Immune Essentials Ingredients & Drug Interactions
by XYMOGEN
What is this page for?
First and foremost: checking Immune Essentials 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
Immune Essentials is a dietary supplement by XYMOGEN 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, 343 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated major. The ingredients most likely to interact are Vitamin C, Baker's Yeast. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.
Check Your Meds Against Immune Essentials by XYMOGEN
Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with Immune Essentials by XYMOGEN — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.
AI summaries are generated from our interaction database for education only — always confirm with your pharmacist. How we use AI
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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Immune Essentials by XYMOGEN
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.
What’s inside
Full disclosure
Immune Essentials has 3 active ingredients. Vitamin C is the main player here — it's an essential nutrient your body needs and is also an antioxidant.
Olive Leaf Extract comes from the olive plant and is included for immune support, though the evidence for it isn't well established in the data we hold. Baker's Yeast is also in the formula, though we don't have interaction data on file for it.
The capsule also contains inactive ingredients like cellulose, magnesium stearate, silica, and stearic acid — these are binders and fillers that help hold the supplement together.
Does it work?
Moderate evidence
Vitamin C is effective for preventing and treating vitamin C deficiency. For other uses listed on immune support supplements — like exercise-induced respiratory infections, atrial fibrillation, cataracts, and anemia of chronic disease — the evidence says it's possibly effective, meaning there's some research support but it's not definitive.
For Olive Leaf Extract and Baker's Yeast, the evidence we hold isn't established well enough to rate whether they work for immune support or any other condition. That doesn't mean they don't work — just that we don't have reliable data on it yet.
How safe is it?
Well-documented data
Vitamin C is generally well tolerated at normal doses. At very high doses (above 2 grams daily), you might experience stomach cramping, diarrhea, heartburn, nausea, or headache.
People prone to kidney stones should be cautious, since high-dose vitamin C can increase that risk. In pregnancy and breastfeeding, normal amounts from food and prenatal vitamins are fine, but high-dose supplements are best avoided unless your doctor approves.
Olive Leaf Extract appears well tolerated in most people, though a small number of trial participants reported headache, stomach discomfort, or acne. Olive tree pollen can trigger seasonal allergies in people who are sensitive.
We don't have enough safety data on concentrated supplements of Olive Leaf Extract in pregnancy and breastfeeding to know either way — talk with your doctor if you're pregnant or nursing and want to take this product.
Meds to double-check
Major interaction found
Check your medications before starting, especially if you take estrogens (birth control or hormone replacement), blood thinners like warfarin, chemotherapy drugs, thyroid replacement therapy, or psychiatric medications. The vitamin C in this product has Moderate interactions with all of these drug types.
Use the medication checker on this page to look up your specific drugs.
The bottom line
Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with some supporting evidence for its stated purpose. Major medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.
This product is worth considering if you need basic vitamin C supplementation or are interested in olive leaf for immune support. If you take estrogen-based birth control, hormone replacement therapy, blood thinners, chemotherapy, thyroid medication, or psychiatric drugs, you should check your exact medications with the tool on this page before starting.
Talk with your pharmacist about your full medication list to make sure Immune Essentials is 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 18, 2023.
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
General information
Key facts about Immune Essentials, straight from the product label.
| Brand | XYMOGEN |
|---|---|
| Barcode (UPC) | 871149002916 |
| Net contents | 45 Vegetarian Capsule(s) |
| Market status | On market |
| Date entered into DSLD | Jul 18, 2023 |
| DSLD ID | 294739 |
| Product type | Botanical With Nutrients |
| Supplement form | Capsule |
| Dietary claims / uses | Nutrient, All Other, Structure/Function |
| Intended target group(s) | Vegan, Vegetarian, Adult (18 - 50 Years), Gluten Free, Dairy Free |
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 Immune Essentials by XYMOGEN, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.
