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

GlucoPlex Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Karuna

Capsule Category: Other Combinations
Most serious interaction: Major
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Major

GlucoPlex is a dietary supplement by Karuna with 7 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for morning sickness in pregnancy, premenstrual syndrome (pms), preventing or treating b6 deficiency.Based on those ingredients, 803 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated major. The ingredients most likely to interact are Vitamin B3, Vitamin B6, Glucosamine. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of GlucoPlex by Karuna

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

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

What’s inside

Full disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Full

Every active ingredient lists its own amount on the label.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 7 of its 7 active ingredients.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

GlucoPlex contains seven active ingredients. Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) supports nerve function and red blood cell health.

Vitamin B3 (niacin) plays a role in energy metabolism and cholesterol management. Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) is essential for converting food into energy.

L-methionine is an amino acid that the body uses in protein synthesis and other metabolic processes. Glucosamine is a compound derived from shellfish that may support joint health.

Boron is a mineral involved in bone metabolism. Betaine-HCl (betaine hydrochloride) is a source of hydrochloric acid and the amino acid derivative betaine, used to support digestive function.

The product also contains magnesium stearate as an inactive ingredient (a binder used in capsule manufacturing).

Does it work?

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

Clinical evidence supports at least one of this product's ingredients for its stated purpose.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: Glucosamine with niacinamide for joint health.
  • We looked for evidence on: Joint pain, Knee pain, Boron deficiency, Osteoarthritis, Cartilage support, Joint stiffness.
  • The strongest evidence on file: Glucosamine is rated "Likely Effective" for Osteoarthritis (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Boron is rated "Likely Effective" for Boron deficiency.
  • Also on file: Glucosamine is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Joint pain, Knee pain.

The evidence for each ingredient varies. Vitamin B6 is effective for sideroblastic anemia and vitamin B6 deficiency, likely effective for elevated homocysteine levels, and possibly effective for pregnancy-related nausea and vomiting.

Vitamin B3 (niacin) is likely effective for pellagra and possibly effective for HIV-related cholesterol problems and metabolic syndrome. Glucosamine is likely effective for osteoarthritis.

For the other ingredients—vitamin B2, L-methionine, boron, and betaine-HCl—either no effectiveness ratings are established in our data or the evidence is insufficient to rate them for the uses commonly promoted.

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 7 of the 7 matched ingredients.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 7 of 7.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 7 of 7.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Vitamin B6 is well tolerated at doses under 100 mg daily, though high doses over time can damage nerves (sensory neuropathy), especially above 1000 mg daily. Vitamin B3 at normal dietary amounts is safe, but high-dose supplements can cause flushing, liver problems, and may raise blood sugar.

Vitamin B2 is very safe; excess is cleared through urine. L-methionine and glucosamine are generally well tolerated at recommended doses, though glucosamine can rarely cause allergic reactions or asthma flare-ups.

Boron is safe below 20 mg daily but toxic at high doses. Betaine-HCl may irritate the stomach and is unsafe for people with ulcers or gastritis.

For pregnancy: vitamin B6 ratings are mixed (likely safe but also possibly unsafe—discuss with your doctor); vitamin B3 and B2 are likely safe at normal amounts; L-methionine is likely safe; boron is rated possibly unsafe; glucosamine and betaine-HCl lack sufficient safety data and should be avoided. For breastfeeding, boron and betaine-HCl should be avoided due to limited data.

Talk with your doctor or pharmacist before using this product if you're pregnant or breastfeeding.

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 7 matched ingredients can interact with medications — Betaine Hydrochloride, Glucosamine, Niacin, Vitamin B6, Riboflavin.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Major.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs; diabetes medications; Parkinson's medications.
  • For scale: 804 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.

If you take warfarin or another blood thinner, flag this product immediately with your pharmacist—glucosamine may increase bleeding risk. Also double-check if you take blood pressure medications, seizure drugs (phenobarbital, phenytoin), diabetes medicines, statins (cholesterol drugs), gout medications (allopurinol, probenecid), tetracycline antibiotics, or any stomach acid–lowering drugs (H2-blockers, antacids, or PPIs).

