Interactions on record — worth a quick check against your medications. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

Heliocare Ultra Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Ferndale Healthcare

Heliocare Ultra label
See full label image
Capsule Category: Botanical With Nutrients
Most serious interaction: Moderate
Clinical methodology reviewed by · Updated Oct 7, 2026 · Label data from the NIH DSLD
What is this page for?

First and foremost: checking Heliocare Ultra 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: Moderate

Heliocare Ultra is a dietary supplement by Ferndale Healthcare with 3 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for common cold and immune support, antioxidant support, skin health and collagen formation.Based on those ingredients, 1,017 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Pomegranate Punica granatum extract, Fernblock Polypodium leucotomos (Calaguala) extract, Vitamin C. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

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Check Your Meds Against Heliocare Ultra by Ferndale Healthcare

Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with Heliocare Ultra by Ferndale Healthcare — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.

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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Heliocare Ultra by Ferndale Healthcare

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 Aug 6, 2026

What’s inside

Full disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Full

Every active ingredient lists its own amount on the label.

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

Heliocare Ultra contains three active ingredients. Vitamin C supports immune function and acts as an antioxidant.

Fernblock Polypodium leucotomos (Calaguala) extract is included for its antioxidant properties. Pomegranate Punica granatum extract is added for its polyphenol content.

The capsule also contains inactive ingredients—hydroxypropylmethylcellulose and magnesium stearate—which are fillers and binders that help form and stabilize the capsule.

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: sun protection and skin health support.
  • We looked for evidence on: Aging skin, Atopic dermatitis (eczema), Melasma, photoaging, sun sensitivity, polymorphic light eruption.
  • The closest evidence on file: Vitamin C is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Aging skin (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Vitamin C is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Melasma.
  • Also on file: Polypodium Leucotomos is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Atopic dermatitis (eczema), Melasma.

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

For Polypodium leucotomos and pomegranate extracts in this product, the evidence we hold is insufficient to establish whether they work for dementia, skin conditions like eczema and actinic keratoses, cutaneous lupus, or photodamage. Pomegranate is possibly effective for high blood pressure but possibly ineffective for high cholesterol and diabetes.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Vitamin C Polypodium Leucotomos Pomegranate

How safe is it?

Well-documented data
Safety Information · database check
Well characterized

Adverse-effect, pregnancy, and general safety data are on file for most of these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • We hold adverse-effect (side-effect) data for 3 of the 3 matched ingredients.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 3 of 3.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 3 of 3.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Vitamin C is generally well tolerated at normal doses, but very high doses can cause stomach cramps, heartburn, diarrhea, nausea, and kidney stones—especially in people prone to them. Polypodium leucotomos is generally well tolerated in studies, though long-term safety isn't established, and rarely causes itching.

Pomegranate fruit and juice are generally safe in food amounts; at higher doses from supplements, a small number of people reported diarrhea, gas, nausea, and abdominal pain. For pregnancy, vitamin C at normal dietary amounts is likely safe, but high-dose supplements should be avoided unless your doctor advises otherwise.

Polypodium leucotomos has insufficient safety data, so it's best avoided in pregnancy and while breastfeeding. Pomegranate extract is possibly safe in pregnancy, but data on breastfeeding are unknown.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Vitamin C Polypodium Leucotomos Pomegranate

Meds to double-check

Moderate interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Moderate identified

The most serious documented interaction for these ingredients is Moderate. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 3 of the 3 matched ingredients can interact with medications — Pomegranate, Vitamin C, Polypodium Leucotomos.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs; cancer treatments.
  • For scale: 1,018 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 Heliocare Ultra, check with your doctor or pharmacist if you take blood thinners (warfarin), estrogen-based birth control or hormone therapy, blood pressure medications (antihypertensives or ACE inhibitors), thyroid medication (levothyroxine), antipsychotics (fluphenazine), HIV medications (indinavir), cholesterol drugs like rosuvastatin, chemotherapy drugs, or any medications broken down by your liver. These are the medication types where documented interactions exist.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with no established evidence rating for its marketed use. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

Heliocare Ultra is marketed as a sun-protection supplement with antioxidant ingredients, but the evidence for effectiveness in most conditions is limited or absent. If you take any blood thinners, blood pressure medications, thyroid medication, chemotherapy, or antiretroviral drugs, check with your doctor or pharmacist before starting—the interactions here could affect how your medications work.

Talk it over with your own healthcare provider to see if it's right for you.

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

Assessment coverage: 3 of 3 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Jul 25, 2018.

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 Heliocare Ultra, straight from the product label.