Supplement Facts
| Ingredient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Vitamin C | 1000 mg | 1111% |
| Olive Leaf Extract | 1 Gram(s) | -- |
| Baker's Yeast | 250 mg | -- |
Other ingredients: Hypromellose, Water, Stearic Acid, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Magnesium Stearate, Silica
Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.
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
Professional Use Only
Consult your healthcare professional prior to use.
Individuals taking medication should discuss potential interactions with their healthcare professional.
Do not use if tamper seal is damaged.
Storage: Keep closed in a cool, dry place out of reach of children.
General Statements
Not for resale on third-party websites, including, but not limited to, Amazon, and eBay.
Scan to learn more! This package is completely recyclable
Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions
Directions: For early and immediate support, take three capsules with water on an empty stomach, or use as directed by your healthcare professional.
Formula
Each Immune Essentials capsule features the same concentrated, naturally derived Wellmune beta 1,3/1,6 glucan used in Xymogen's ImmunotiX formulas, plus standardized olive leaf extract and vitamin C as ascorbic acid. These ingredients support the body's natural immune mechanisms to help maintain good health. This formula is designed to be taken short term.
FDA Disclaimer Statement
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Storage
Storage: Keep closed in a cool, dry place out of reach of children.
Formulation
Formulated to exclude: Wheat, gluten, yeast protein, soy, animal and dairy products, fish, shellfish, peanuts, tree nuts, egg, ingredients derived from genetically modified organisms (GMOs), artificial colors, artificial sweeteners, and artificial preservatives.
Vegetarian caps
Short-term immune support
Brand IP Statement(s)
May be covered by one or more of the following patents and applications: US 7,981,447; US 7,022,685; US 7,566,704; US 6,369,216; US 5,702,719 and patents pending.
Copyright 2021 Xymogen
Exclusive Professional Formulas S1. Wellmune is a registered trademark of Kerry Group plc.
Seals/Symbols
Vegetarian caps
ePV (ePedigree Verification)
GMP Compliant Third-Party Verified
FDA Statement of Identity
Dietary Supplement
Is this label outdated? Report a formula or label change and our pharmacy team will review it.
Immune Essentials by XYMOGEN label
The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.
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)The Ingredients in Immune Essentials by XYMOGEN
These are the 3 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.
Serving size3 Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container15 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 with207 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 im...
Vitamin C monograph & interactionsOlive Leaf Extract
No knowninteractions
Olive comes from the same tree that gives us olives and olive oil, and its leaf and fruit contain antioxidant compounds like oleuropein and hydroxytyr...
Olive Leaf Extract monograph & interactionsBaker's Yeast
Interacts with136 drugs
Brewer's yeast is a nutrient-rich fungus that provides B vitamins, protein, and minerals, and a related yeast product (S. boulardii) is used for some...
Baker's Yeast monograph & interactionsOther (inactive) ingredients: Hypromellose, Water, Stearic Acid, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Magnesium Stearate, Silica. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.
Immune Essentials by XYMOGEN Drug Interactions
HelloPharmacist Interaction Report
Immune Essentials by XYMOGEN contains vitamin C, which has documented interactions with a range of medications.
The most serious concerns involve estrogens (birth control pills and hormone replacement therapy), where vitamin C may raise estrogen blood levels by up to 55% — a Moderate-severity interaction that could affect how well your hormonal medication works or increase side effects.
Read the full breakdown — every affected drug type, severity by severity
Vitamin C also interacts Moderately with chemotherapy drugs, including alkylating agents and antitumor antibiotics, where its antioxidant effects might reduce their effectiveness. If you're undergoing cancer treatment, this is something to discuss with your oncologist before adding this product.
Other Moderate interactions documented with vitamin C include blood thinners like warfarin (reduced effectiveness at higher doses), certain psychiatric medications, HIV protease inhibitors, thyroid replacement therapy, and aluminum-containing compounds. Altogether, these interactions span 207 individual medications.
Olive Leaf Extract, the second active ingredient, has no interactions documented in our data. We could not check Baker's Yeast.
Use the medication checker below to look up your exact drugs before you start.
