, though long-term safety is not well established; it's best avoided during pregnancy, and safety while breastfeeding is unknown.

Red orange fruit is safe in normal food amounts, but concentrated extracts in this supplement are less well studied. Red orange is likely safe in pregnancy.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Vitamin C Polypodium Leucotomos Sweet Orange

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 — Sweet Orange, Vitamin C, Polypodium Leucotomos.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Major.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs; cancer treatments.
  • For scale: 856 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 doctor or pharmacist if you take celiprolol, ivermectin, fexofenadine, or other OATP substrates (the red orange complex can significantly reduce their absorption). Also confirm with your healthcare provider if you're on estrogens (including oral contraceptives or hormone replacement therapy), warfarin or other blood thinners, levothyroxine (thyroid medication), quinolone antibiotics, pravastatin or other cholesterol medications, or chemotherapy drugs—vitamin C and red orange interact with these at Moderate to Major severity.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

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

This product may be worth considering if you're interested in sun protection or antioxidant support, but the interaction profile is substantial—especially if you take heart medications, blood thinners, thyroid medication, allergy medications, or cholesterol drugs. Before you start, run your exact medications through the checker on this page, and talk it over with your doctor or pharmacist to make sure it's appropriate for you.

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

Assessment coverage: 3 of 3 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Jul 25, 2016.

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 Enhanced FernBlock With Red Orange Complex, straight from the product label.

Brand Life Extension
Barcode (UPC) 737870172833
Net contents 30 Vegetarian Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Jul 25, 2016
DSLD ID 62823
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years)
From the label
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.

Supplement Facts

The label details for Enhanced FernBlock With Red Orange Complex by Life Extension, 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 Vegetarian Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 Vegetarian Capsule(s)
UPC/BARCODE
737870172833
IngredientAmount% DV
Vitamin C5.5 mg8%
FernBlock Polypodium leucotomos extract240 mg--
Red Orange Complex100 mg--

Other ingredients: Corn Starch, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Vegetable Cellulose, Maltodextrin, Vegetable Stearate, Silica

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

Label statements
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
Brand IP Statement(s)

FernBlock is a registered trademark of Industrial Farmaceutica Cantabria, S.A.

FernBlock has been shown to help the skin be more resilient to the damaging effects of internal and external stresses.

Precautions

Caution: Use topical sunscreens whenever exposed to sunlight. This product is not a sunscreen.

Warnings: - Keep out of reach of children.

- Do not exceed recommended dose. - Do not purchase if outer seal is broken or damaged.

- When using nutritional supplements, please consult with your physician if you are undergoing treatment for a medical condition or if you are pregnant or lactating.

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.

Storage

Store tightly closed in a cool, dry place.

General

QE01728B

General Statements

Skin resilience formula

To report a serious adverse event or obtain product information, contact 1-866-280-2852.

Scan for product info

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Read the entire label and follow the directions carefully prior to use. Directions: Take one (1) capsule in the morning, with or without food, 30 minutes prior to sun exposure, or as recommended by a healthcare practitioner. Take an additional capsule in the afternoon if exposed to sunlight.

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

See for yourself

Enhanced FernBlock With Red Orange Complex by Life Extension label

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

Enhanced FernBlock With Red Orange Complex label

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

View the full label (PDF)
What’s inside

The Ingredients in Enhanced FernBlock With Red Orange Complex by Life Extension

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

Serving size1 Vegetarian Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule 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 with
207 drugs
5.5 mg per serving Form: Red Orange Complex

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 & interactions

FernBlock Polypodium leucotomos extract

Interacts with
643 drugs
240 mg per serving

Polypodium leucotomos is a fern extract taken by mouth, mostly studied as an add-on to (not a replacement for) sunscreen and for certain light-trigger...

FernBlock Polypodium leucotomos extract monograph & interactions

Red Orange Complex

Interacts with
246 drugs
100 mg per serving

Sweet orange is a common citrus fruit that is a good source of vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants, and is enjoyed as a food worldwide. Its peel and es...

Red Orange Complex monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Corn Starch, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Vegetable Cellulose, Maltodextrin, Vegetable Stearate, Silica. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Enhanced FernBlock With Red Orange Complex by Life Extension Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Enhanced FernBlock With Red Orange Complex?

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
855Drugs
48 Major 259 Moderate 548 Minor

Ingredients driving the most interactions

FernBlock Polypodium leucotomos extract 643
Red Orange Complex 246
Vitamin C 207

Individual Drug Interactions

The ingredients in Enhanced FernBlock With Red Orange Complex interact with 855 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.

3 of the 3 ingredients in Enhanced FernBlock With Red Orange Complex interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. FernBlock Polypodium leucotomos extract Red Orange Complex Vitamin C

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Enhanced FernBlock With Red Orange Complex 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.

