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Dietary supplement

Liver Defend Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by NuMedica

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

Liver Defend is a dietary supplement by NuMedica with 4 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for thyroid health support, antioxidant support, immune support.Based on those ingredients, 1,297 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated major. The ingredients most likely to interact are Milk Thistle Seed Extract, Selenium, N-Acetyl L-Cysteine. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Liver Defend by NuMedica

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 4 of its 4 active ingredients.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

Liver Defend contains four active ingredients. Selenium is a mineral that your body needs in small amounts for thyroid and immune function.

Alpha-lipoic acid is an antioxidant compound your cells make naturally and that may support energy production. N-acetyl cysteine (or NAC) is a form of the amino acid cysteine that supports your body's production of glutathione, a major antioxidant.

Milk thistle seed extract contains silymarin, a plant compound traditionally used to support liver health. The product also contains inactive ingredients (hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, magnesium stearate, and bamboo silica) that serve as capsule material and flow agents.

Does it work?

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

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

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: support healthy liver function.
  • We looked for evidence on: Acetaminophen poisoning, Alcohol-related liver disease, Biliary disorders, Chemotherapy-induced hepatotoxicity, Cirrhosis, Hepatic detoxification — and 2 related terms.
  • The strongest evidence on file: N-acetyl Cysteine (nac) is rated "Effective" for Acetaminophen poisoning (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Alpha-lipoic Acid is rated "Possibly Ineffective" for Alcohol-related liver disease.
  • Also on file: Milk Thistle is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Alcohol-related liver disease, Chemotherapy-induced hepatotoxicity.

The evidence varies by ingredient and intended use. Selenium is likely effective for selenium deficiency and possibly effective for Kashin-Beck disease (a bone and joint condition), pre-eclampsia, and autoimmune thyroiditis — though it's rated possibly ineffective for high cholesterol.

Alpha-lipoic acid is possibly effective for diabetic nerve damage and possibly effective for high cholesterol and weight management. N-acetyl cysteine is effective for acetaminophen poisoning, atelectasis (collapsed lung tissue), and tracheostomy care, and is possibly effective for bronchitis.

Milk thistle is possibly effective for type 2 diabetes, but for most other conditions we hold — such as liver disease, hay fever, and mushroom poisoning — the evidence is not established in our data.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Selenium Alpha-lipoic Acid N-acetyl Cysteine (nac) Milk Thistle

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 4 of the 4 matched ingredients.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 4 of 4.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 4 of 4.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Selenium is generally well tolerated in small recommended amounts, but excess can be toxic; avoid high-dose supplements unless your doctor advises otherwise. Alpha-lipoic acid is generally well tolerated at typical doses but can lower blood sugar — use it under medical guidance — and the safety data advises against it during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

N-acetyl cysteine is generally well tolerated at typical doses (most side effects occur above 9 grams per dose or 30 grams daily); talk to your healthcare provider before use, and there isn't enough data to know if it's safe in pregnancy — discuss with your doctor. Milk thistle is generally well tolerated in most adults; however, the safety data advises against it during pregnancy, and caution is advised while breastfeeding since it's not well studied there.

The most common side effects across these ingredients are mild gastrointestinal symptoms (nausea, diarrhea, heartburn, bloating).

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Selenium Alpha-lipoic Acid N-acetyl Cysteine (nac) Milk Thistle

Meds to double-check

Major interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Major identified

At least one ingredient has a documented Major-severity interaction. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 4 of the 4 matched ingredients can interact with medications — Milk Thistle, Alpha-lipoic Acid, Selenium, N-acetyl Cysteine (nac).
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Major.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs; immunosuppressants / transplant drugs; cancer treatments; diabetes medications.
  • For scale: 1,298 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 Liver Defend, double-check any of these with your pharmacist: nitroglycerin or other heart medications (Major risk), blood thinners or antiplatelet drugs, blood pressure medications, antidiabetes drugs, warfarin, chemotherapy drugs, thyroid hormone medications, barbiturates, immunosuppressants, and morphine or other opioids. These carry Moderate-severity interactions with one or more of the four ingredients.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

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

Liver Defend is a four-ingredient supplement aimed at liver support, but it carries multiple drug interactions — especially with blood thinners, heart medications, blood pressure drugs, and chemotherapy. If you take any prescription medication, blood thinner, or blood pressure med, check your exact drugs with the tool on this page before starting.

Talk with your pharmacist or doctor to see if it fits your situation.

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

Assessment coverage: 4 of 4 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Jan 23, 2025.