Check your own medications below · Editorial policy · How we use AI
Want to check YOUR meds against Immune Essentials?
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 checkerIngredients driving the most interactions
Individual Drug Interactions
The ingredients in Immune Essentials interact with 343 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.
2 of the 3 ingredients in Immune Essentials interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Vitamin C Baker's Yeast
AmphetamineAdensys XR-ODT, Adzenys ER, Dyanavel XR, Mydayis
How Amphetamine interacts with Immune Essentials — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Baker's YeastMonoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (maois) Major
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking brewer's yeast with MAOIs might increase the risk of hypertension.
Read the full Baker's Yeast + Amphetamine interactionIsocarboxazidMarplan
How Isocarboxazid interacts with Immune Essentials — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Baker's YeastMonoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (maois) Major
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking brewer's yeast with MAOIs might increase the risk of hypertension.
Read the full Baker's Yeast + Isocarboxazid interactionMoclobemideManerix, Moclobemide
How Moclobemide interacts with Immune Essentials — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Baker's YeastMonoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (maois) Major
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking brewer's yeast with MAOIs might increase the risk of hypertension.
Read the full Baker's Yeast + Moclobemide interactionOzanimod HydrochlorideZeposia
How Ozanimod Hydrochloride interacts with Immune Essentials — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Baker's YeastMonoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (maois) Major
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking brewer's yeast with MAOIs might increase the risk of hypertension.
Read the full Baker's Yeast + Ozanimod Hydrochloride interactionPhenelzine SulfateNardil
How Phenelzine Sulfate interacts with Immune Essentials — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Baker's YeastMonoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (maois) Major
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking brewer's yeast with MAOIs might increase the risk of hypertension.
Read the full Baker's Yeast + Phenelzine Sulfate interactionRasagilineAzilect
How Rasagiline interacts with Immune Essentials — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Baker's YeastMonoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (maois) Major
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking brewer's yeast with MAOIs might increase the risk of hypertension.
Read the full Baker's Yeast + Rasagiline interactionSafinamide MesylateXadago
How Safinamide Mesylate interacts with Immune Essentials — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Baker's YeastMonoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (maois) Major
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking brewer's yeast with MAOIs might increase the risk of hypertension.
Read the full Baker's Yeast + Safinamide Mesylate interactionSelegilineCarbex, Eldepryl, Emsam, Zelapar
How Selegiline interacts with Immune Essentials — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Baker's YeastMonoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (maois) Major
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking brewer's yeast with MAOIs might increase the risk of hypertension.
Read the full Baker's Yeast + Selegiline interactionTranylcypromineParnate
How Tranylcypromine interacts with Immune Essentials — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Baker's YeastMonoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (maois) Major
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking brewer's yeast with MAOIs might increase the risk of hypertension.
Read the full Baker's Yeast + Tranylcypromine interactionAcarboseGlucobay, Prandase, Precose
How Acarbose interacts with Immune Essentials — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Baker's YeastAntidiabetes Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Taking brewer's yeast with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
Read the full Baker's Yeast + Acarbose interactionAcetohexamideDymelor
How Acetohexamide interacts with Immune Essentials — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Baker's YeastAntidiabetes Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Taking brewer's yeast with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
Read the full Baker's Yeast + Acetohexamide interactionAlbiglutideTanzeum
How Albiglutide interacts with Immune Essentials — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Baker's YeastAntidiabetes Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Taking brewer's yeast with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
Read the full Baker's Yeast + Albiglutide interactionAlginic Acid, Aluminum HydroxideRafton
How Alginic Acid, Aluminum Hydroxide interacts with Immune Essentials — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Vitamin CAluminum Moderate
Interaction Summary
Vitamin C can increase the amount of aluminum absorbed from aluminum compounds.