These are the major medication types that interact with ingredients in this product.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

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

GlucoPlex may be worth considering if you're interested in joint health (glucosamine) or correcting a B-vitamin deficiency, but it carries real interaction risks—especially if you take blood thinners, seizure drugs, diabetes medications, blood pressure drugs, or stomach acid–lowering medicines. The ingredient profile is broad and not all are well-studied for effectiveness.

Before you start, check your exact medications with your doctor or pharmacist using the tool on this page.

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

Assessment coverage: 7 of 7 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Oct 25, 2013.

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 GlucoPlex, straight from the product label.

Brand Karuna
Net contents 90 Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Oct 25, 2013
DSLD ID 24395
Product type Other Combinations
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), Dairy Free, Sugar Free
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 GlucoPlex by Karuna, 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:
3 Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
3 Capsule(s)
Servings per container
30
IngredientAmount% DV
Vitamin B645 mg2250%
L-Methionine150 mg--
Boron1.5 mg--
Vitamin B31200 mg6000%
Vitamin B230 mg1765%
Glucosamine1500 mg--
Betaine-HCl150 mg--

Other ingredients: Magnesium Stearate

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.
Precautions

WARNING: Persons with a known allergy to shellfish should not use this product.

Seals/Symbols

KARUNA(R) RESPONSIBLE NUTRITION(TM)

Formula

Glucosamine with Niacinamide

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested use for adults: Three capsules daily with meals, in divided doses, or as directed by your health care practitioner.

Formulation

This product contains no yeast, wheat, soy, corn, milk, salt, sugar, artificial coloring, preservatives or flavoring.

General Statements

This product is intended for professional use and is manufactured under strict quality control to ensure the optimum in purity, potency and reliability.

L911039E12/12

Storage

Keep in a cool, dry place tightly capped.

General

9110-LB6

See for yourself

GlucoPlex by Karuna label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in GlucoPlex by Karuna

These are the 7 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size3 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.

Vitamin B6

Interacts with
210 drugs
45 mg per serving Form: Pyridoxine Hydrochloride

Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) is an essential water-soluble vitamin that your body needs for metabolism, brain function, and making red blood cells. It is b...

Vitamin B6 monograph & interactions

L-Methionine

No known
interactions
150 mg per serving

Methionine is an essential amino acid that your body needs for protein building and many basic chemical reactions. Most people get enough from a norma...

L-Methionine monograph & interactions

Boron

No known
interactions
1.5 mg per serving Form: Boron Citrate

Boron is a trace mineral found in many plant foods and sold as a supplement, mainly promoted for bone, joint, and hormone health. The human evidence f...

Boron monograph & interactions

Vitamin B3

Interacts with
727 drugs
1200 mg per serving Form: Niacinamide

Niacin (vitamin B3) is an essential nutrient your body needs for energy and metabolism, and deficiency is uncommon in most developed countries. Prescr...

Vitamin B3 monograph & interactions

Vitamin B2

Interacts with
20 drugs
30 mg per serving Form: Riboflavin

Riboflavin (vitamin B2) is an essential nutrient your body needs to turn food into energy and to keep skin, eyes, and nerves healthy. It is generally...

Vitamin B2 monograph & interactions

Glucosamine

Interacts with
170 drugs
1500 mg per serving Form: Glucosamine Sulfate KCl, Shrimp

Glucosamine is a natural compound found in cartilage and joint fluid, and it is one of the most popular supplements for osteoarthritis, especially of...

Glucosamine monograph & interactions

Betaine-HCl

Interacts with
36 drugs
150 mg per serving

Betaine hydrochloride is a supplement used to temporarily increase stomach acid in people who may have low acid levels. Evidence for its benefits is l...

Betaine-HCl monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Magnesium Stearate. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

GlucoPlex by Karuna Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against GlucoPlex?

