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Dietary supplement

Fish Oil Complex Softgels Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Esmond Natural

Fish Oil Complex Softgels label
See full label image
Softgel Capsule Category: Other Combinations
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 Fish Oil Complex Softgels 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

Fish Oil Complex Softgels is a dietary supplement by Esmond Natural with 3 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for heart failure symptoms, high blood pressure, chest pain (angina).Based on those ingredients, 765 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated major. The ingredients most likely to interact are Red Yeast Rice powder, Fish Oil concentrate, Hawthorn. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

Jump to a section

Check Your Meds Against Fish Oil Complex Softgels by Esmond Natural

Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with Fish Oil Complex Softgels by Esmond Natural — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.

Pharmacist-reviewed data Checks every ingredient Answer in seconds
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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Fish Oil Complex Softgels by Esmond Natural

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 11, 2026

What’s inside

Partial disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Partial

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

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 2 of its 4 active ingredients.
  • “Proprietary Blend” is a proprietary blend — the label gives one combined amount (100 mg) without saying how much of each component you get.
  • “Fish Oil concentrate” is listed as a grouped ingredient — the label gives one combined amount (887 mg) without saying how much of each component you get.

Fish Oil Complex Softgels by Esmond Natural contains 4 active ingredients. The main ones are two omega-3 fatty acids — docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) — which come from fish oil concentrate.

The product also includes hawthorn (an herbal extract used traditionally for heart health) and red yeast rice powder (a fermented rice that contains naturally occurring lovastatin, a statin-like compound). The softgel capsules are made with inactive ingredients including soybean oil, gelatin, vegetable glycerin, and yellow beeswax.

Does it work?

Moderate evidence
Evidence for Intended Use · database check
By FDA rules, dietary supplements can’t claim to treat, cure, or prevent disease — so labels speak in careful marketing language. We discern each product’s intended use from its name, label claims, and label statements, then grade the clinical evidence for that use. How these ratings are computed
Moderate

Some clinical evidence supports this product's ingredients for its stated purpose, but it isn't conclusive.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: May reduce risk of coronary heart disease.
  • We looked for evidence on: Coronary heart disease (CHD), Cardiovascular disease (CVD), Angina, Arrhythmia, Atrial fibrillation, Heart failure — and 4 related terms.
  • The strongest evidence on file: Red Yeast Rice is rated "Possibly Effective" for HIV/AIDS-related dyslipidemia (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Hawthorn is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Angina, Arrhythmia, Atherosclerosis, Cardiovascular disease (CVD), and more.
  • Also on file: Red Yeast Rice is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Atherosclerosis.

The evidence for hawthorn on conditions like angina, anxiety, heart rhythm problems, heart disease, and cognitive function is insufficient — we don't have enough reliable data to say whether it works for these uses. Red yeast rice powder is possibly effective for high cholesterol in people with HIV/AIDS and for reducing heart attack risk, though the evidence remains limited.

For the omega-3 fatty acids (DHA and EPA), we hold no effectiveness data.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Hawthorn Red Yeast Rice Fish Oil

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 2 of the 2 matched ingredients.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 2 of 2.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 2 of 2.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Hawthorn is generally well tolerated in studies, but because it affects the heart and blood pressure, anyone with a heart condition needs medical supervision while taking it. Rare serious reactions (like acute kidney failure from allergic-type responses) have been reported.

Common side effects are uncommon, though palpitations and circulation problems have been reported in very small numbers of people taking hawthorn for heart failure. Red yeast rice is also generally well tolerated, but it works like a statin drug and carries similar risks — muscle damage (myopathy) and, rarely, severe muscle breakdown (rhabdomyolysis).

Common side effects include stomach discomfort, diarrhea, dizziness, gas, headache, heartburn, and nausea. Because product quality varies and contamination can occur, the safety profile is less predictable than a standard pharmaceutical statin.

