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Dietary supplement

L-Lysine 500 mg Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by The Vitamin Shoppe

Capsule Category: Amino Acid/protein
Most serious interaction: Minor
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Minor

L-Lysine 500 mg is a dietary supplement by The Vitamin Shoppe with 1 active ingredient. Its ingredients are commonly taken for cold sores (herpes labialis), genital herpes outbreaks, supporting protein and collagen formation.Based on those ingredients, 1 medication has a known interaction with it, the most serious rated minor. The ingredients most likely to interact are L-Lysine. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of L-Lysine 500 mg by The Vitamin Shoppe

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 1 of its 1 active ingredient.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

This product contains one active ingredient: L-lysine, an amino acid your body uses to build proteins and support immune function. You get 500 mg per capsule.

The capsule itself is made from vegetable material, and it also contains rice flour, cellulose, and magnesium stearate, which are inactive ingredients that help hold the capsule together and keep the powder from clumping.

Does it work?

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

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

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: immune support and collagen production.
  • We looked for evidence on: Herpes labialis (cold sores), Genital herpes, Wound healing.
  • The strongest evidence on file: Lysine is rated "Possibly Effective" for Herpes labialis (cold sores) (Natural Medicines).

L-Lysine is possibly effective for herpes labialis — that's cold sores caused by the herpes simplex virus. For other uses listed here — supporting child growth, healing pressure ulcers, or diabetic foot ulcers — the evidence we have isn't strong enough to rate it either way, so it's not clear whether it helps with those.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Lysine

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 1 of the 1 matched ingredient.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 1 of 1.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 1 of 1.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

L-Lysine from food is fine, but the supplement form hasn't been studied thoroughly for long-term use. At typical doses it's generally well tolerated, but high amounts may cause stomach upset, diarrhea, abdominal pain, or indigestion.

Safety during pregnancy hasn't been well studied, so talk with your doctor before taking it if you're pregnant. There also isn't enough reliable information on supplement use while breastfeeding — check with your doctor or pharmacist for personalized advice.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Lysine

Meds to double-check

Minor interactions only
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Minor only

Only Minor-severity interactions are documented for these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • 1 of the 1 matched ingredient can interact with medications — Lysine.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Minor.
  • For scale: 1 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 5-HT4 agonists (digestive medications that work on serotonin receptors), check with your doctor or pharmacist before starting this product, as L-lysine may reduce how well they work.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with some supporting evidence for its stated purpose. Only minor medication interactions are documented, and safety information is well characterized.

L-Lysine is a reasonable option if you're dealing with cold sores and want to explore a possibly effective supplement. If you're taking any medications — especially digestive drugs that work through serotonin receptors — check with your doctor or pharmacist first.

Pregnant or breastfeeding? Same conversation needed.

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

Assessment coverage: 1 of 1 active ingredient matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated May 22, 2020.

This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed

At a glance

General information

Key facts about L-Lysine 500 mg, straight from the product label.

Brand The Vitamin Shoppe
Barcode (UPC) 766536012008
Net contents 100 Vegetable Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD May 22, 2020
DSLD ID 221217
Product type Amino Acid/protein
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses Nutrient, All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), Gluten Free, 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 L-Lysine 500 mg by The Vitamin Shoppe, 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 Vegetarian Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 Vegetarian Capsule(s)
UPC/BARCODE
766536012008
IngredientAmount% DV
L-Lysine500 mg--

Other ingredients: Vegetable capsule, Rice Flour, Cellulose, 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.
Formula

Essential amino acid

Formulation

Collagen and elastin production Immune support

Gluten-free Dairy-free Soy-free Nut-free

Does not contain: Gluten, sugar, salt, artificial colors or flavors.

General Statements

Specialty

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Seals/Symbols

Quality Promise Tested & Trusted

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.

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Directions: Take one (1) vegetable capsule daily, preferably between meals.

Precautions

Warning: Consult your healthcare provider prior to use if you are pregnant, nursing, taking any medications or have any medical conditions.

Keep out of reach of children.

Tamper evident Do not use if outer seal is broken or missing.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place.

See for yourself

L-Lysine 500 mg by The Vitamin Shoppe label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in L-Lysine 500 mg by The Vitamin Shoppe

This is the 1 active ingredient this product is made of. Select it to open its full monograph.