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
803Drugs
2 Major 769 Moderate 32 Minor

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in GlucoPlex with known interactions, here are the types of medications they can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

Vitamin B315 drug types · 727 drugs

Alcohol (Ethanol)

Concomitant use of alcohol and niacin might increase the risk of flushing and hepatotoxicity.
Alcohol can exacerbate the flushing and pruritus associated with niacin. Large doses of niacin might also exacerbate liver dysfunction associated with chronic alcohol use. A case report describes delirium and lactic acidosis in a patient taking niacin 3 grams daily who ingested 1 liter of wine. Advise patients to avoid large amounts of alcohol while taking niacin.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Allopurinol (Zyloprim)

Theoretically, niacin might antagonize the therapeutic effects of uricosurics such as allopurinol.
Large doses of niacin can reduce urinary excretion of uric acid, potentially resulting in hyperuricemia. Doses of uricosurics such as allopurinol might need to be increased to maintain control of gout in patients who start taking niacin. People who have frequent attacks of gout despite uricosuric therapy should avoid niacin.

Likelihood Probable Evidence C
Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, niacin may have additive effects when used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Several cases of clotting factor synthesis deficiency and coagulopathy have been reported in patients taking sustained-release niacin. Also, thrombocytopenia has been reported in patients treated with niacin or niacin plus lovastatin.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antidiabetes Drugs

Niacin can increase blood glucose levels and may diminish the effects of antidiabetes drugs.
Niacin impairs glucose tolerance in a dose-dependent manner, probably by causing or aggravating insulin resistance and increasing hepatic production of glucose. In diabetes patients, niacin 4.5 grams daily for 5 weeks can increase plasma glucose by an average of 16% and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) by 21%. However, lower doses of 1.5 grams daily or less appear to have minimal effects on blood glucose. In some patients, glucose levels increase when niacin is started, but then return to baseline when a stable dose is reached. Up to 35% of patients with diabetes may need adjustments in hypoglycemic therapy when niacin is added.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Antihypertensive Drugs

Theoretically, niacin may increase the risk of hypotension when used with antihypertensive drugs.
The vasodilating effects of niacin can cause hypotension. Furthermore, some clinical evidence suggests that a one-hour infusion of niacin can reduce systolic, diastolic, and mean blood pressure in hypertensive patients. This effect is not observed in normotensive patients.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Bile Acid Sequestrants

Bile acid sequestrants can bind niacin and decrease absorption. Separate administration by 4-6 hours to avoid an interaction.
In vitro studies show that colestipol (Colestid) binds about 98% of available niacin and cholestyramine (Questran) binds 10% to 30%.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Gemfibrozil (Lopid)

Theoretically, concomitant use of niacin and gemfibrozil might increase the risk of myopathy in some patients.
A case of myopathy from concomitant use of niacin and gemfibrozil has been reported. Niacin alone has also been associated with cases of myopathy. Using gemfibrozil with niacin might further increase the risk of developing myopathy.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Hepatotoxic Drugs

Theoretically, concomitant use of niacin and hepatotoxic drugs might increase the risk of hepatotoxicity.
Niacin has been associated with cases of liver toxicity, especially when used in pharmacologic doses. Sustained-release niacin preparations appear to be associated with a higher risk of hepatotoxicity than immediate-release niacin.

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

Theoretically, concomitant use of niacin and statins might increase the risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis in some patients.
Some case reports have raised concerns that niacin might increase the risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis when combined with statins. However, a significantly increased risk of myopathy has not been demonstrated in clinical trials, including those using an FDA-approved combination of lovastatin and niacin (Advicor).

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Probenecid (Benemid)

Theoretically, niacin might antagonize the therapeutic effects of uricosurics such as probenecid.
Large doses of niacin reduce urinary excretion of uric acid, potentially causing hyperuricemia. Doses of uricosurics such as probenecid might need to be increased to maintain control of gout in patients who start taking niacin. People who have frequent attacks of gout despite uricosuric therapy should avoid niacin.

Likelihood Probable Evidence C
Sulfinpyrazone (Anturane)

Theoretically, niacin might antagonize the therapeutic effects of uricosurics such as sulfinpyrazone.
Large doses of niacin reduce urinary excretion of uric acid, potentially causing hyperuricemia. Doses of uricosurics such as sulfinpyrazone might need to be increased to maintain control of gout in patients who start taking niacin. People who have frequent attacks of gout despite uricosuric therapy should avoid niacin.