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 Liver Defend, straight from the product label.

Brand NuMedica
Barcode (UPC) 812527010734
Net contents 60 Vegetable Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Jan 23, 2025
DSLD ID 323565
Product type Other Combinations
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
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 Liver Defend by NuMedica, 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)
Servings per container
60
UPC/BARCODE
812527010734
IngredientAmount% DV
Selenium200 mcg364%
Alpha-Lipoic Acid200 mg--
N-Acetyl L-Cysteine250 mg--
Milk Thistle Seed Extract262.5 mg--

Other ingredients: Hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, Magnesium Stearate, Bamboo Silica

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.
Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Directions: Take one capsule once per day or as directed by your healthcare practitioner.

Formulation

Liver Defend contains four key ingredients to support healthy liver function.

Does not contain: Milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soy.

Professional Quality Formulas

Targeted support for healthy liver function Powerful Liver Support

Sourced from non-GMO ingredients. Gluten-Free

Vegetarian Vegan

Formula

N-Acetyl L-Cycteine (NAC) is a unique form of the amino acid l-cysteine which has been found to support healthy tissue levels of glutathione (GSH). Alpha-Lipoic Acid is a powerful antioxidant and free-radical scavenger which plays an important role in supporting cell health. Silymarin is a beneficial standardized extract from milk thistle that helps support healthy liver function. Selenium is a trace mineral known to support the antioxidant enzyme glutathione peroxidase.

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.

Precautions

Caution: Keep out of reach of children.

Storage

Storage: Keep tightly closed in a cool, dry place.

Seals/Symbols

cGMP Third-Party Certified Facility

Brand IP Statement(s)

NuMedica Advancing Nutrition

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

See for yourself

Liver Defend by NuMedica label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Liver Defend by NuMedica

These are the 4 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size1 Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container60 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.

Selenium

Interacts with
321 drugs
200 mcg per serving Form: Selenium Glycinate

Selenium is an essential trace mineral your body needs in small amounts for thyroid function, antioxidant defense, and immune health. Most people who...

Selenium monograph & interactions

Alpha-Lipoic Acid

Interacts with
263 drugs
200 mg per serving

Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) is an antioxidant made naturally by the body and found in small amounts in foods. It is most studied for diabetic nerve pain,...

Alpha-Lipoic Acid monograph & interactions

N-Acetyl L-Cysteine

Interacts with
294 drugs
250 mg per serving

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

N-Acetyl L-Cysteine monograph & interactions

Milk Thistle Seed Extract

Interacts with
954 drugs
262.5 mg per serving Form: Silybum marianum Seed Extract

Milk thistle is a popular herbal supplement most often used for liver health, and its main active component is a group of compounds called silymarin....

Milk Thistle Seed Extract monograph & interactions

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

Interaction report

Liver Defend by NuMedica Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Liver Defend?

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
1,297Drugs
1 Major 720 Moderate 576 Minor

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Selenium 321

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Liver Defend 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.

Milk Thistle Seed Extract17 drug types · 954 drugs

Antidiabetes Drugs

Taking milk thistle with antidiabetes drugs may increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
Clinical research shows that milk thistle extract, alone or along with tree turmeric extract, can lower blood glucose levels and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) in patients with type 2 diabetes, including those already taking antidiabetes drugs. Additionally, animal research shows that milk thistle extract increases the metformin maximum plasma concentration and area under the curve and decreases the renal clearance of metformin, due to inhibition of the multi-drug and toxin extrusion protein 1 (MATE1) renal tubular transport protein.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Cytochrome P450 2B6 (Cyp2B6) Substrates

Theoretically, milk thistle might inhibit CYP2B6.
An in vitro study shows that silybin, a constituent of milk thistle, binds to and noncompetitively inhibits CYP2B6. Additionally, silybin might downregulate the expression of CYP2B6 by decreasing mRNA and protein levels.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Glucuronidated Drugs

Theoretically, milk thistle might affect the clearance of drugs that undergo glucuronidation.
Laboratory research shows that milk thistle constituents inhibit uridine diphosphoglucuronosyl transferase (UGT), the major phase 2 enzyme that is responsible for glucuronidation. Theoretically, this could decrease the clearance and increase levels of glucuronidated drugs. Other laboratory research suggests that a milk thistle extract of silymarin might inhibit beta-glucuronidase, although the significance of this effect is unclear.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Ledipasvir

Theoretically, milk thistle might increase the levels and clinical effects of ledipasvir.
Animal research in rats shows that milk thistle increases the area under the curve (AUC) for ledipasvir and slows its elimination.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Morphine

