Major interaction on record — check this product against your medications before combining. Based on 5 of 6 ingredients. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

GF-9 Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Novex Biotech

GF-9 label
See full label image
Capsule Category: Other Combinations
Most serious interaction: Major
Clinical methodology reviewed by · Updated Sep 9, 2026 · Label data from the NIH DSLD
What is this page for?

First and foremost: checking GF-9 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

GF-9 is a dietary supplement by Novex Biotech with 6 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for muscle recovery and sports performance, gut health and 'leaky gut', recovery from severe illness or injury.Based on those ingredients, 1,132 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated major. The ingredients most likely to interact are Schizonepeta powder, L-Arginine Hydrochloride, N-Acetyl L-Cysteine. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

Jump to a section

Check Your Meds Against GF-9 by Novex Biotech

Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with GF-9 by Novex Biotech — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.

Pharmacist-reviewed data Checks every ingredient Answer in seconds
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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of GF-9 by Novex Biotech

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 30, 2026

What’s inside

Low disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Low

Most active ingredients don't disclose an individual amount — you can't tell how much of each you're getting.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 0 of its 6 active ingredients.
  • “GenysFactor Proprietary Blend” is a proprietary blend — the label gives one combined amount (2.90 Gram(s)) without saying how much of each component you get.

GF-9 contains six active ingredients. L-glutamine is an amino acid involved in immune function and gastrointestinal health; L-lysine hydrochloride is an amino acid; N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) supports respiratory and antioxidant function; L-arginine hydrochloride is an amino acid that plays a role in blood vessel function; schizonepeta powder is a traditional herbal ingredient; and the blend includes oxo-proline.

The product also contains inactive ingredients including gelatin, magnesium stearate, stearic acid, rice flour, microcrystalline cellulose, titanium dioxide, and silicon dioxide.

Does it work?

Not established
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
Not established

The graded evidence we hold for these ingredients covers different conditions than the ones this product is marketed for, so there's no established rating for its stated use.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: natural growth hormone secretion support.
  • We looked for evidence on: Aging, Athletic performance, Child growth, Muscle strength, Sarcopenia, Body composition — and 2 related terms.
  • The closest evidence on file: Glutamine is rated "Possibly Ineffective" for Athletic performance (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Lysine is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Athletic performance, Muscle strength, Child growth.
  • Also on file: N-acetyl Cysteine (nac) is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Athletic performance, Aging.

The ingredient evidence for GF-9's intended purpose is mixed and limited. L-glutamine is effective for sickle cell disease and has been rated possibly effective for postoperative recovery and critical illness.

L-lysine has been rated possibly effective for cold sores. N-acetyl cysteine is effective for acetaminophen poisoning and possibly effective for bronchitis.

L-arginine, oxo-proline, and schizonepeta have no established effectiveness ratings in our data — the evidence for schizonepeta in eczema is insufficient to rate. We don't hold effectiveness data for the proprietary blend itself.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Glutamine Lysine N-acetyl Cysteine (nac) L-arginine Schizonepeta

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 5 of the 5 matched ingredients.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 5 of 5.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 5 of 5.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

L-glutamine is rated likely safe in pregnancy and lactation, though people with kidney or liver disease should use it only under medical supervision. Digestive side effects like bloating, nausea, constipation, and diarrhea occur most commonly.

L-lysine is generally well tolerated, though supplement use during pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been well studied — check with your doctor. The most common side effects are abdominal pain and diarrhea.

N-acetyl cysteine is rated possibly safe in pregnancy but the data on lactation is incomplete; discuss it with your doctor first. Digestive upset and dry mouth are most common, though joint pain was reported in over 15% of patients in one trial.

L-arginine is rated possibly safe in pregnancy, but data on lactation is incomplete; use only under medical supervision since it can lower blood pressure. Side effects include abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, diarrhea, and headache.

Schizonepeta is not recommended in pregnancy or while breastfeeding due to insufficient safety data. Limited adverse effect data exist, but a combination product containing it reported nausea, vomiting, dyspepsia, dizziness, and headache — though it's unclear whether schizonepeta alone caused these.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Glutamine Lysine N-acetyl Cysteine (nac) L-arginine Schizonepeta

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?
  • 5 of the 5 matched ingredients can interact with medications — Lysine, L-arginine, Glutamine, N-acetyl Cysteine (nac), Schizonepeta.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Major.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs; seizure medications; diabetes medications.
  • For scale: 1,133 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 GF-9, double-check with your pharmacist or doctor if you take any of the following: nitroglycerin (a Major concern), blood thinners or antiplatelet drugs, antihypertensive medications, chloroquine, seizure drugs, potassium-sparing diuretics, diabetes medications, ACE inhibitors, ARBs, sildenafil, or any medications processed through your liver's cytochrome P450 enzymes — especially antidepressants, certain heart or allergy medications.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFormula with limited ingredient disclosure with no established evidence rating for its marketed use. Major medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

GF-9 is a multi-ingredient supplement with several documented medication interactions, some of them serious. If you take blood pressure drugs, blood thinners, seizure medications, diabetes drugs, or medications metabolized by your liver, you'll need to check your specific prescriptions against the interaction list before starting this product.

Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about whether this supplement is right for you and whether it's safe to combine with your current medications.

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

Assessment coverage: 5 of 6 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Jun 24, 2020.

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 GF-9, straight from the product label.

Brand Novex Biotech
Barcode (UPC) 856528001209
Net contents 120 Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Jun 24, 2020
DSLD ID 228444
Product type Other Combinations
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 GF-9 by Novex Biotech, 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:
4 Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
4 Capsule(s)
Servings per container
30
UPC/BARCODE
856528001209
IngredientAmount% DV
L-Glutamine0 NP--
L-Lysine Hydrochloride0 NP--
N-Acetyl L-Cysteine0 NP--
L-Arginine Hydrochloride0 NP--
GenysFactor Proprietary Blend2.9 Gram(s)--
Oxo-Proline0 NP--
Schizonepeta powder0 NP--

Other ingredients: Gelatin, Magnesium Stearate, Stearic Acid, Rice Flour, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Titanium Dioxide, Silicon Dioxide

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.
Formula

[GenysFactor] 2900 mg

GF-9 stimulates natural HGH 682% mean increase in hGH serum (blood) levels

General Statements

In a recent, randomized, cross-over, double-blind clinical trial, men and women between 18 and 70 years of age were recruited. Subjects were scheduled for two testing sessions a week apart where, after an overnight fast, blood samples were drawn over a period of 120 minutes after consumption of either the proprietary GF-9 blend or placebo capsules. Neither the subjects nor the investigators knew at which session the subjects received the GF-9 blend and at which session they received the placebo. At the end of the study, the samples were tested for serum HGH levels, and the results were independently analyzed. The results: the GF-9 blend led to a 682% increase in serum HGH levels at 120 minutes. (p=0.01 vs. placebo)

Our satisfaction guarantee: Because no product or program will work for everyone, GF-9 is backed by our money-back guarantee. For details regarding our guarantee, please visit www.GF9now.com or call customer service at: 1-800-898-5153. Product resale allowed only through authorized representatives. lnternational distribution is not authorized without prior written approval.

This box was designed In an oversized manner to prevent pilferage. The actual size of the capsule is printed on the front of the box.

Product resale allowed only through authorized representatives. International distribution is not authorized without prior written approval.

Storage

Store at controlled room temperature: 15 degrees to 30 degrees C / 59 degrees to 86 degrees F

Store at room temperature: 15 degrees to 30 degrees C / 59 degrees to 86 degrees F

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.

Formulation

Clinically tested human growth hormone secretagogue maximum strength formula 682% mean increase in natural growth hormone levels

Clinically studied to increase natural grwoth hormone levels by a mean of 682%. HGH has been associated with: Physical performance Muscle mass Recovery & improved sleep Energy Endurance Libido Reduced body fat

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Directions: Adults take 4 capsules with water on an empty stomach, either in the morning two hours before breakfast or two hours after dinner prior to bedtime. [Do not eat two hours before or after taking GF-9.] Do not exceed 4 capsules in any 24-hour period. Individual results will vary.

Precautions

Do not exceed 4 capsules in any 24-hour period. Warning: Do not exceed suggested daily serving.

Not for use by individuals under the age of 18 years.

Consult your physician before use if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or if you have a medical condition.

Do not use if inner safety seal under the cap is broken or missing. Use only as directed.

Keep out of reach of children.

Brand IP Statement(s)

GF-9 is protected by US. Patent Numbers 8,551,542; 8,715,752; 8,722,114; 8,734,864; 8,747,921; 8,747,922; 8,765,195; 8,808,763; 8,808,764; 8,815,311; 9,066,953; 9,198,889; 9,238,023; 9,339,490; and Canadian Patent Number 2840809.

2018 All Rights Reserved.

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

See for yourself

GF-9 by Novex Biotech label

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

GF-9 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 GF-9 by Novex Biotech

These are the 6 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size4 Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container30 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.

GenysFactor Proprietary Blend

2.9 Gram(s) per serving

Other (inactive) ingredients: Gelatin, Magnesium Stearate, Stearic Acid, Rice Flour, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Titanium Dioxide, Silicon Dioxide. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

GF-9 by Novex Biotech Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against GF-9?