Likelihood Probable Evidence C
Thyroid Hormone

Theoretically, niacin might antagonize the therapeutic effects of thyroid hormones.
Clinical research and case reports suggests that taking niacin can reduce serum levels of thyroxine-binding globulin by up to 25% and moderately reduce levels of thyroxine (T4). Patients taking thyroid hormone for hypothyroidism might need dose adjustments when using niacin.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Transdermal Nicotine (Nicoderm)

Theoretically, concomitant use of niacin and transdermal nicotine might increase the risk of flushing and dizziness.
Niacin and nicotine can both cause flushing and dizziness.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Warfarin (Coumadin)

There is limited evidence that niacin may increase the anticoagulant effects of warfarin.
In a case report, a patient on warfarin developed an elevated international normalized ratio (INR) of 3.9 after taking niacin for two weeks. The patient's INR was previously stable, ranging between 2 and 3 in recent months, and no other medication changes were identified. The elevated INR returned to therapeutic range within 4 days following the discontinuation of niacin.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Aspirin

Large doses of aspirin might alter the clearance of niacin.
Aspirin is often used with niacin to reduce niacin-induced flushing. Doses of 80-975 mg aspirin have been used, but 325 mg appears to be optimal. Aspirin also seems to reduce the clearance of niacin by competing for glycine conjugation. Taking aspirin 1 gram seems to reduce niacin clearance by 45%. This is probably a dose-related effect and not clinically significant with the more common aspirin dose of 325 mg.

Likelihood Likely Evidence B

Vitamin B65 drug types · 210 drugs

Amiodarone (Cordarone)

Theoretically, vitamin B6 might increase the photosensitivity caused by amiodarone.
Despite initial case reports suggesting that pyridoxine may have a protective effect against amiodarone-induced photosensitivity, preliminary clinical research suggests that pyridoxine may actually exacerbate this adverse effect.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Antihypertensive Drugs

Theoretically, vitamin B6 may have additive effects when used with antihypertensive drugs.
Research in hypertensive rats shows that vitamin B6 can decrease systolic blood pressure. Similarly, clinical research in patients with hypertension shows that taking high doses of vitamin B6 may reduce systolic and diastolic blood pressure, possibly by reducing plasma levels of epinephrine and norepinephrine.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Phenobarbital (Luminal)

High doses of vitamin B6 may reduce the levels and clinical effects of phenobarbital.
Preliminary clinical evidence suggests that vitamin B6 200 mg daily can reduce plasma levels of phenobarbital, possibly by increasing metabolism. It is not known whether lower doses have any effect. Advise people taking phenobarbital to avoid high doses of vitamin B6.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Phenytoin (Dilantin)

High doses of vitamin B6 may reduce the levels and clinical effects of phenytoin.
Preliminary clinical evidence suggests that vitamin B6 200 mg daily can reduce plasma levels of phenytoin, possibly by increasing metabolism. It is not known whether lower doses have any effect. Advise people taking phenytoin to avoid high doses of vitamin B6.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Levodopa

Vitamin B6 may increase the metabolism of levodopa when taken alone, but not when taken in conjunction with carbidopa.
Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) enhances the metabolism of levodopa, reducing its clinical effects. However, this interaction does not occur when carbidopa is used concurrently with levodopa (Sinemet). Therefore, it is not likely to be a problem in most people.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence D

Glucosamine4 drug types · 170 drugs

Warfarin (Coumadin)

Glucosamine might increase the anticoagulant effects of warfarin and increase the risk of bruising and bleeding.
In two individual case reports, glucosamine/chondroitin combinations were associated with a significant increase in international normalized ratio (INR) in patients previously stabilized on warfarin. In one case, the increase in INR occurred only after tripling the dose of a glucosamine/chondroitin supplement from 500 mg/400 mg daily to 1500/1200 mg daily. Additionally, 20 voluntary case reports to the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) have linked glucosamine plus chondroitin with increased INR, bruising, and bleeding in patients who were also taking warfarin. There have also been 20 additional case reports to the World Health Organization (WHO) that link glucosamine alone to increased INR in patients taking warfarin. The mechanism of this interaction is unclear. Glucosamine is a small component of heparin, but is not thought to have anticoagulant activity; however, animal research suggests that it might have antiplatelet activity.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Topoisomerase Ii Inhibitors