Theoretically, concomitant use of milk thistle with morphine might affect serum levels of morphine and either increase or decrease its effects.
Animal research shows that milk thistle reduces serum levels of morphine by up to 66%. In contrast, laboratory research shows that milk thistle constituents inhibit uridine diphosphoglucuronosyl transferase (UGT), the major phase 2 enzyme that is responsible for glucuronidation. Theoretically, this could decrease the clearance and increase morphine levels. The effect of taking milk thistle on morphine metabolism in humans is not known.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Raloxifene (Evista)

Theoretically, milk thistle might decrease the clearance and increase levels of raloxifene.
Laboratory research suggests that the milk thistle constituents silibinin and silymarin inhibit the glucuronidation of raloxifene in the intestines.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Sirolimus (Rapamune)

Milk thistle might decrease the clearance of sirolimus.
Pharmacokinetic research shows that a milk thistle extract of silymarin decreases the apparent clearance of sirolimus in hepatically impaired renal transplant patients. It is unclear if this interaction occurs in patients without hepatic impairment.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Sofosbuvir (Solvaldi)

Theoretically, milk thistle might decrease the levels and clinical effects of sofosbuvir.
Animal research in rats shows that milk thistle reduces the metabolism of sofosbuvir, as well as the hepatic uptake of its active metabolite.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Tamoxifen (Nolvadex)

Theoretically, the milk thistle constituent silibinin might increase tamoxifen levels and interfere with its conversion to an active metabolite.
Animal research suggests that the milk thistle constituent silibinin might increase plasma levels of tamoxifen and alter its conversion to an active metabolite. The mechanism appears to involve inhibition of pre-systemic metabolism of tamoxifen by cytochrome P450 (CYP) 2C9 and CYP3A4, and inhibition of P-glycoprotein-mediated efflux of tamoxifen into the intestine for excretion. Whether this interaction occurs in humans is not known.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Warfarin (Coumadin)

Theoretically, milk thistle might increase the effects of warfarin.
In one case report, a man stabilized on warfarin experienced an increase in INR from 2.64 to 4.12 after taking a combination product containing milk thistle 200 mg daily, as well as dandelion, wild yam, niacinamide, and vitamin B12. Levels returned to normal after stopping the supplement. Although a direct correlation between milk thistle and the change in INR cannot be confirmed, some in vitro research suggests that milk thistle might inhibit cytochrome P450 2C9 (CYP2C9), an enzyme involved in the metabolism of various drugs, including warfarin.

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

It is unclear if milk thistle inhibits CYP2C9; research is conflicting.
In vitro research suggests that milk thistle might inhibit CYP2C9. Additionally, 3 case reports from the World Health Organization (WHO) adverse drug reaction database describe increased toxicity in patients taking milk thistle and cancer medications that are CYP2C9 substrates, including imatinib and capecitabine. However, contradictory clinical research shows that milk thistle extract does not inhibit CYP2C9 or significantly affect levels of the CYP2C9 substrate tolbutamide. Differences in results could be due to differences in dosages or formulations utilized.

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

It is unclear if milk thistle inhibits CYP3A4; research is conflicting.
While laboratory research shows conflicting results, pharmacokinetic research shows that taking milk thistle extract 420-1350 mg daily does not significantly affect the metabolism of the CYP3A4 substrates irinotecan, midazolam, or indinavir. However, 8 case reports from the World Health Organization (WHO) adverse drug reaction database describe increased toxicity in patients taking milk thistle and cancer medications that are CYP3A4 substrates, including gefitinib, sorafenib, doxorubicin, and vincristine.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence D
Estrogens

Theoretically, milk thistle might interfere with estrogen therapy through competition for estrogen receptors.
Animal research suggests that a milk thistle extract of silymarin binds to estrogen receptor beta.

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

Theoretically, milk thistle might interfere with statin therapy by decreasing the activity of organic anion transporting polypeptide 1B1 (OATB1B1) and inhibiting breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP).
Preliminary evidence suggests that a milk thistle extract of silymarin can decrease the activity of the OATP1B1, which transports HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors into the liver to their site of action, and animal research shows this increases the maximum plasma concentration of pitavastatin and pravastatin. The silibinin component also inhibits BCRP, which transports statins from the liver into the bile for excretion. However, in a preliminary study in healthy males, silymarin 140 mg three times daily had no effect on the pharmacokinetics of a single 10 mg dose of rosuvastatin.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence D
Indinavir (Crixivan)

Theoretically, milk thistle may induce cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) enzymes and increase the metabolism of indinavir; however, results are conflicting.
One pharmacokinetic study shows that taking milk thistle (Standardized Milk Thistle, General Nutrition Corp.) 175 mg three times daily in combination with multiple doses of indinavir 800 mg every 8 hours decreases the mean trough levels of indinavir by 25%. However, results from the same pharmacokinetic study show that milk thistle does not affect the overall exposure to indinavir. Furthermore, two other pharmacokinetic studies show that taking specific milk thistle extract (Legalon, Rottapharm Madaus; Thisilyn, Nature's Way) 160-450 mg every 8 hours in combination with multiple doses of indinavir 800 mg every 8 hours does not reduce levels of indinavir.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence B
Organic Anion-Transporting Polypeptide Substrates (Oatp)

Milk thistle may inhibit one form of OATP, OATP-B1, which could reduce the bioavailability and clinical effects of OATP-B1 substrates.
In vitro research shows that milk thistle inhibits OATP-B1. Two case reports from the World Health Organization (WHO) adverse drug reaction database describe increased toxicity in patients taking milk thistle and cancer medications that are OATP substrates, including sorafenib and methotrexate. OATPs are expressed in the small intestine and liver and are responsible for the uptake of drugs and other compounds into the body. Inhibition of OATP may reduce the bioavailability of oral drugs that are substrates of OATP.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
P-Glycoprotein Substrates

Theoretically, milk thistle might increase the absorption of P-glycoprotein substrates. However, this effect does not seem to be clinically significant.
In vitro research shows that milk thistle can inhibit P-glycoprotein activity and 1 case report from the World Health Organization (WHO) adverse drug reaction database describes increased abdominal pain in a patient taking milk thistle and the cancer medication vincristine, a P-glycoprotein substrate, though this patient was also taking methotrexate. However, a small pharmacokinetic study in healthy volunteers shows that taking milk thistle (Enzymatic Therapy Inc.) 900 mg, standardized to 80% silymarin, in 3 divided doses daily for 14 days does not affect absorption of digoxin, a P-glycoprotein substrate.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence B

Selenium6 drug types · 321 drugs

Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Selenium may have antiplatelet effects and may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Clinical research suggests that taking selenium 10 mcg/kg/day can increase bleeding times by increasing prostacyclin production, which inhibits platelet activity. Other clinical research suggests that taking selenium 75 mcg daily, in combination with ascorbic acid 600 mg, alpha-tocopherol 300 mg, and beta-carotene 27 mg, reduces platelet aggregation.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Barbiturates

Theoretically, selenium might prolong the sedating effects of barbiturates.
Laboratory research suggests that selenium can inhibit the hepatic metabolism of barbiturates. Selenium seems to prolong the sedative effect of pentobarbital in animal models.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Immunosuppressants

Theoretically, selenium supplementation may reduce the effectiveness of immunosuppressant therapy.
In vitro research and preliminary clinical evidence suggests that selenium may stimulate the immune system.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Warfarin (Coumadin)

Theoretically, selenium might interfere with warfarin activity.
Animal research suggests that selenium can increase warfarin activity. Selenium might interact with warfarin by displacing it from albumin binding sites, reducing its metabolism in the liver, or by decreasing production of vitamin K-dependent clotting factors. Selenium can also prolong bleeding times in humans by increasing prostacyclin production, which inhibits platelet activity.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Contraceptive Drugs

Contraceptive drugs might increase levels of selenium, although the clinical significance of this effect is unclear.
Some research suggests that oral contraceptives increase serum selenium levels in women taking oral contraceptives; however, other research shows no change in selenium levels. It is suggested that an increase could be due to increased carrier proteins, indicating a redistribution of selenium rather than a change in total body selenium.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Niacin

Selenium might reduce the beneficial effects of niacin on high-density lipoprotein (HDL) 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 selenium, or to the combination. It also is not known whether it will occur in other patient populations.

Likelihood Possible Evidence A

N-Acetyl L-Cysteine5 drug types · 294 drugs

Nitroglycerin

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

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Activated Charcoal

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

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

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

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antihypertensive Drugs

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

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Chloroquine (Aralen)

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

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

Alpha-Lipoic Acid5 drug types · 263 drugs

Alkylating Agents

Theoretically, the antioxidant effects of alpha-lipoic acid might alter the effectiveness of alkylating agents.
The use of antioxidants like alpha-lipoic acid during chemotherapy is controversial. There are concerns that antioxidants could reduce the activity of chemotherapy drugs that generate free radicals. However, some researchers theorize that antioxidants might make chemotherapy more effective by reducing oxidative stress that might interfere with apoptosis (cell death) of cancer cells. More evidence is needed to determine what effect, if any, antioxidants such as alpha-lipoic acid have on chemotherapy. Advise patients to consult their oncologist before using alpha-lipoic acid.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, alpha-lipoic acid may have antiplatelet effects and may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
In vitro, alpha-lipoic acid inhibits platelet aggregation.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antitumor Antibiotics

Theoretically, the antioxidant effects of alpha-lipoic acid might alter the effectiveness of antitumor antibiotics.
The use of antioxidants like alpha-lipoic acid during chemotherapy is controversial. There are concerns that antioxidants could reduce the activity of antitumor antibiotic drugs, which work by generating free radicals. However, some researchers theorize that antioxidants might make chemotherapy more effective by reducing oxidative stress that might interfere with apoptosis (cell death) of cancer cells. More evidence is needed to determine what effect, if any, antioxidants such as alpha-lipoic acid have on chemotherapy involving antitumor antibiotics. Advise patients to consult their oncologist before using alpha-lipoic acid.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Thyroid Hormone

Theoretically, alpha-lipoic acid might decrease the effects of thyroid hormone drugs.
Animal research suggests that co-administration of thyroxine with alpha-lipoic acid reduces conversion into the active T3 form.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, taking alpha-lipoic acid with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
Although some small clinical studies have suggested that alpha-lipoic acid can lower blood glucose levels, larger clinical studies in patients with diabetes have shown no clinically meaningful effect. Additionally, co-administration of single doses of alpha-lipoic acid and glyburide or acarbose did not cause detectable drug interactions in healthy volunteers.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence B
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Liver Defend, from the product label.

NuMedica

See all NuMedica products
Name
NuMedica LLC
Street Address
9503 E. 55th Place
City
Tulsa
State
OK
ZipCode
74145
Phone Number
800.869.8100
Web Address
www.numedica.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Liver Defend by NuMedica: Common Questions

Does Liver Defend by NuMedica interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Liver Defend has a known interaction with 1,297 medications, including 1 rated major. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Liver Defend contains 4 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 Liver Defend while pregnant?
Alpha-lipoic acid and milk thistle are not recommended in pregnancy because there isn't enough reliable safety data — talk with your doctor before use. Selenium and N-acetyl cysteine don't have pregnancy safety data on file; discuss with your doctor or pharmacist to decide what's right for your situation.
Can I take Liver Defend while breastfeeding?
Alpha-lipoic acid is not recommended while breastfeeding due to insufficient safety data. Milk thistle safety while breastfeeding is not well studied, so caution is advised. Selenium and N-acetyl cysteine don't have breastfeeding safety data on file — talk with your doctor or pharmacist for personalized advice.
What are the most common side effects?
The most common side effects are mild gastrointestinal symptoms: nausea, diarrhea, heartburn, bloating, and loss of appetite. Headache and rash have also been reported with some ingredients. Most people tolerate these doses well, but stop and talk to your pharmacist if side effects bother you.
Does milk thistle in this product really help with liver health?
Milk thistle is traditionally used for liver support, but for most liver conditions — including alcohol-related liver disease and general liver health — the evidence in our data is insufficient to establish whether it actually works. Talk with your doctor about whether it's appropriate for your specific situation.
Can this product lower my blood sugar?
Yes — both alpha-lipoic acid and milk thistle may lower blood glucose levels. If you take antidiabetes drugs or insulin, combining them with this product could increase your risk of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). This is another reason to check with your pharmacist before starting.
What happens if I take too much selenium from this product?
Excess selenium can be toxic. Amounts within normal dietary needs are fine, but avoid high-dose supplements unless your doctor directs you to. Excessive amounts can cause hair loss, skin problems, fatigue, nail changes, nausea, vomiting, and in rare cases, serious organ damage. Stick to the label dose and talk to your doctor if you're considering adding other selenium supplements.

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.

Liver Defend label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Liver Defend'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 239 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.

Selenium 36 references
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  26. Kumpulainen, J., Salmenpera, L., Siimes, M. A., Koivistoinen, P., and Perheentupa, J. Selenium status of exclusively breast-fed infants as influenced by maternal organic or inorganic selenium supplementation. Am.J Clin.Nutr. 1985;42(5):829-835. PubMed
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See these in context on the Selenium monograph →

Alpha-lipoic Acid 48 references
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N-acetyl Cysteine (nac) 86 references
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DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

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