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

L-Lysine

Interacts with
1 drug
500 mg per serving Form: L-Lysine Hydrochloride

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

L-Lysine monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Vegetable capsule, Rice Flour, Cellulose, Magnesium Stearate. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

L-Lysine 500 mg by The Vitamin Shoppe Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against L-Lysine 500 mg?

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
1Drugs
1 Minor

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in L-Lysine 500 mg with known interactions, here are the types of medications it can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

L-Lysine1 drug type · 1 drug

5-Ht4 Agonists

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

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence D
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for L-Lysine 500 mg, from the product label.

The Vitamin Shoppe

See all The Vitamin Shoppe products
Name
The Vitamin Shoppe
City
Secaucus
State
NJ
ZipCode
07094
Phone Number
1-866-293-3367
Web Address
www.vitaminshoppe.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

L-Lysine 500 mg by The Vitamin Shoppe: Common Questions

Does L-Lysine 500 mg by The Vitamin Shoppe interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, L-Lysine 500 mg has a known interaction with 1 medication. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
L-Lysine 500 mg contains a single active ingredient, and that one ingredient can interact with many different medications on its own. We check it against each medication and show the mechanism 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.
Does L-Lysine actually work for cold sores?
The evidence says it's possibly effective for cold sores caused by herpes simplex virus. That means there's some research backing it, but it's not a slam-dunk cure. It's worth trying if you're looking for a supplement option.
What side effects should I watch for?
Most people tolerate it well, but some may experience abdominal pain, diarrhea, or indigestion — especially at higher doses. If your stomach gets upset, you may need to lower the dose or stop.
Can I take this if I'm pregnant?
Lysine from food is fine, but supplement safety during pregnancy hasn't been well studied. Talk with your doctor before taking it — they can weigh the pros and cons for your situation.
Is it safe to breastfeed while taking L-Lysine supplements?
There isn't enough reliable information to know either way. Check with your doctor or pharmacist for personalized advice before taking it while breastfeeding.
What does L-Lysine actually do in my body?
L-Lysine is an amino acid your body uses to build proteins and support your immune system. It's a building block your body needs, which is why it's found in food sources like meat, eggs, and beans.
Is this product just L-Lysine, or does it have other stuff in it?
The active ingredient is L-Lysine — 500 mg per capsule. The rest is the vegetable capsule itself and some inactive ingredients like rice flour and cellulose that help keep the powder stable.

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

Not sure if L-Lysine 500 mg is safe with your meds?

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Ask a pharmacist

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.

L-Lysine 500 mg label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind L-Lysine 500 mg’s Ingredients

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

Sources

Sources & How We Checked

L-Lysine 500 mg'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 7 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.

Lysine 7 references
  1. Thein DJ, Hurt WC. Lysine as a prophylactic agent in the treatment of recurrent herpes simplex labialis. Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol 1984;58:659-66. PubMed
  2. McCune MA, Perry HO, Muller SA, O'Fallon WM. Treatment of recurrent herpes simplex infections with L-lysine monohydrochloride. Cutis 1984;34:366-73.
  3. DiGiovanna JJ, Blank H. Failure of lysine in frequently recurrent herpes simplex infection. Treatment and prophylaxis. Arch Dermatol 1984;120:48-51. DOI
  4. Milman N, Scheibel J, Jessen O. Lysine prophylaxis in recurrent herpes simplex labialis: a double-blind, controlled crossover study. Acta Derm Venereol 1980;60:85-7.
  5. Griffith RS, Walsh DE, Myrmel KH, et al. Success of L-lysine therapy in frequently recurrent herpes simplex infection. Treatment and prophylaxis. Dermatologica 1987;175:183-90. DOI
  6. Lo JC, Chertow GM, Rennke H, Seifter JL. Fanconi's syndrome and tubulointerstitial nephritis in association with L-lysine ingestion. Am J Kidney Dis 1996;28:614-7. PubMed
  7. Smriga M, Torii K. L-Lysine acts like a partial serotonin receptor 4 antagonist and inhibits serotonin-mediated intestinal pathologies and anxiety in rats. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2003 Dec 23;100(26):15370-5.

See these in context on the Lysine monograph →

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

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