Read the full Vitamin C + Alginic Acid, Aluminum Hydroxide interactionAlogliptinNesina
How Alogliptin interacts with Immune Essentials — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Baker's YeastAntidiabetes Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Taking brewer's yeast with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
Read the full Baker's Yeast + Alogliptin interactionAlogliptin, MetforminKazano
How Alogliptin, Metformin interacts with Immune Essentials — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Baker's YeastAntidiabetes Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Taking brewer's yeast with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
Read the full Baker's Yeast + Alogliptin, Metformin interactionAlogliptin, PioglitazoneOseni
How Alogliptin, Pioglitazone interacts with Immune Essentials — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Baker's YeastAntidiabetes Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Taking brewer's yeast with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
Read the full Baker's Yeast + Alogliptin, Pioglitazone interactionAltretamineHexalen
How Altretamine interacts with Immune Essentials — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Vitamin CAlkylating Agents Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, antioxidant effects of vitamin C might reduce the effectiveness of alkylating agents.
Read the full Vitamin C + Altretamine interactionAluminum Acetate, Benzethonium ChlorideBuro-Sol Otic Solution
How Aluminum Acetate, Benzethonium Chloride interacts with Immune Essentials — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Vitamin CAluminum Moderate
Interaction Summary
Vitamin C can increase the amount of aluminum absorbed from aluminum compounds.
Read the full Vitamin C + Aluminum Acetate, Benzethonium Chloride interactionAluminum ChlorideAluminum Chloride, Anhydrol Forte, Driclor, Drysol
How Aluminum Chloride interacts with Immune Essentials — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Vitamin CAluminum Moderate
Interaction Summary
Vitamin C can increase the amount of aluminum absorbed from aluminum compounds.
Read the full Vitamin C + Aluminum Chloride interactionAluminum HydroxideAlu-Cap, Amphojel, Gaviscon
How Aluminum Hydroxide interacts with Immune Essentials — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Vitamin CAluminum Moderate
Interaction Summary
Vitamin C can increase the amount of aluminum absorbed from aluminum compounds.
Read the full Vitamin C + Aluminum Hydroxide interactionAluminum Hydroxide, Aspirin, Codeine Phosphate, Magnesium HydroxideAscriptin Codeine #2
How Aluminum Hydroxide, Aspirin, Codeine Phosphate, Magnesium Hydroxide interacts with Immune Essentials — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Vitamin CAspirin, Aluminum Moderate
Interaction Summary
Acidification of the urine by vitamin C might increase aspirin levels.
Read the full Vitamin C + Aluminum Hydroxide, Aspirin, Codeine Phosphate, Magnesium Hydroxide interactionAluminum Hydroxide, Aspirin, Magnesium HydroxideAscriptin
How Aluminum Hydroxide, Aspirin, Magnesium Hydroxide interacts with Immune Essentials — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Vitamin CAspirin, Aluminum Moderate
Interaction Summary
Acidification of the urine by vitamin C might increase aspirin levels.
Read the full Vitamin C + Aluminum Hydroxide, Aspirin, Magnesium Hydroxide interactionAluminum Hydroxide, Magnesium Hydroxide (otc Drug)Maalox, Mucogel
How Aluminum Hydroxide, Magnesium Hydroxide (otc Drug) interacts with Immune Essentials — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Vitamin CAluminum Moderate
Interaction Summary
Vitamin C can increase the amount of aluminum absorbed from aluminum compounds.
Read the full Vitamin C + Aluminum Hydroxide, Magnesium Hydroxide (otc Drug) interactionAluminum Hydroxide, Magnesium Hydroxide, Simethicone (otc Drug)Mylanta
How Aluminum Hydroxide, Magnesium Hydroxide, Simethicone (otc Drug) interacts with Immune Essentials — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Vitamin CAluminum Moderate
Interaction Summary
Vitamin C can increase the amount of aluminum absorbed from aluminum compounds.
Read the full Vitamin C + Aluminum Hydroxide, Magnesium Hydroxide, Simethicone (otc Drug) interactionAluminum, CalciumDomeboro
How Aluminum, Calcium interacts with Immune Essentials — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Vitamin CAluminum Moderate
Interaction Summary
Vitamin C can increase the amount of aluminum absorbed from aluminum compounds.