Theoretically glucosamine may induce resistance to topoisomerase II inhibitors.
In vitro research suggests that glucosamine might induce resistance to etoposide (VP16, VePesid) and doxorubicin (Adriamycin) by reducing inhibition of topoisomerase II, an enzyme required for DNA replication in tumor cells. This effect has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Acetaminophen (Tylenol, Others)

Acetaminophen might interfere with the activity of glucosamine sulfate by interacting with the sulfate portion.
Anecdotal reports suggest that adding glucosamine to an acetaminophen regimen might decrease pain control in patients with osteoarthritis. Some research suggests that the sulfate portion of glucosamine sulfate might contribute to its effect in osteoarthritis. Since acetaminophen metabolism requires sulfur and reduces serum sulfate concentrations, acetaminophen could theoretically interfere with the action of glucosamine sulfate. Conversely, the administration of sulfate could theoretically decrease the effectiveness of acetaminophen in sulfate-deficient people by increasing its clearance.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Antidiabetes Drugs

Despite initial concerns, it is unlikely that glucosamine will interfere with the effects of antidiabetes drugs.
In vitro and animal research has suggested that glucosamine might increase insulin resistance or decrease insulin production. This has raised concerns that taking glucosamine might worsen diabetes and decrease the effectiveness of diabetes drugs. However, clinical research suggests that glucosamine does not have adverse effects on blood glucose or glycated hemoglobin (HbA1C) in healthy, obese, or type 2 diabetes patients.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence B

Betaine-HCl3 drug types · 36 drugs

Antacids

Betaine hydrochloride increases stomach acidity and could decrease the effects of antacids.
In human research, betaine hydrochloride increases stomach acidity. Antacids are taken to decrease stomach acidity. Theoretically, taking betaine hydrochloride along with antacids might decrease the effects of the antacids.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
H2-Blockers

Betaine hydrochloride increases stomach acidity and could decrease the effects of H2-blockers.
In human research, betaine hydrochloride increases stomach acidity. H2-blockers are used to decrease stomach acidity. Theoretically, taking betaine hydrochloride along with H2-blockers might decrease the effects of H2-blockers.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Proton Pump Inhibitors (Ppis)

Betaine hydrochloride increases stomach acidity and could decrease the effects of PPIs.
In human research, betaine hydrochloride increases stomach acidity. PPIs are used to decrease stomach acidity. Theoretically, taking betaine hydrochloride along with PPIs might decrease the effects of PPIs

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

Vitamin B21 drug type · 20 drugs

Tetracycline Antibiotics

Theoretically, taking riboflavin with tetracycline antibiotics may decrease the potency of these antibiotics.
In vitro research suggests that riboflavin may inhibit the potency of tetracycline antibiotics. It is not clear if this effect is clinically significant, as this interaction has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
The maker

Brand information

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

Karuna

See all Karuna products
Name
Karuna Corporation
Street Address
42 Digital Drive #7
City
Novato
State
CA
ZipCode
94949
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

GlucoPlex by Karuna: Common Questions

Does GlucoPlex by Karuna interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, GlucoPlex has a known interaction with 803 medications, including 2 rated major. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
GlucoPlex contains 7 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.
Is GlucoPlex safe to take while I'm pregnant?
The safety data varies by ingredient. Vitamin B6 ratings are mixed; B vitamins are often in prenatal vitamins, but high-dose supplements need your doctor's approval. Boron is rated possibly unsafe in pregnancy. Glucosamine and betaine-HCl don't have enough safety data and are best avoided. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist before taking this product during pregnancy.
Can I take this if I'm breastfeeding?
Several ingredients lack safety data for breastfeeding: boron and betaine-HCl should be avoided. Most of the B vitamins are likely safe at normal amounts, but check with your doctor or pharmacist before starting, especially if you're taking a high-dose product.
Will GlucoPlex help my joint pain?
Glucosamine, one of the ingredients, is likely effective for osteoarthritis. However, the product contains other ingredients whose effectiveness for joint health isn't established in our data. If joint health is your main goal, you might ask your doctor whether a glucosamine-only product or a more targeted formula would be better for you.
What's the biggest side effect risk I should know about?
High doses of vitamin B6 (the main concern at very high intake) can damage nerves over time. Vitamin B3 at high doses can cause liver problems and raise blood sugar. At normal recommended doses, most people tolerate these ingredients, but if you have liver disease or diabetes, mention that to your pharmacist.
Can I take this with my stomach acid medication?
Betaine-HCl in this product increases stomach acid and may interfere with H2-blockers, antacids, or proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). If you take any of those, check with your pharmacist before starting GlucoPlex.
What is betaine-HCl and why is it in this product?
Betaine-HCl is a compound that increases stomach acidity and is intended to support digestive function. However, the evidence for it isn't well established in our data, and it can irritate the stomach, especially in people with ulcers or reflux.