There's not enough safety information for hawthorn or red yeast rice during pregnancy or while breastfeeding — avoid use in both situations.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Hawthorn Red Yeast Rice Fish Oil

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?
  • 2 of the 2 matched ingredients can interact with medications — Hawthorn, Red Yeast Rice.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Major.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs; immunosuppressants / transplant drugs; heart-rhythm medications.
  • For scale: 646 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, double-check with your pharmacist if you take any of these: nitrates or phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors like sildenafil (Major-severity concern from hawthorn); beta-blockers, blood thinners, calcium channel blockers, or digoxin (Moderate from hawthorn); or other statins, CYP3A4 inhibitors, cyclosporine, gemfibrozil, or high-dose niacin (Moderate from red yeast rice). We could not check the omega-3 fatty acids for interactions, so mention those ingredients by name to your pharmacist as well.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

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

This product combines omega-3 fish oils with hawthorn and red yeast rice, ingredients that work on heart health and cholesterol. If you take blood pressure medications, heart medications, blood thinners, or cholesterol drugs, you need to check this with your pharmacist or doctor first — the interactions are real.

Anyone with an existing heart condition should get medical clearance before starting. Talk to your pharmacist about whether this is right for you and whether it plays nicely with your other medications.

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

Assessment coverage: 2 of 4 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Jul 25, 2024.

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 Fish Oil Complex Softgels, straight from the product label.

Brand Esmond Natural
Barcode (UPC) 641399087137
Net contents 60 Softgel(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Jul 25, 2024
DSLD ID 315880
Product type Other Combinations
Supplement form Softgel 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 Fish Oil Complex Softgels by Esmond Natural, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
1 Softgel(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 Softgel(s)
Servings per container
60
UPC/BARCODE
641399087137
IngredientAmount% DV
Docosahexaenoic Acid212 mg--
Proprietary Blend100 mg--
Fish Oil concentrate887 mg--
Hawthorn0 NP--
Eicosapentaenoic Acid319 mg--
Red Yeast Rice powder0 NP--

Other ingredients: Soybean Oil, Gelatin, Vegetable Glycerin, yellow Beeswax

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.
Formulation

May reduce risk of coronary heart disease.

Precautions

Warning: If you are pregnant, nursing or taking any medications, consult your doctor before use.

Discontinue use and consult your doctor if any adverse reactions occur.

Keep out of reach of children.

Tamper resistant: Do not use if imprinted seal under cap is broken or missing.

Storage

Store in a dry place and avoid excessive heat.

Seals/Symbols

GMP

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.

General Statements

Herbal health since 1994

Esmondnatural Integrated health

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Directions: For adults, take one (1) softgel daily, preferably with meals. As a reminder, discuss the supplements and medications you take with your health care providers.

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

See for yourself

Fish Oil Complex Softgels by Esmond Natural label

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

Fish Oil Complex Softgels 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 Fish Oil Complex Softgels by Esmond Natural

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

Serving size1 Softgel(s) Dosage formSoftgel Capsule Servings per container60 Amounts shown are per serving.

Most supplement products combine several ingredients, and a medication can interact with the product through any one of them. Each ingredient below shows whether it has known drug interactions.

Proprietary Blend

100 mg per serving

Fish Oil concentrate

Interacts with
327 drugs
887 mg per serving

Fish oil provides omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) that are best known for lowering high triglyceride levels. The evidence for other heart and health...

Fish Oil concentrate monograph & interactions
  • › Docosahexaenoic Acid
  • › Eicosapentaenoic Acid

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

Interaction report

Fish Oil Complex Softgels by Esmond Natural Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Fish Oil Complex Softgels?

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
765Drugs
14 Major 748 Moderate 3 Minor

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Red Yeast Rice powder 477
Fish Oil concentrate 327
Hawthorn 191

Individual Drug Interactions

The ingredients in Fish Oil Complex Softgels interact with 765 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.