Read the full Vitamin C + Aluminum, Calcium interactionAluminum, Magnesium (otc Drug)Almagel
How Aluminum, Magnesium (otc Drug) interacts with Immune Essentials — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Vitamin CAluminum Moderate
Interaction Summary
Vitamin C can increase the amount of aluminum absorbed from aluminum compounds.
Read the full Vitamin C + Aluminum, Magnesium (otc Drug) interactionAluminum, Magnesium Hydroxide (otc Drug)Wingel
How Aluminum, Magnesium Hydroxide (otc Drug) interacts with Immune Essentials — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Vitamin CAluminum Moderate
Interaction Summary
Vitamin C can increase the amount of aluminum absorbed from aluminum compounds.
Read the full Vitamin C + Aluminum, Magnesium Hydroxide (otc Drug) interactionAntidiabetes, Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4 (dpp-iv) InhibitorGlyxambi
How Antidiabetes, Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4 (dpp-iv) Inhibitor interacts with Immune Essentials — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Baker's YeastAntidiabetes Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Taking brewer's yeast with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
Read the full Baker's Yeast + Antidiabetes, Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4 (dpp-iv) Inhibitor interactionAspirin, Aluminum Hydroxide, Codeine Phosphate, Magnesium HydroxideAscriptin Codeine #3
How Aspirin, Aluminum Hydroxide, Codeine Phosphate, Magnesium Hydroxide interacts with Immune Essentials — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Vitamin CAspirin, Aluminum Moderate
Interaction Summary
Acidification of the urine by vitamin C might increase aspirin levels.
Read the full Vitamin C + Aspirin, Aluminum Hydroxide, Codeine Phosphate, Magnesium Hydroxide interactionBazedoxifene Acetate, Conjugated EstrogensDuavee
How Bazedoxifene Acetate, Conjugated Estrogens interacts with Immune Essentials — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Vitamin CEstrogens Moderate
Interaction Summary
Vitamin C might increase blood levels of estrogens.
Read the full Vitamin C + Bazedoxifene Acetate, Conjugated Estrogens interactionEach ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects
For each ingredient in Immune Essentials 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 C
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Baker's Yeast
Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (Maois)
Theoretically, taking brewer's yeast with MAOIs might increase the risk of hypertension.
Brewer's yeast contains tyramine. Taking brewer's yeast with MAOIs might increase the risk for hypertensive crisis.
Antidiabetes Drugs
Taking brewer's yeast with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
Clinical research shows that taking chromium-containing brewer's yeast can decrease levels of blood glucose in diabetic patients being treated with antidiabetes drugs.
Lithium
Theoretically, taking brewer's yeast with lithium might cause additive effects and side effects.
Some brewer's yeast products contains lithium.
Antifungals
Theoretically, taking antifungals with some brewer's yeast products might decrease the effectiveness of brewer's yeast.
Some brewer's yeast products contain live yeast. Therefore, simultaneously taking antifungals might kill a significant number of the organisms.
Brand information
Manufacturer and brand details for Immune Essentials, from the product label.
XYMOGEN
See all XYMOGEN products- Name
- XYMOGEN Exclusive Professional Formulas
- Street Address
- 6900 Kingspointe Pkwy.
- City
- Orlando
- State
- FL
- ZipCode
- 32819
- Phone Number
- 800-647-6100
- Web Address
- www.xymogen.com
Immune Essentials by XYMOGEN: Common Questions
Does Immune Essentials by XYMOGEN interact with any medications?
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Where does this information come from?
Can I take this if I'm on birth control?
Is this safe in pregnancy or while breastfeeding?
What side effects might I experience?
Will this actually help my immune system?
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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.
The Full Monographs Behind Immune Essentials’s Ingredients
Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.
Vitamin C
Interacts with 207 drugsVitamin 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 monographOlive
Olive comes from the same tree that gives us olives and olive oil, and its leaf and fruit contain antioxidant compounds like oleuropein and hydroxytyrosol. Olive oil as part of a Mediterrane...