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

Not sure if GlucoPlex is safe with your meds?

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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.

GlucoPlex label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind GlucoPlex’s Ingredients

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

Herb & supplement monograph

Vitamin B6

Interacts with 210 drugs

Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) is an essential water-soluble vitamin that your body needs for metabolism, brain function, and making red blood cells. It is best known for helping with pregnancy-rel...

Read the full Vitamin B6 monograph →
Herb & supplement monograph

Methionine

Methionine is an essential amino acid that your body needs for protein building and many basic chemical reactions. Most people get enough from a normal diet, and supplements are generally no...

Read the full Methionine monograph →
Herb & supplement monograph

Boron

Boron is a trace mineral found in many plant foods and sold as a supplement, mainly promoted for bone, joint, and hormone health. The human evidence for most of these uses is limited or prel...

Read the full Boron monograph →
Herb & supplement monograph

Niacin

Interacts with 727 drugs

Niacin (vitamin B3) is an essential nutrient your body needs for energy and metabolism, and deficiency is uncommon in most developed countries. Prescription-strength niacin has been used to...

Read the full Niacin monograph →
Herb & supplement monograph

Riboflavin

Interacts with 20 drugs

Riboflavin (vitamin B2) is an essential nutrient your body needs to turn food into energy and to keep skin, eyes, and nerves healthy. It is generally very safe at typical doses, and the stro...

Read the full Riboflavin monograph →
Herb & supplement monograph

Glucosamine

Interacts with 170 drugs

Glucosamine is a natural compound found in cartilage and joint fluid, and it is one of the most popular supplements for osteoarthritis, especially of the knee. The evidence is mixed, with so...

Read the full Glucosamine monograph →
Herb & supplement monograph

Betaine Hydrochloride

Interacts with 36 drugs

Betaine hydrochloride is a supplement used to temporarily increase stomach acid in people who may have low acid levels. Evidence for its benefits is limited and mostly based on tradition rat...

Read the full Betaine Hydrochloride monograph →
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

GlucoPlex'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 181 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 B6 32 references
  1. Hansten PD, Horn JR. Drug Interactions Analysis and Management. Vancouver, WA: Applied Therapeutics Inc., 1997 and updates.
  2. Yates AA, Schlicker SA, Suitor CW. Dietary reference intakes: The new basis for recommendations for calcium and related nutrients, B vitamins, and choline. J Am Diet Assoc 1998;98:699-706. PubMed
  3. Geerling BJ, Dagnelie PC, Badart-Smook A, et al. Diet as a risk factor for the development of ulcerative colitis. Am J Gastroenterol 2000;95:1008-13. PubMed
  4. South M. Neonatal seizures after pyridoxine use -- reply. Lancet 1999;354:2083. PubMed
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Methionine 12 references
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Boron 6 references
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Niacin 66 references
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Riboflavin 5 references
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Glucosamine 58 references
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Betaine Hydrochloride 2 references
  1. Yago MR, Frymoyer A, Benet LZ, Smelick GS, Frassetto LA, Ding X, Dean B, Salphati L, Budha N, Jin JY, Dresser MJ, Ware JA. The use of betaine HCl to enhance dasatinib absorption in healthy volunteers with rabeprazole-induced hypochlorhydria. AAPS J. 2014 PubMed
  2. Yago MR, Frymoyer AR, Smelick GS, Frassetto LA, Budha NR, Dresser MJ, Ware JA, Benet LZ. Gastric reacidification with betaine HCl in healthy volunteers with rabeprazole-induced hypochlorhydria. Mol Pharm. 2013 Nov 4;10(11):4032-7. PubMed

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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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