3 of the 3 ingredients in Fish Oil Complex Softgels interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Red Yeast Rice powder Fish Oil concentrate Hawthorn

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Fish Oil Complex Softgels 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.

Red Yeast Rice powder6 drug types · 477 drugs

Cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune)

Theoretically, taking red yeast rice in combination with cyclosporine might increase the risk of myopathy.
Red yeast rice contains varying levels of the statin drug lovastatin. Cyclosporine has been reported to increase plasma levels of lovastatin by 5- to 20-fold, resulting in reports of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 3A4 (Cyp3A4) Inhibitors

Theoretically, drugs that inhibit the CYP3A4 enzymes might increase levels of lovastatin from red yeast rice.
Red yeast rice contains varying levels of the statin drug lovastatin, which is metabolized by CYP3A4. Combining red yeast rice with CYP3A4 inhibitors might increase serum levels of lovastatin from red yeast rice.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Gemfibrozil (Lopid)

Theoretically, taking red yeast rice in combination with gemfibrozil might increase the risk of rhabdomyolysis.
Red yeast rice contains varying levels of the statin drug lovastatin. Gemfibrozil has been reported to increase the risk of rhabdomyolysis when used in combination with lovastatin.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Hepatotoxic Drugs

Theoretically, concomitant use might increase the risk of liver damage.
Red yeast rice contains varying levels of the drug lovastatin. Lovastatin can cause liver damage in some people. Some clinical research suggests that supplements containing red yeast rice might increase liver enzyme levels in some, but not all, participants. Cases of acute hepatitis have been associated with red yeast rice. Combining it with hepatotoxic drugs might further increase this risk.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Hmg-Coa Reductase Inhibitors ("Statins")

Theoretically, taking red yeast rice with other statins might increase the risk of potential adverse effects.
Red yeast rice contains varying levels of the statin drug lovastatin and might result in supratherapeutic levels when used with other statins. Based on evaluation of data from the US Food and Drug Administration's adverse event reporting system (FAERS), it is recommended that red yeast rice products be avoided in people taking prescription statins.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Niacin

Theoretically, taking red yeast rice in combination with high-dose niacin might increase the risk of rhabdomyolysis.
Red yeast rice contains varying levels of the statin drug lovastatin and has been linked to reports of myopathy. Niacin has been reported to increase the risk of rhabdomyolysis when used in combination with lovastatin.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Red Yeast Rice powder full monograph & interactions

Fish Oil concentrate9 drug types · 327 drugs

Antihypertensive Drugs

Theoretically, taking fish oil with antihypertensive drugs might increase the risk of hypotension.
Clinical evidence indicates that fish oils can modestly lower blood pressure and might have additive effects in patients treated with antihypertensives.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Contraceptive Drugs

Theoretically, taking fish oil with contraceptive drugs might decrease the triglyceride-lowering effects of fish oil.
There is some evidence that contraceptive drugs might interfere with the triglyceride lowering effects of fish oils.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune)

Taking fish oil with cyclosporine might increase levels and adverse effects of cyclosporine.
In kidney transplant recipients on a general immunosuppressive regimen, taking omega-3 fatty acids daily seems to increase peak blood levels of cyclosporine when compared with placebo. This increase was as much as 20% after one month. However, the area under the curve was not significantly affected.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Orlistat (Xenical, Alli)

Theoretically, taking fish oil with orlistat might decrease the absorption of fish oil fatty acids.
Orlistat binds lipase in the gastrointestinal tract and reduces fat absorption. Theoretically, taking fish oil with orlistat might decrease absorption of fish oil fatty acids. To avoid this potential interaction, recommend separating administration of orlistat and fish oil by at least 2 hours.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Sirolimus (Rapamune)