Read the full Olive monograph → Herb & supplement monographBrewer's Yeast
Interacts with 136 drugsBrewer's yeast is a nutrient-rich fungus that provides B vitamins, protein, and minerals, and a related yeast product (S. boulardii) is used for some types of diarrhea. Most other health cla...
Read the full Brewer's Yeast monograph →Sources & How We Checked
Immune Essentials'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.
- NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD) — The official product label on file for this supplement.
- Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center) — Evidence-graded clinical reference behind the ingredient interaction data.
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 59 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
- McEvoy GK, ed. AHFS Drug Information. Bethesda, MD: American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, 1998.
- 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.
- Morris JC, Beeley L, Ballantine N. Interaction of ethinyloestradiol with ascorbic acid in man [letter]. Br Med J (Clin Res Ed) 1981;283:503.
- Labriola D, Livingston R. Possible interactions between dietary antioxidants and chemotherapy. Oncology 1999;13:1003-8.
- 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
- Levine M, Rumsey SC, Daruwala R, et al. Criteria and recommendations for vitamin C intake. JAMA 1999;281:1415-23. PubMed
- Hansten PD, Horn JR. Drug Interactions Analysis and Management. Vancouver, WA: Applied Therapeutics Inc., 1997 and updates.
- Segal S, Kaminski S. Drug-nutrient interactions. American Druggist 1996 Jul;42-8.
- Food and Nutrition Board, Institute of Medicine. Dietary Reference Intakes for Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Selenium, and Carotenoids. Washington, DC: National Academy Press, 2000. Available at: http://www.nap.edu/books/0309069351/html/.
- Houston JB, Levy G. Drug biotransformation interactions in man VI: Acetaminophen and ascorbic acid. J Pharm Sci 1976;65:1218-21. PubMed
- Brown BG, Zhao XQ, Chait A, et al. Simvastatin and niacin, antioxidant vitamins, or the combination for the prevention of coronary disease. N Engl J Med 2001;345:1583-93. DOI
- Rosenthal G. Interaction of ascorbic acid and warfarin. JAMA 1971;215:1671. DOI
- Hume R, Johnstone JM, Weyers E. Interaction of ascorbic acid and warfarin. JAMA 1972;219:1479. DOI
- Smith EC, Skalski RJ, Johnson GC, Rossi GV. Interaction of ascorbic acid and warfarin. JAMA 1972;221:1166. DOI
- Traxer O, Huet B, Poindexter J, et al. Effect of ascorbic acid consumption on urinary stone risk factors. J Urol 2003;170:397-401.. PubMed
- Domingo JL, Gomez M, Llobet JM, Richart C. Effect of ascorbic acid on gastrointestinal aluminum absorption (letter). Lancet 1991;338:1467.