Brand Ferndale Healthcare
Barcode (UPC) 304960479099
Net contents 36 Vegan Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Jul 25, 2018
DSLD ID 179643
Product type Botanical With Nutrients
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses Nutrient, All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), Gluten 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 Heliocare Ultra by Ferndale Healthcare, 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 Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 Capsule(s)
UPC/BARCODE
304960479099
IngredientAmount% DV
Vitamin C30 mg50%
Fernblock Polypodium leucotomos (Calaguala) extract480 mg--
Pomegranate Punica granatum extract50 mg--

Other ingredients: Hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, 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.
General Statements

0496-0479-09

Product of Spain

Daily use promotes younger-looking skin

13120FE-202-00

Helps maintain the skin's ability to protect itself against the aging effects of free radicals.

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Formula

Clinically proven Fernblock PLE technology

With Fernblock Polypodium leucotomos extract (PLE), Pomegranate extract, and Vitamin C to help support skin health.

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Usage: As a dietary supplement, take 1 capsule daily in the morning. See leaflet for additional information.

Precautions

Keep out of reach of children.

Do not use if protective seal is broken.

Storage

Store product at room temperature. Do not expose to excessive heat or moisture.

Brand IP Statement(s)

Heliocare and Fernblock are registered trademarks of Industrial Farmaceutica Cantabria, S.A.

General

Rev.: 02/17

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

Gluten-free No artificial dyes

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

See for yourself

Heliocare Ultra by Ferndale Healthcare label

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

Heliocare Ultra 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 Heliocare Ultra by Ferndale Healthcare

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

Serving size1 Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Amounts shown are per serving.

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

Vitamin C

Interacts with
207 drugs
30 mg per serving Form: L-Ascorbic Acid

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is an essential nutrient your body needs but cannot make, so you must get it from food or supplements. It's important for im...

Vitamin C monograph & interactions

Fernblock Polypodium leucotomos (Calaguala) extract

Interacts with
645 drugs
480 mg per serving

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

Fernblock Polypodium leucotomos (Calaguala) extract monograph & interactions

Pomegranate Punica granatum extract

Interacts with
924 drugs
50 mg per serving

Pomegranate is a nutrient-rich fruit that is high in antioxidants and is widely enjoyed as food and juice. Early research suggests it may support hear...

Pomegranate Punica granatum extract monograph & interactions

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

Interaction report

Heliocare Ultra by Ferndale Healthcare Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Heliocare Ultra?

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
1,017Drugs
451 Moderate 566 Minor

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Pomegranate Punica granatum extract 924
Fernblock Polypodium leucotomos (Calaguala) extract 645
Vitamin C 207

Individual Drug Interactions

The ingredients in Heliocare Ultra interact with 1,017 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.

3 of the 3 ingredients in Heliocare Ultra interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Pomegranate Punica granatum extract Fernblock Polypodium leucotomos (Calaguala) extract Vitamin C

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Heliocare Ultra 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.

Pomegranate Punica granatum extract9 drug types · 924 drugs

Ace Inhibitors (Aceis)

Theoretically, taking pomegranate with ACEIs might increase the risk of adverse effects.
Pomegranate juice is thought to have ACE inhibitor-like effects.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Antihypertensive Drugs

Theoretically, taking pomegranate with antihypertensive drugs might increase the risk of hypotension.
Consuming pomegranate juice can modestly lower blood pressure.

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

Theoretically, pomegranate might increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2D6.
In vitro, pomegranate juice inhibits CYP2D6. However, the clinical significance of this potential interaction in humans is not known.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Rosuvastatin (Crestor)

Theoretically, taking pomegranate with rosuvastatin might increase the risk of adverse effects.
In one case, a patient taking rosuvastatin 5 mg every other day in combination with ezetimibe 10 mg daily developed rhabdomyolysis after drinking pomegranate juice 200 mL twice weekly for 3 weeks. This patient had a history of elevated creatine kinase levels while not receiving any statin treatment. This suggests a possible underlying myopathy and predisposition to rhabdomyolysis.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Warfarin (Coumadin)

Theoretically, pomegranate might increase warfarin levels and increase the risk of bleeding. Also, discontinuing regular consumption of pomegranate juice might decrease warfarin levels.
In one case report, a patient had a stable, therapeutic bleeding time, as measured by international normalized ratio (INR), while taking warfarin in combination with pomegranate juice 2-3 times per week. The patient became subtherapeutic within about 10 days after discontinuing pomegranate juice, which required a warfarin dose increase. In another case report, a patient with a stable INR for over one year presented with an INR of 14. The patient noted no changes to medications or diet but did report consuming around 3 liters of pomegranate juice over the previous week. The patient's INR stabilized upon moderation of pomegranate juice consumption. The mechanism of this potential interaction is unclear.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Carbamazepine (Tegretol)