Taking fish oil with sirolimus might increase levels and adverse effects of sirolimus.
Pharmacokinetic research shows that omega-3 fatty acids increase exposure to sirolimus in kidney transplant patients on a calcineurin inhibitor-free immunosuppressive regimen. A 25% dose reduction in sirolimus was required to keep patients within the expected trough-concentration window. Researchers hypothesize that this may be due to inhibition of cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) by fish oil, although this has not been confirmed in clinical research.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Tacrolimus (Prograf)

Taking fish oil with tacrolimus might increase levels and adverse effects of tacrolimus.
In a small group of patients, taking fish oil 2.6 grams (Omacor) daily for 4 weeks increased the 8-hour area under the curve of tacrolimus by 25% when compared with baseline. Peak levels were increased by approximately 22%. Researchers hypothesize that this may be due either to an increase in bioavailability or to inhibition of cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) by fish oil, although this has not been confirmed in clinical research.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Fish oil may have antiplatelet effects and may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs. However, evidence is conflicting.
While fish oil may not be a potent inhibitor of platelet function, high doses of fish oil might have antiplatelet effects. Theoretically, concomitant use of fish oil with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs may increase the risk of bleeding. However, the most rigorous research shows that short-term doses of fish oil 10 grams daily or long-term doses of 1.5 grams daily for up to 52 weeks does not increase the risk of bleeding or affect coagulation parameters in chronically ill and vulnerable patients. Other controlled research shows that fish oil does not affect platelet function or increase the risk of bleeding. Some research even suggests that perioperative fish oil use decreases bleeding risk. Some research suggests fish oil does not have additive antiplatelet effects when combined with aspirin, but other clinical evidence suggests that adding fish oil to low-dose aspirin treatment increases antiplatelet effects in patients who are aspirin-resistant. Also, some clinical research seems to show that fish oil has additive antiplatelet effects when used with aspirin and clopidogrel compared to aspirin and clopidogrel alone.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence B
Platinum Agents

Theoretically, taking fish oil with platinum agents can cause resistance to platinum agents, potentially decreasing their effectiveness.
Platinum-induced fatty acids (PIFAs) are fatty acids secreted from human and mouse stem cells when exposed to platinum-based chemotherapy. Animal research suggests that PIFAs cause resistance to chemotherapy by stimulating lysophospholipid production in the spleen, which interferes with the DNA damage caused by certain chemotherapy drugs. One PIFA, known as 16:4(n-3), has been found in both raw fish and some commercially available fish oil products. Mackerel and herring have high PIFA concentrations, while salmon and tuna have low PIFA concentrations. Levels of PIFA in commercial fish oil products ranged from 0.2- 5.7 microMol. Animal research shows that PIFA-containing fish oil products cause resistance to cisplatin, fluorouracil, irinotecan, and oxaliplatin. It is unclear if all commercially available fish oil products contain PIFAs. Additionally, it is argued that levels of PIFA found in some fish oil products are too low to be of clinical concern. Furthermore, a lack of chemotherapy resistance in countries with high fish intake, such as Greenland, Japan, and Norway, suggest that this interaction may not be clinically significant.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence D
Warfarin (Coumadin)

Fish oil may have antiplatelet effects and might increase the risk of bleeding if used with warfarin.
Fish oil has antiplatelet effects at high doses. Case reports show elevated INR in patients taking warfarin and fish oil 1-2 grams daily. However, some clinical research shows that taking fish oil 3-6 grams daily does not significantly increase INR in patients taking warfarin.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence B
Fish Oil concentrate full monograph & interactions

Hawthorn6 drug types · 191 drugs

Nitrates

Theoretically, concomitant use might cause additive coronary vasodilatory effects.
Some evidence shows that hawthorn might lower blood pressure due to vasodilatory effects.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Phosphodiesterase-5 Inhibitors