FernBlock Polypodium leucotomos extract1 drug type · 643 drugs

Cytochrome P450 3A4 (Cyp3A4) Substrates

Theoretically, Polypodium leucotomos might increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
In vitro and animal research suggests that Polypodium leucotomos can decrease the metabolism of midazolam by a mechanism possibly related to the inhibition of CYP3A4. However, a small study in humans suggests that taking Polypodium leucotomos with midazolam does not affect the metabolism of midazolam.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence B
FernBlock Polypodium leucotomos extract full monograph & interactions

Red Orange Complex7 drug types · 246 drugs

Celiprolol (Celicard)

Consuming sweet orange with celiprolol can decrease oral absorption of celiprolol.
A pharmacokinetic study in healthy volunteers shows that celiprolol levels, after a single dose of 100 mg, are decreased by up to 90% in people who drink sweet orange juice 200 mL three times daily. It's not known if lower consumption of sweet orange juice will have the same effect. Theoretically, this occurs due to short-term inhibition of organic anion transporting polypeptide (OATP). Recommend separating drug administration and consumption of sweet orange by at least 4 hours.

Likelihood Likely Evidence B
Ivermectin (Stromectol, Others)

Consuming sweet orange juice with ivermectin can decrease the oral absorption of ivermectin.
A pharmacokinetic study in healthy volunteers shows that taking ivermectin orally with sweet orange juice 750 mL over 4 hours reduces the bioavailability of ivermectin. This effect does not seem to be related to effects on P-glycoprotein. The effect on ivermectin is more pronounced in males compared to females.

Likelihood Likely Evidence B
Organic Anion-Transporting Polypeptide Substrates (Oatp)

Consuming sweet orange juice can decrease oral absorption of OATP substrates. Separate administration by at least 4 hours.
Clinical research shows that consuming sweet orange juice inhibits OATP, which reduces bioavailability of oral drugs that are substrates of OATP. For example, sweet orange juice decreases bioavailability of fexofenadine, a substrate of OATP, by about 72% and of celiprolol, another OATP substrate, by up to 90%. Since sweet orange juice seems to affect OATP for a short time, recommend separating drug administration and consumption of sweet orange juice by at least 4 hours.

Likelihood Likely Evidence B
Pravastatin (Pravachol)

Consuming sweet orange juice with pravastatin can increase the absorption of pravastatin.
A small pharmacokinetic study in healthy volunteers shows that consuming sweet orange juice 800 mL over 3 hours, including before, during, and after taking pravastatin 10 mg, increases pravastatin levels by about 149%, without affecting pravastatin elimination. Theoretically this effect might be due to modulation of organic anion transporting polypeptides (OATPs) by sweet orange juice. Sweet orange juice does not seem to affect simvastatin levels, but it is not known if sweet orange affects any of the other statins.

Likelihood Likely Evidence B
Fexofenadine (Allegra)

Consuming sweet orange juice with fexofenadine can decrease oral absorption of fexofenadine.
Clinical research shows that coadministration of sweet orange juice 1200 mL decreases bioavailability of fexofenadine by about 72%. In an animal model, sweet orange juice decreased bioavailability of fexofenadine by 31%. Fexofenadine manufacturer data indicates that concomitant administration of sweet orange juice and fexofenadine results in larger wheal and flare sizes in research models. This suggests that sweet orange reduces the clinical response to fexofenadine. Theoretically, this occurs due to short-term inhibition of organic anion transporting polypeptide (OATP). Recommend separating drug administration and consumption of sweet orange by at least 4 hours.

Likelihood Likely Evidence B
P-Glycoprotein Substrates

Sweet orange juice seems to modulate P-glycoprotein (P-gp), which might affect the blood levels of P-gp substrates.
Animal and in vitro research suggest that orange juice extract inhibits drug efflux by P-gp, increasing absorption and levels of P-gp substrates. In contrast, pharmacokinetic research in humans shows that drinking large amounts of sweet orange juice decreases absorption and levels of the P-gp substrate celiprolol. This suggests that orange juice actually induces drug efflux by P-gp or affects drug levels by another mechanism such as inhibiting the gut drug transporter called organic anion transporting polypeptide (OATP). Until more is known, sweet orange juice should be used cautiously in people taking P-gp substrates.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Quinolone Antibiotics

Calcium-fortified sweet orange juice might reduce quinolone absorption.
Calcium binds to quinolones in the gut. Theoretically, the calcium in certain fortified orange juices can also bind to quinolone antibiotics and reduce their absorption and levels.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Red Orange Complex full monograph & interactions

Vitamin C13 drug types · 207 drugs

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.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
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.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
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.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
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.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
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.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
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.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
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.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
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.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
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.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
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.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
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.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
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.