Theoretically, taking pomegranate with carbamazepine might increase the risk of adverse effects, although research suggests this interaction is unlikely to be clinically significant.
Animal research shows that pomegranate juice may inhibit cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) metabolism of carbamazepine and increase levels of carbamazepine by 1.5 times without prolonging the elimination half-life. This suggests that pomegranate juice inhibits intestinal CYP3A4, but might not inhibit hepatic CYP3A4. However, some human research suggests that pomegranate does not significantly inhibit CYP3A4 drug metabolism in humans.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 2C9 (Cyp2C9) Substrates

Theoretically, pomegranate might increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2C9.
Some animal and in vitro research shows that pomegranate juice inhibits intestinal, but not hepatic, CYP2C9 isoenzyme activity. However, clinical research shows that neither pomegranate juice nor pomegranate extract have a significant effect on CYP2C9 activity in humans.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence B
Cytochrome P450 3A4 (Cyp3A4) Substrates

Theoretically, pomegranate might increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4, but most research suggests this interaction is unlikely to be clinically significant.
Pomegranate contains several polyphenols that have individually been shown to inhibit CYP3A4. However, there is contradictory evidence about the effect of whole pomegranate juice on CYP3A4 activity. In vitro, pomegranate juice significantly inhibits the CYP3A4 enzyme, with comparable inhibition to grapefruit juice. In an animal model, pomegranate juice inhibits CYP3A4 metabolism of carbamazepine and increases levels of carbamazepine by 1.5 times; however, in human volunteers, drinking a single glass of pomegranate juice 240 mL or taking 200 mL daily for 2 weeks does not significantly affect levels of the CYP3A4 substrate midazolam after oral or intravenous administration. Another study in healthy volunteers shows that consuming pomegranate juice 300 mL three times daily for three days also does not significantly affect levels of simvastatin, a CYP3A4 substrate This suggests that pomegranate is unlikely to significantly affect levels of CYP3A4 substrates in humans.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence B
Tolbutamide (Orinase)

Theoretically, pomegranate might increase levels of tolbutamide, although research suggests this interaction is unlikely to be clinically significant.
Animal research shows that pomegranate juice inhibits the cytochrome P450 2C9 (CYP2C9) metabolism of tolbutamide. Pomegranate juice increased tolbutamide levels by 1.2 times without prolonging the elimination half-life. This suggests that pomegranate juice inhibits intestinal CYP2C9, but might not inhibit hepatic CYP2C9. Despite this evidence, clinical research shows that neither pomegranate juice nor pomegranate extract have a significant effect on CYP2C9 activity in humans. This interaction does not appear to be clinically significant in humans.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence D
Pomegranate Punica granatum extract full monograph & interactions

Fernblock Polypodium leucotomos (Calaguala) extract1 drug type · 645 drugs

Cytochrome P450 3A4 (Cyp3A4) Substrates

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

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence B
Fernblock Polypodium leucotomos (Calaguala) extract full monograph & interactions

Vitamin C13 drug types · 207 drugs

Alkylating Agents

Theoretically, antioxidant effects of vitamin C might reduce the effectiveness of alkylating agents.
The use of antioxidants like vitamin C during chemotherapy is controversial. There is concern that antioxidants could reduce the activity of chemotherapy drugs that generate free radicals, such as cyclophosphamide, chlorambucil, carmustine, busulfan, and thiotepa. In contrast, some researchers theorize that antioxidants might make chemotherapy more effective by reducing oxidative stress that could interfere with apoptosis (cell death) of cancer cells. More evidence is needed to determine what effect, if any, antioxidants such as vitamin C have on chemotherapy.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Aluminum

Vitamin C can increase the amount of aluminum absorbed from aluminum compounds.
Research in animals and humans shows that vitamin C increases aluminum absorption, theoretically by chelating aluminum and keeping it in solution where it is available for absorption. In people with normal renal function, urinary excretion of aluminum will likely increase, making aluminum retention and toxicity unlikely. Patients with renal failure who take aluminum-containing compounds such as phosphate binders should avoid vitamin C supplements in doses above the recommended dietary allowances.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Antitumor Antibiotics