Theoretically, concomitant use might result in additive vasodilation and hypotension.
Hawthorn might inhibit PDE-5 and cause vasodilation.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, hawthorn may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
In vitro and animal research shows that hawthorn can inhibit platelet aggregation. However, its effect in humans is unclear. One observational study shows that patients taking hawthorn shortly before undergoing coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery or valve replacement surgery have a 10% incidence of postoperative bleeding, compared with 1% in those who never consumed hawthorn extract. However, clinical research shows that taking a specific preparation of dried hawthorn leaves and flowers (Crataesor, Soria Natural Lab) 800 mg three times daily for 15 days does not affect platelet aggregation or levels of thromboxane B2, the metabolite of thromboxane A2, in healthy humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Beta-Blockers

Theoretically, concomitant use might cause additive effects on blood pressure and heart rate.
Some evidence shows that hawthorn might lower blood pressure and heart rate.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Calcium Channel Blockers

Theoretically, concomitant use might cause additive coronary vasodilation and hypotensive effects.
Some evidence shows that hawthorn might lower blood pressure due to vasodilatory effects.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Digoxin (Lanoxin)

Theoretically, hawthorn might potentiate the effects and adverse effects of digoxin.
Hawthorn appears to improve cardiac output; however, hawthorn does not appear to affect digoxin pharmacokinetics. Case reports suggest that at least one species of hawthorn root extract (Crataegus mexicana) may produce adverse effects similar to digoxin and can cross-react with digoxin assays, leading to falsely elevated plasma digoxin levels.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Hawthorn full monograph & interactions
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Fish Oil Complex Softgels, from the product label.

Esmond Natural

See all Esmond Natural products
Name
Esmond Natural Inc.
City
Irwindale
State
CA
ZipCode
91706
Web Address
www.esmondnatural.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Fish Oil Complex Softgels by Esmond Natural: Common Questions

Does Fish Oil Complex Softgels by Esmond Natural interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Fish Oil Complex Softgels has a known interaction with 765 medications, including 14 rated major. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Fish Oil Complex Softgels 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 a blood thinner like warfarin or aspirin?
Hawthorn in this product may theoretically increase bleeding risk if combined with blood thinners or antiplatelet drugs like aspirin. The data on hawthorn's actual effect in people is unclear, but it's something your pharmacist needs to know about before you start. Don't skip your blood thinner — just run it past your pharmacist first.
Is this safe during pregnancy or while I'm breastfeeding?
No. There isn't enough safety information for hawthorn during pregnancy or breastfeeding — the safety data advises against it. Red yeast rice also shouldn't be used during pregnancy because of its statin-like effects, and there's not enough data for breastfeeding either. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about whether this product is right for you if you're pregnant or nursing.
What's red yeast rice, and why is it in this product?
Red yeast rice is fermented rice that contains naturally occurring lovastatin — a statin drug. It's included for heart and cholesterol support. The problem is that product quality varies, and if you're already taking a statin or certain other medications, combining red yeast rice with them can raise your risk of serious muscle damage. Your pharmacist needs to know if you take any cholesterol drugs before you add this.
Can hawthorn lower my blood pressure?
Yes — some evidence shows hawthorn might lower blood pressure through its blood-vessel-relaxing effects. That's actually why it's traditionally used for heart health, but it also means if you're already on blood pressure medication, the combination could lower your pressure too much. Medical supervision is important if you have a heart condition.
What side effects might I experience?
Hawthorn is generally well tolerated, though palpitations and heart-related side effects have been reported rarely in people with heart failure. Red yeast rice commonly causes stomach discomfort, diarrhea, dizziness, gas, headache, heartburn, or nausea. Serious side effects like muscle damage are rare but possible, especially if combined with certain medications.
Does this product actually work for heart health?
The evidence for hawthorn on heart conditions like angina and heart disease is insufficient — we don't have enough reliable data to say it works. Red yeast rice is possibly effective for high cholesterol in people with HIV/AIDS and for heart attack prevention, but the evidence is limited. The omega-3 fatty acids are included, but we hold no effectiveness data for them.

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.