Likelihood Possible Evidence A
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.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Vitamin C full monograph & interactions
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Enhanced FernBlock With Red Orange Complex, from the product label.

Life Extension

See all Life Extension products
Name
Quality Supplements and Vitamins, Inc.
City
Ft. Lauderdale
State
FL
ZipCode
33309
Phone Number
866-280-2852
Web Address
www.lef.org
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Enhanced FernBlock With Red Orange Complex by Life Extension: Common Questions

Does Enhanced FernBlock With Red Orange Complex by Life Extension interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Enhanced FernBlock With Red Orange Complex has a known interaction with 855 medications, including 48 rated major. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Enhanced FernBlock With Red Orange Complex contains 3 active ingredients, and an interaction can come from any of them. We check every ingredient, combine the results into one list per medication, and show which ingredient and mechanism is responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
Can I take this if I'm on birth control pills?
Not without checking with your doctor first. Vitamin C in this product can increase blood levels of estrogens from oral contraceptives by up to 55% in some cases, which could affect how well they work or increase your risk of side effects. Talk it over with your doctor or pharmacist before you start.
Is this safe during pregnancy?
It depends on the ingredient. The vitamin C is likely safe in normal amounts, but avoid high-dose supplements unless your doctor advises you to. For Polypodium leucotomos extract, there isn't enough safety data, so avoidance is the safer choice. The red orange complex is likely safe. Because the product contains all three, talk it over with your doctor or pharmacist about whether it's right for you.
Does this actually work for sun protection?
The evidence we hold doesn't establish that polypodium leucotomos or red orange are effective for skin damage or sun protection. Vitamin C is possibly effective for some conditions, but the data on these ingredients for their intended use in this product isn't conclusive in our records.
What's in this besides the active ingredients?
The capsule contains corn starch, microcrystalline cellulose, vegetable cellulose, maltodextrin, vegetable stearate, and silica. These are fillers and binders that help hold the capsule together.
Can I take this with my thyroid medication?
Don't start it without talking to your doctor or pharmacist first. Vitamin C can increase the absorption of levothyroxine (Synthroid), which might raise your thyroid levels and change how much medication you need. Your doctor may want to recheck your thyroid levels if you add this supplement.
Will this interact with my allergy medication?
If you take fexofenadine (Allegra), yes—the red orange complex significantly reduces how much of the drug your body absorbs, which could make it less effective. Check with your pharmacist about your specific allergy medication before you start this product.

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.

Enhanced FernBlock With Red Orange Complex label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Enhanced FernBlock With Red Orange Complex’s Ingredients

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

Herb & supplement monograph

Vitamin C

Interacts with 207 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 immune function, collagen, and acts as an...

Read the full Vitamin C monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Polypodium Leucotomos

Interacts with 643 drugs

Polypodium leucotomos is a fern extract taken by mouth, mostly studied as an add-on to (not a replacement for) sunscreen and for certain light-triggered skin conditions. Some early research...

Read the full Polypodium Leucotomos monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Sweet Orange

Interacts with 246 drugs

Sweet orange is a common citrus fruit that is a good source of vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants, and is enjoyed as a food worldwide. Its peel and essential oil are used in aromatherapy and...

Read the full Sweet Orange monograph →
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Enhanced FernBlock With Red Orange Complex'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 70 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
  1. McEvoy GK, ed. AHFS Drug Information. Bethesda, MD: American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, 1998.
  2. 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.
  3. Morris JC, Beeley L, Ballantine N. Interaction of ethinyloestradiol with ascorbic acid in man [letter]. Br Med J (Clin Res Ed) 1981;283:503.
  4. Labriola D, Livingston R. Possible interactions between dietary antioxidants and chemotherapy. Oncology 1999;13:1003-8.
  5. 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
  6. Levine M, Rumsey SC, Daruwala R, et al. Criteria and recommendations for vitamin C intake. JAMA 1999;281:1415-23. PubMed
  7. Hansten PD, Horn JR. Drug Interactions Analysis and Management. Vancouver, WA: Applied Therapeutics Inc., 1997 and updates.
  8. Segal S, Kaminski S. Drug-nutrient interactions. American Druggist 1996 Jul;42-8.
  9. 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/.
  10. Houston JB, Levy G. Drug biotransformation interactions in man VI: Acetaminophen and ascorbic acid. J Pharm Sci 1976;65:1218-21. PubMed
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See these in context on the Polypodium Leucotomos monograph →

Sweet Orange 17 references
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See these in context on the Sweet Orange 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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