Theoretically, the antioxidant effects of vitamin C might reduce the effectiveness of antitumor antibiotics.
The use of antioxidants like vitamin C during chemotherapy is controversial. There is concern that antioxidants could reduce the activity of chemotherapy drugs which generate free radicals, such as doxorubicin. In contrast, some researchers theorize that antioxidants might make chemotherapy more effective by reducing oxidative stress that could interfere with apoptosis (cell death) of cancer cells. More evidence is needed to determine what effects, if any, antioxidants such as vitamin C have on chemotherapy.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Estrogens

Vitamin C might increase blood levels of estrogens.
Increases in plasma estrogen levels of up to 55% occur under some circumstances when vitamin C is taken concurrently with oral contraceptives or hormone replacement therapy, including topical products. It is suggested that vitamin C prevents oxidation of estrogen in the tissues, regenerates oxidized estrogen, and reduces sulfate conjugation of estrogen in the gut wall. When tissue levels of vitamin C are high, these processes are already maximized and supplemental vitamin C does not have any effect on estrogen levels. Increases in plasma estrogen levels may occur when patients who are deficient in vitamin C take supplements. Monitor these patients for estrogen-related side effects.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Fluphenazine (Prolixin)

Theoretically, vitamin C might decrease levels of fluphenazine.
In one patient there was a clinically significant decrease in fluphenazine levels when vitamin C (500 mg twice daily) was started. The mechanism is not known, and there is no further data to confirm this interaction.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Indinavir (Crixivan)

Vitamin C can modestly reduce indinavir levels.
One pharmacokinetic study shows that taking vitamin C 1 gram orally once daily along with indinavir 800 mg orally three times daily reduces the area under the concentration-time curve of indinavir by 14%. The mechanism of this interaction is unknown, but it is unlikely to be clinically significant in most patients. The effect of higher doses of vitamin C on indinavir levels is unknown.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Levothyroxine (Synthroid, Others)

Vitamin C can increase levothyroxine absorption.
Two clinical studies in adults with poorly controlled hypothyroidism show that swallowing levothyroxine with a glass of water containing vitamin C 500-1000 mg in solution reduces thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels and increases thyroxine (T4) levels when compared with taking levothyroxine alone. This suggests that vitamin C increases the oral absorption of levothyroxine, possibly due to a reduction in pH.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Warfarin (Coumadin)

High-dose vitamin C might reduce the levels and effectiveness of warfarin.
Vitamin C in high doses may cause diarrhea and possibly reduce warfarin absorption. There are reports of two people who took up to 16 grams daily of vitamin C and had a reduction in prothrombin time. Lower doses of 5-10 grams daily can also reduce warfarin absorption. In many cases, this does not seem to be clinically significant. However, a case of warfarin resistance has been reported for a patient who took vitamin C 500 mg twice daily. Cessation of vitamin C supplementation resulted in a rapid increase in international normalized ratio (INR). Tell patients taking warfarin to avoid taking vitamin C in excessively high doses (greater than 10 grams daily). Lower doses may be safe, but the anticoagulation activity of warfarin should be monitored. Patients who are stabilized on warfarin while taking vitamin C should avoid adjusting vitamin C dosage to prevent the possibility of warfarin resistance.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Acetaminophen (Tylenol, Others)

High-dose vitamin C might slightly prolong the clearance of acetaminophen.
A small pharmacokinetic study in healthy volunteers shows that taking high-dose vitamin C (3 grams) 1.5 hours after taking acetaminophen 1 gram slightly increases the apparent half-life of acetaminophen from around 2.3 hours to 3.1 hours. Ascorbic acid competitively inhibits sulfate conjugation of acetaminophen. However, to compensate, elimination of acetaminophen glucuronide and unconjugated acetaminophen increases. This effect is not likely to be clinically significant.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Aspirin

Acidification of the urine by vitamin C might increase aspirin levels.
It has been suggested that acidification of the urine by vitamin C could increase reabsorption of salicylates by the renal tubules, and increase plasma salicylate levels. However, short-term use of up to 6 grams daily of vitamin C does not seem to affect urinary pH or salicylate excretion, suggesting this interaction is not clinically significant.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Choline Magnesium Trisalicylate (Trilisate)

Acidification of the urine by vitamin C might increase choline magnesium trisalicylate levels.
It has been suggested that acidification of the urine by vitamin C could increase reabsorption of salicylates by the renal tubules, and increase plasma salicylate levels. However, short-term use of up to 6 grams daily of vitamin C does not seem to affect urinary pH or salicylate excretion, suggesting this interaction probably is not clinically significant.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Niacin

Vitamin C might decrease the beneficial effects of niacin on high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels.
A combination of niacin and simvastatin (Zocor) effectively raises HDL cholesterol levels in patients with coronary disease and low HDL levels. Clinical research shows that taking a combination of antioxidants (vitamin C, vitamin E, beta-carotene, and selenium) along with niacin and simvastatin (Zocor) attenuates this rise in HDL, specifically the HDL-2 and apolipoprotein A1 fractions, by more than 50% in patients with coronary disease. It is not known whether this adverse effect is due to a single antioxidant such as vitamin C, or to the combination. It also is not known whether it will occur in other patient populations.