Fish Oil Complex Softgels label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Fish Oil Complex Softgels’s Ingredients

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

Herb & supplement monograph

Hawthorn

Interacts with 191 drugs

Hawthorn is a plant traditionally used for heart-related complaints, and some studies suggest it may modestly help symptoms of mild heart failure when added to standard care. However, the ev...

Read the full Hawthorn monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Red Yeast Rice

Interacts with 477 drugs

Red yeast rice contains monacolin K, which is chemically identical to the prescription statin lovastatin, and it can lower LDL ('bad') cholesterol. Because of this, it carries the same risks...

Read the full Red Yeast Rice monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Fish Oil

Interacts with 327 drugs

Fish oil provides omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) that are best known for lowering high triglyceride levels. The evidence for other heart and health benefits is mixed, and it is generally...

Read the full Fish Oil monograph →
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Fish Oil Complex Softgels'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 232 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.

Fish Oil 157 references
  1. Prisco D, Paniccia R, Bandinelli B, et al. Effect of medium-term supplementation with a moderate dose of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids on blood pressure in mild hypertensive patients. Thromb Res 1998;1:105-12.
  2. Allard JP, Kurian R, Aghdassi E, Muggli R, et al. Lipid peroxidation during n-3 fatty acid and vitamin E supplementation in humans. Lipids 1997;32:535-41.. PubMed
  3. Toft I, Bonaa KH, Ingebretsen OC, et al. Effects of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids on glucose homeostasis and blood pressure in essential hypertension. A randomized, controlled trial. Ann Intern Med 1995;123:911-8.
  4. Onwude JL, Lilford RJ, Hjartardottir H, et al. A randomised double blind placebo controlled trial of fish oil in high risk pregnancy. Br J Obstet Gynaecol 1995;102:95-100. PubMed
  5. Bulstra-Ramakers MT, Huisjes HJ, Visser GH. The effects of 3g eicosapentaenoic acid daily on recurrence of intrauterine growth retardation and pregnancy induced hypertension. Br J Obstet Gynaecol 1995;102:123-6. PubMed
  6. Sacks FM, Hebert P, Appel LJ, et al. Short report: the effect of fish oil on blood pressure and high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol levels in phase I of the trials of hypertension prevention. J Hypertens 1994;12:209-13.
  7. Vandongen R, Mori TA, Burke V, et al. Effects on blood pressure of omega 3 fats in subjects at increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Hypertension 1993;22:371-9. PubMed
  8. Hawthorne AB, Daneshmend TK, Hawkey CJ, et al. Treatment of ulcerative colitis with fish oil supplementation: a prospective 12 month randomised controlled trial. Gut 1992;33:922-8. PubMed
  9. D'Almeida A, Carter JP, Anatol A, Prost C. Effects of a combination of evening primrose oil (gamma linolenic acid) and fish oil (eicosapentaenoic + docahexaenoic acid) versus magnesium, and versus placebo in preventing pre-eclampsia. Women Health 1992;19 PubMed
  10. FDA. Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition. Letter regarding dietary supplement health claim for omega-3 fatty acids and coronary heart disease. Available at: http://www.fda.gov/ohrms/dockets/dockets/95s0316/95s-0316-Rpt0272-38-Appendix-D-Reference
  11. Montori VM, Farmer A, Wollan PC, Dinneen SF. Fish oil supplementation in type 2 diabetes: a quantitative systemic review (abstract). Diabetes Care 2000;23:1407-15.
  12. Anon. Dietary supplementation with n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and vitamin E after myocardial infarction: results of the GISSI-Prevenzione trial. Gruppo Italiano per lo Studio della Soprawivenza nell'Infarto miocardico. Lancet 1999;354:447-55. DOI
  13. Adler A, Holub BJ. Effect of garlic and fish-oil supplementation on serum lipid and lipoprotein concentrations in hypercholesterolemic men. Am J Clin Nutr 1997;65:445-50. PubMed
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Red Yeast Rice 50 references
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DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

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