- Domingo JL, Gomez M, Llobet JM, Corbella J. Influence of some dietary constituents on aluminum absorption and retention in rats. Kidney Int 1991;39:598-601. PubMed
- Partridge NA, Regnier FE, White JL, Hem SL. Influence of dietary constituents on intestinal absorption of aluminum. Kidney Int 1989;35:1413-7. PubMed
- Mc Leod DC, Nahata MC. Inefficacy of ascorbic acid as a urinary acidifier (letter). N Engl J Med 1977;296:1413. DOI
- Hansten PD, Hayton WL. Effect of antacid and ascorbic acid on serum salicylate concentration. J Clin Pharmacol 1980;20:326-31. PubMed
- Dysken MW, Cumming RJ, Channon RA, Davis JM. Drug interaction between ascorbic acid and fluphenazine. JAMA 1979;241:2008. DOI
- Vihtamaki T, Parantainen J, Koivisto AM, et al. Oral ascorbic acid increases plasma oestradiol during postmenopausal hormone replacement therapy. Maturitas 2002;42:129-35. PubMed
- Slain D, Amsden JR, Khakoo RA, et al. Effect of high-dose vitamin C on the steady-state pharmacokinetics of the protease inhibitor indinavir in healthy volunteers. Pharmacotherapy 2005;25:165-70. PubMed
- Cheung MC, Zhao XQ, Chait A, et al. Antioxidant supplements block the response of HDL to simvastatin-niacin therapy in patients with coronary artery disease and low HDL. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2001;21:1320-6. PubMed
- Feetam CL, Leach RH, Meynell MJ. Lack of a clinically important interaction between warfarin and ascorbic acid. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 1975;31:544-7. PubMed
- Weintraub M, Griner PF. Warfarin and ascorbic acid: lack of evidence for a drug interaction. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 1974;28:53-6. PubMed
- Lee DH, Folsom AR, Harnack L, et al. Does supplemental vitamin C increase cardiovascular disease risk in women with diabetes? Am J Clin Nutr 2004;80:1194-200. PubMed
- Taylor EN, Stampfer MJ, Curhan GC. Dietary factors and the risk of incident kidney stones in men: new insights after 14 years of follow-up. J Am Soc Nephrol 2004;15:3225-32. PubMed
- Ward NC, Hodgson JM, Croft KD, et al. The combination of vitamin C and grape-seed polyphenols increases blood pressure: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. J Hypertens 2005;23:427-34.. PubMed
- Prasad KN. Rationale for using high-dose multiple dietary antioxidants as an adjunct to radiation therapy and chemotherapy. J Nutr 2004;134:3182S-3S. PubMed
- Conklin KA. Cancer chemotherapy and antioxidants. J Nutr 2004;134:3201S-3204S. PubMed
- Fairweather-Tait S, Hickson K, McGaw B, et al. Orange juice enhances aluminium absorption from antacid preparation. Eur J Clin Nutr. 1994;48(1):71-3.
- Gruenwald, J., Graubaum, H. J., Busch, R., and Bentley, C. Safety and tolerance of ester-C compared with regular ascorbic acid. Adv.Ther. 2006;23(1):171-178.
- Rahimi, R., Nikfar, S., Rezaie, A., and Abdollahi, M. A meta-analysis on the efficacy and safety of combined vitamin C and E supplementation in preeclamptic women. Hypertens.Pregnancy. 2009;28(4):417-434. PubMed
- Einerson, B., Nathorn, C., Kitiyakara, C., Sirada, M., and Thamlikitkul, V. The efficacy of ascorbic acid in suboptimal responsive anemic hemodialysis patients receiving erythropoietin: a meta-analysis. J Med.Assoc.Thai. 2011;94 Suppl 1:S134-S146.
- Li, G., Li, L., Yu, C., and Chen, L. Effect of vitamins C and E supplementation on Helicobacter pylori eradication: a meta-analysis. Br.J Nutr 2011;106(11):1632-1637.
- Chen X, Shen L, Gu X, et al. High-dose supplementation with vitamin C--induced pediatric urolithiasis: the first case report in a child and literature review. Urology. 2014;84(4):922-4. PubMed
- Sattar A, Willman JE, Kolluri R. Possible warfarin resistance due to interaction with ascorbic acid: case report and literature review. Am J Health Syst Pharm. 2013;70(9):782-6. PubMed
- Yaich S, Chaabouni Y, Charfeddine K, et al. Secondary oxalosis due to excess vitamin C intake: a cause of graft loss in a renal transplant recipient. Saudi J Kidney Dis Transpl. 2014;25(1):113-6. PubMed
- Jalloh MA, Gregory PJ, Hein D, et al. Dietary supplement interactions with antiretrovirals: a systematic review. Int J STD AIDS. 2017 Jan;28(1):4-15. PubMed
- Rumbold A, Ota E, Nagata C, Shahrook S, Crowther CA. Vitamin C supplementation in pregnancy. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2015;(9):CD004072. PubMed
- Seo MS, Kim JK, Shim JY. High-dose vitamin C promotes regression of multiple pulmonary metastases originating from hepatocellular carcinoma. Yonsei Med J. 2015;56(5):1449-52. PubMed
- Skelin M, Lucijanic T, Amidzic Klaric D, et al. Factors Affecting Gastrointestinal Absorption of Levothyroxine: A Review. Clin Ther. 2017 Feb;39(2):378-403. PubMed
- Jiang K, Tang K, Liu H, Xu H, Ye Z, Chen Z. Ascorbic acid supplements and kidney stones incidence among men and women: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Urol J. 2019;16(2):115-120.