Ask about interactions with your drugs in plain English — “Can I take it with lisinopril?” — and we find you the answer in seconds, ingredient by ingredient.

 Go to the checker
1,132Drugs
1 Major 1,127 Moderate 4 Minor

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Schizonepeta powder 797
L-Arginine Hydrochloride 403
N-Acetyl L-Cysteine 294
L-Glutamine 50
L-Lysine Hydrochloride 1

Individual Drug Interactions

The ingredients in GF-9 interact with 1,132 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.

5 of the 6 ingredients in GF-9 interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Schizonepeta powder L-Arginine Hydrochloride N-Acetyl L-Cysteine L-Glutamine L-Lysine Hydrochloride

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in GF-9 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.

Schizonepeta powder4 drug types · 797 drugs

Cytochrome P450 1A2 (Cyp1A2) Substrates

Animal research suggests that schizonepetin, a monoterpene constituent of schizonepeta, inhibits cytochrome P450 (CYP) 1A2. Theoretically, schizonepeta might increase the effects and side effects of CYP1A2 substrates.
Some substrates of CYP1A2 include clozapine (Clozaril), cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril), fluvoxamine (Luvox), haloperidol (Haldol), imipramine (Tofranil), mexiletine (Mexitil), olanzapine (Zyprexa), pentazocine (Talwin), propranolol (Inderal), tacrine (Cognex), theophylline, zileuton (Zyflo), zolmitriptan (Zomig), and others.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 2D6 (Cyp2D6) Substrates

Animal research suggests that schizonepetin, a monoterpene constituent of schizonepeta, inhibits cytochrome P450 (CYP) 2D6. Theoretically, schizonepeta might increase the effects and side effects of CYP2D6 substrates.
Some substrates of CYP2D6 include amitriptyline (Elavil), codeine, desipramine (Norpramin), flecainide (Tambocor), haloperidol (Haldol), imipramine (Tofranil), metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol XL), ondansetron (Zofran), paroxetine (Paxil), risperidone (Risperdal), tramadol (Ultram), venlafaxine (Effexor), and others.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 2E1 (Cyp2E1) Substrates

Animal research suggests that schizonepetin, a monoterpene constituent of schizonepeta, inhibits cytochrome P450 (CYP) 2E1. Theoretically, schizonepeta might increase the effects and side effects of CYP2E1 substrates.
Some substrates of CYP2E1 include acetaminophen, chlorzoxazone (Parafon Forte), ethanol, theophylline, and anesthetics such as enflurane (Ethrane), halothane (Fluothane), isoflurane (Forane), and methoxyflurane (Penthrane).

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 3A4 (Cyp3A4) Substrates

Animal research suggests that schizonepetin, a monoterpene constituent of schizonepeta, induces cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A4. Theoretically, schizonepeta might decrease the effects of CYP3A4 substrates.
Some substrates of CYP3A4 include lovastatin (Mevacor), ketoconazole (Nizoral), itraconazole (Sporanox), fexofenadine (Allegra), triazolam (Halcion), and numerous others.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Schizonepeta powder full monograph & interactions

L-Arginine Hydrochloride9 drug types · 403 drugs

Ace Inhibitors (Aceis)

Theoretically, concomitant use of L-arginine and ACE inhibitors may increase the risk for hypotension and hyperkalemia.
Combining L-arginine with some antihypertensive drugs, especially ACE inhibitors, seems to have additive vasodilating and blood pressure-lowering effects. Furthermore, ACE inhibitors can increase potassium levels. Use of L-arginine has been associated with hyperkalemia in some patients. Theoretically, concomitant use of ACE inhibitors with L-arginine may increases the risk of hyperkalemia.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Angiotensin Receptor Blockers (Arbs)

Theoretically, concomitant use of L-arginine and ARBs may increase the risk of hypotension and hyperkalemia.
L-arginine increases nitric oxide, which causes vasodilation. Combining L-arginine with ARBs seems to increase L-arginine-induced vasodilation. Furthermore, ARBs can increase potassium levels. Use of L-arginine has been associated with hyperkalemia in some patients. Theoretically, concomitant use of ARBs with L-arginine may increases the risk of hyperkalemia.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, concomitant use of L-arginine with anticoagulant and antiplatelet drugs might have additive effects and increase the risk of bleeding.
Preliminary research suggests that L-arginine infusions reduce platelet aggregation in humans. The clinical significance of this effect is unclear.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, concomitant use of L-arginine might have additive effects with antidiabetes drugs.
Preliminary clinical research shows that L-arginine decreases blood glucose levels in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antihypertensive Drugs

Theoretically, concomitant use of L-arginine and antihypertensive drugs may increase the risk of hypotension.
L-arginine increases nitric oxide, which causes vasodilation. Clinical evidence shows that L-arginine can reduce blood pressure in some individuals with hypertension. Furthermore, combining L-arginine with some antihypertensive drugs seems to have additive vasodilating and blood pressure-lowering effects.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Isoproterenol (Isuprel)

Theoretically, concurrent use of isoproterenol and L-arginine might result in additive effects and hypotension.
Preliminary clinical evidence suggests that L-arginine enhances isoproterenol-induced vasodilation in patients with essential hypertension or a family history of essential hypertension.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Potassium-Sparing Diuretics

Theoretically concomitant use of potassium-sparing diuretics with L-arginine may increases the risk of hyperkalemia.
Potassium-sparing diuretics can increase potassium levels. Use of L-arginine has been associated with hyperkalemia in some patients.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Sildenafil (Viagra)

Theoretically, concurrent use of sildenafil and L-arginine might increase the risk for hypotension.
In vivo, concurrent use of L-arginine and sildenafil has resulted in increased vasodilation. Theoretically, concurrent use might have additive vasodilatory and hypotensive effects. However, in studies evaluating the combined use of L-arginine and sildenafil for erectile dysfunction, hypotension was not reported.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Testosterone

Theoretically, concomitant use of L-arginine and testosterone might have additive effects.
In clinical research, L-arginine increases the level of testosterone in male patients with erectile dysfunction. The clinical significance of this finding is unclear.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
L-Arginine Hydrochloride full monograph & interactions

N-Acetyl L-Cysteine5 drug types · 294 drugs

Nitroglycerin

N-acetyl cysteine can increase the risk for hypotension and headaches when taken with intravenous or transdermal nitroglycerin.
Clinical research shows that concomitant administration of N-acetyl cysteine and intravenous or transdermal nitroglycerin can cause severe hypotension and intolerable headaches. Furthermore, in vitro research suggests that N-acetyl cysteine increases the anticoagulant activity of nitroglycerin.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Activated Charcoal

N-acetyl cysteine might reduce the effects of activated charcoal, while activated charcoal might reduce the absorption of N-acetyl cysteine.
N-acetyl cysteine appears to reduce the capacity of activated charcoal to adsorb acetaminophen and salicylic acid. Conversely, although clinical research suggests that although activated charcoal can reduce the absorption of N-acetyl cysteine by up to 40%, it does not seem to reduce its clinical effects. Other clinical evidence suggests that activated charcoal does not affect the absorption of N-acetyl cysteine.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, N-acetyl cysteine might increase the risk of bleeding when taken with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Clinical research suggests that intravenous N-acetyl cysteine decreases prothrombin time, prolongs coagulation time, decreases platelet aggregation, and increases blood loss in surgical patients. Furthermore, in vitro research suggests that N-acetyl cysteine increases the anticoagulant activity of nitroglycerin.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antihypertensive Drugs

Theoretically, N-acetyl cysteine might increase the risk of hypotension when taken with antihypertensive drugs.
Animal research suggests that N-acetyl cysteine potentiates the hypotensive effects of the angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) captopril and enalaprilat. Theoretically, combining N-acetyl cysteine with other antihypertensive drugs might increase the risk of hypotension.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Chloroquine (Aralen)

Theoretically, N-acetyl cysteine might interfere with the antimalarial effects of chloroquine.
Animal research suggests that N-acetyl cysteine might reduce the antimalarial effects of chloroquine by increasing cellular levels of glutathione.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
N-Acetyl L-Cysteine full monograph & interactions

L-Glutamine1 drug type · 50 drugs

Anticonvulsants

Theoretically, glutamine might antagonize the effects of anticonvulsant medications.
Glutamine is metabolized to the excitatory neurotransmitter glutamate. Glutamate might have antagonistic effects with anticonvulsant drugs. However, this interaction has not yet been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
L-Glutamine full monograph & interactions

L-Lysine Hydrochloride1 drug type · 1 drug

5-Ht4 Agonists

Theoretically, lysine may reduce the effects of 5-HT4 agonists.
Animal research suggests that L-lysine is a partial serotonin receptor 4 (5-HT4) antagonist and inhibits diarrhea induced by the 5-HT4 agonist, 5-hydroxytryptophane.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence D
L-Lysine Hydrochloride full monograph & interactions
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for GF-9, from the product label.

Novex Biotech

See all Novex Biotech products
Name
Novex Biotech, LLC
City
Salt Lake City
State
UT
ZipCode
84116
Phone Number
1-800-898-5153
Web Address
www.GF9now.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

GF-9 by Novex Biotech: Common Questions

Does GF-9 by Novex Biotech interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, GF-9 has a known interaction with 1,132 medications, including 1 rated major. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
GF-9 contains 6 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 GF-9 if I'm pregnant?
L-glutamine is rated likely safe in pregnancy, while L-arginine and N-acetyl cysteine are rated possibly safe but not well studied in pregnancy — check with your doctor for personalized advice. Schizonepeta is not recommended in pregnancy since safety data do not exist. Talk with your doctor before starting.
Is L-glutamine in here actually effective for anything?
L-glutamine is effective for sickle cell disease and possibly effective for postoperative recovery and critical illness, according to clinical evidence. The evidence for it in other uses is either insufficient or not established in our data.
What are the most common side effects I might experience?
Digestive side effects are most common across the ingredients: bloating, nausea, constipation, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Headache and dizziness have also been reported. N-acetyl cysteine may cause joint pain in a small number of people. If you experience severe or persistent side effects, talk with your pharmacist.
Why does this product interact with so many medications?
L-arginine lowers blood pressure and affects potassium levels, so it interacts with drugs that do the same. N-acetyl cysteine affects blood clotting and blood pressure. Schizonepeta affects multiple liver enzymes that break down many common drugs, which can change how those drugs work in your body.
Can I take this while breastfeeding?
There isn't enough reliable safety data on L-lysine, N-acetyl cysteine, L-arginine, or schizonepeta during breastfeeding — caution is advised. L-glutamine data on breastfeeding safety is limited. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist before using this product while breastfeeding.

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.

GF-9 label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind GF-9’s Ingredients

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

Herb & supplement monograph

Glutamine

Interacts with 50 drugs

Glutamine is the most abundant amino acid in the body and is usually made in your muscles. A prescription form is FDA-approved to help reduce sickle cell disease complications, but for most...

Read the full Glutamine monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Lysine

Interacts with 1 drug

Lysine is an essential amino acid your body cannot make on its own, so it must come from food or supplements. People most often take extra lysine to try to prevent or shorten cold sores, but...

Read the full Lysine monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

N-acetyl Cysteine (nac)

Interacts with 294 drugs

N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) is a supplement form of the amino acid cysteine and a building block for the antioxidant glutathione. It has well-established prescription uses for acetaminophen over...

Read the full N-acetyl Cysteine (nac) monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

L-arginine

Interacts with 403 drugs

L-arginine is an amino acid that the body uses to make nitric oxide, a substance that helps blood vessels relax and widen. It is popularly used for blood pressure, erectile dysfunction, and...

Read the full L-arginine monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Schizonepeta

Interacts with 797 drugs

Schizonepeta is a mint-family herb long used in traditional Chinese medicine, usually as part of combination formulas for colds, fevers, and itchy skin conditions. Modern human evidence is v...

Read the full Schizonepeta monograph →
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

GF-9's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.

Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.

The 174 references behind this product’s interaction data

Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

Glutamine 11 references
  1. Miller AL. Therapeutic considerations of L-glutamine: a review of the literature. Altern Med Rev 1999;4:239-48..
  2. Bozzetti F, Biganzoli L, Gavazzi C, et al. Glutamine supplementation in cancer patients receiving chemotherapy: a double-blind randomized study. Nutrition 1997;13:748-51.. PubMed
  3. Mebane AH. L-Glutamine and mania. Am J Psychiatry 984;141:1302-3.
  4. Meldrum BS. Glutamate as a neurotransmitter in the brain: review of physiology and pathology. J Nutr 2000;130:1007S-15S.. PubMed
  5. Garlick PJ. Assessment of the safety of glutamine and other amino acids. J Nutr 2001;131:2556S-61S.. PubMed
  6. Chapman AG. Glutamate and epilepsy. J Nutr 2000;130:1043S-5S.. PubMed
  7. Ziegler TR. Glutamine supplementation in cancer patients receiving bone marrow transplantation and high dose chemotherapy. J Nutr 2001;131:2578S-84S.. PubMed
  8. Laviano A, Molfino A, Lacaria MT, Canelli A, De Leo S, Preziosa I, Rossi Fanelli F. Glutamine supplementation favors weight loss in nondieting obese female patients. A pilot study. Eur J Clin Nutr. 2014 Nov;68(11):1264-6. PubMed
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Lysine 7 references
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N-acetyl Cysteine (nac) 86 references
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L-arginine 66 references
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Schizonepeta 4 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.

© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC

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