Likelihood Possible Evidence A
Salsalate (Disalcid)

Acidification of the urine by vitamin C might increase salsalate levels.
It has been suggested that acidification of the urine by vitamin C could increase reabsorption of salicylates by the renal tubules, and increase plasma salicylate levels. However, short-term use of up to 6 grams/day vitamin C does not seem to affect urinary pH or salicylate excretion, suggesting this interaction probably is not clinically significant.

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

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Heliocare Ultra, from the product label.

Ferndale Healthcare

See all Ferndale Healthcare products
Name
Ferndale Healthcare Inc.
City
Ferndale
State
MI
ZipCode
48220
Phone Number
(888) 548-0900
Web Address
www.ferndalehealthcare.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Heliocare Ultra by Ferndale Healthcare: Common Questions

Does Heliocare Ultra by Ferndale Healthcare interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Heliocare Ultra has a known interaction with 1,017 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Heliocare Ultra 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 while pregnant?
Vitamin C at normal dietary amounts is likely safe in pregnancy, but avoid high-dose supplements unless your doctor approves. Polypodium leucotomos has insufficient safety data in pregnancy, so it's best avoided. Pomegranate extract is possibly safe, but you should discuss it with your doctor to be sure.
What does Polypodium leucotomos do in this product?
Polypodium leucotomos (also called Calaguala) is included for its antioxidant properties. However, we don't have reliable evidence that it works for the conditions it's marketed for—dementia, eczema, actinic keratoses, cutaneous lupus, or photodamage.
Will this cause diarrhea?
Diarrhea is a known side effect of vitamin C at high doses and pomegranate extract at supplement doses. In one clinical study, 10% of people taking pomegranate extract at high doses developed diarrhea, while 2% experienced it with pomegranate juice. Stomach cramps and gas are also possible.
Is this safe if I have kidney problems?
The facts we hold don't address kidney disease directly, but vitamin C at high doses can contribute to kidney stones and, in rare cases, serious kidney injury. Discuss this with your doctor or pharmacist if you have any kidney concerns.
Can I take this while breastfeeding?
Vitamin C at normal dietary amounts is fine, but avoid high-dose supplements unless your doctor advises it. Polypodium leucotomos should be avoided while breastfeeding due to unknown safety. Pomegranate extract is possibly safe, but talk it over with your healthcare provider.

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.

Heliocare Ultra label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Heliocare Ultra’s Ingredients

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

Herb & supplement monograph

Vitamin C

Interacts with 207 drugs

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is an essential nutrient your body needs but cannot make, so you must get it from food or supplements. It's important for immune function, collagen, and acts as an...

Read the full Vitamin C monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Polypodium Leucotomos

Interacts with 645 drugs

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

Read the full Polypodium Leucotomos monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Pomegranate

Interacts with 924 drugs

Pomegranate is a nutrient-rich fruit that is high in antioxidants and is widely enjoyed as food and juice. Early research suggests it may support heart health and blood pressure, but the evi...

Read the full Pomegranate monograph →
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Heliocare Ultra'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 80 references behind this product’s interaction data

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

Vitamin C 51 references
  1. McEvoy GK, ed. AHFS Drug Information. Bethesda, MD: American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, 1998.
  2. Back DJ, Breckenridge AM, MacIver M, et al. Interaction of ethinyloestradiol with ascorbic acid in man. Br Med J (Clin Res Ed) 1981;282:1516.
  3. Morris JC, Beeley L, Ballantine N. Interaction of ethinyloestradiol with ascorbic acid in man [letter]. Br Med J (Clin Res Ed) 1981;283:503.
  4. Labriola D, Livingston R. Possible interactions between dietary antioxidants and chemotherapy. Oncology 1999;13:1003-8.
  5. Dwyer JH, Merz NB, Shirocre AM, et al. Progression of early atherosclerosis and intake of vitamin C and vitamin E from supplements and food. The Los Angeles Atherosclerosis Study. 41st Annual Conference on Cardiovascular Disease Epidemiology and Prevent
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Polypodium Leucotomos 2 references
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See these in context on the Polypodium Leucotomos monograph →

Pomegranate 27 references
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See these in context on the Pomegranate monograph →

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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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