- Thomas S, Patel D, Bittel B, et al. Effect of High-Dose Zinc and Ascorbic Acid Supplementation vs Usual Care on Symptom Length and Reduction Among Ambulatory Patients With SARS-CoV-2 Infection: The COVID A to Z Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Netw Open. 2 PubMed
- Giffen MA, McLemore JL. Hyperoxalosis Secondary to Intravenous Vitamin C Administration as a Non-Allopathic Treatment for Cancer. Acad Forensic Pathol 2019;9(1-2):118-126. PubMed
- Maike A, Sturgill D, Gallan A. Oxalate Nephropathy in a Renal Transplant Recipient After Receiving High Dose Ascorbic Acid. Am J Med Sci 2021. PubMed
- Shen ZY, Chen YR, Wang MC, Chang SS. High-dose vitamin C-induced acute oxalate nephropathy in a renal transplant recipient: a case report and literature review. Asian J Surg 2022. PubMed
- Yanase F, Spano S, Maeda A, et al. Mega-dose sodium ascorbate: a pilot, single-dose, physiological effect, double-blind, randomized, controlled trial. Crit Care 2023;27(1):371. PubMed
- Sharma Y, Sumanadasa S, Shahi R, et al. Efficacy and safety of vitamin C supplementation in the treatment of community-acquired pneumonia: a systematic review and meta-analysis with trial sequential analysis. Sci Rep 2024;14(1):11846. PubMed
- Pejcic AV, Petrovic NZ, Djordjic MD, Milosavljevic MN. Vitamin C Levels in Pregnant Women and the Efficacy of Vitamin C Supplements in Preventing Premature Rupture of Membranes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Balkan Med J 2024;41(4):248-260. PubMed
Olive 2 references
- Liccardi G, D'Amato M, D'Amato G. Oleaceae pollinosis: a review. Int Arch Allergy Immunol 1996;111:210-7. PubMed
- Somerville V, Moore R, Braakhuis A. The effect of olive leaf extract on upper respiratory illness in high school athletes: A randomised control trial. Nutrients. 2019;11(2). pii: E358. PubMed
Brewer's Yeast 6 references
- Blumenthal M, ed. The Complete German Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. Trans. S. Klein. Boston, MA: American Botanical Council, 1998.
- Lewis SJ, Freedman AR. Review article: the use of biotherapeutic agents in the prevention and treatment of gastrointestinal disease. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 1998;12:807-22. PubMed
- Bahijiri, S. M., Mira, S. A., Mufti, A. M., and Ajabnoor, M. A. The effects of inorganic chromium and brewer's yeast supplementation on glucose tolerance, serum lipids and drug dosage in individuals with type 2 diabetes. Saudi.Med.J. 2000;21(9):831-837. DOI
- Schrauzer, G. N. and de, Vroey E. Effects of nutritional lithium supplementation on mood. A placebo-controlled study with former drug users. Biol.Trace Elem.Res. 1994;40(1):89-101. PubMed
- Gayathri R, Aruna T, Malar S, Shilpa B, Dhanasekar KR. Efficacy of Saccharomyces cerevisiae CNCM I-3856 as an add-on therapy for irritable bowel syndrome. Int J Colorectal Dis. 2020;35(1):139-145. PubMed
- Mourey F, Decherf A, Jeanne JF, et al. Saccharomyces cerevisiae I-3856 in irritable bowel syndrome with predominant constipation. World J Gastroenterol 2022;28(22):2509-2522.
Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.
DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.
© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC