Interactions on record — worth a quick check against your medications. Based on 2 of 4 ingredients. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

M.A.C. Defense Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Octiq

M.A.C. Defense label
See full label image
Capsule Category: Other Combinations
Most serious interaction: Moderate
Clinical methodology reviewed by · Updated Sep 16, 2026 · Label data from the NIH DSLD
What is this page for?

First and foremost: checking M.A.C. Defense against your medications. The heart of this page is the interaction checker and the full interaction report — how this product’s ingredients may interact with prescription and over-the-counter medicines you may be taking.

Around that, we add a pharmacist’s high-level view of the product as a whole — what’s inside, the evidence for its stated use, how transparent the label is, and what safety data exists — so you can see the full picture in one place. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases and the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist — not medical advice — and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy

The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

M.A.C. Defense is a dietary supplement by Octiq with 4 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for eye and macular health, age-related macular degeneration (amd), protection from blue light.Based on those ingredients, 86 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Meso Zeaxanthin. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

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Check Your Meds Against M.A.C. Defense by Octiq

Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with M.A.C. Defense by Octiq — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.

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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of M.A.C. Defense by Octiq

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

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

Generated from HelloPharmacist’s pharmacist-curated databases and editorial rules · Last generated Jul 11, 2026

What’s inside

Full disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Full

Every active ingredient lists its own amount on the label.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 4 of its 4 active ingredients.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

M.A.C. Defense has 4 active ingredients.

Meso Zeaxanthin and Zeaxanthin are carotenoids — pigments that concentrate in the macula (the central part of your retina) and help protect your eyes from oxidative damage. Lutein is another carotenoid that works alongside them for eye support.

BioPerine is a black pepper extract included to improve how your body absorbs these carotenoids. The capsule also contains inactive ingredients (hypromellose, magnesium stearate, silicon dioxide, and microcrystalline cellulose) that are standard binders and fillers.

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: supports eye health and visual function.
  • We looked for evidence on: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD), Asthenopia (eye strain), Cataracts, Central serous retinopathy, Choroideremia, Diabetic retinopathy — and 4 related terms.
  • The strongest evidence on file: Lutein is rated "Possibly Effective" for Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Lutein is rated "Possibly Effective" for Cataracts.
  • Also on file: Zeaxanthin is rated "Possibly Effective" for Age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

The evidence for lutein and zeaxanthin in this product is most solid for age-related macular degeneration (AMD) — both are rated Possibly Effective for slowing vision loss in that condition. For other uses like cognitive decline, Alzheimer's disease, asthma, breast cancer, and bronchopulmonary dysplasia, we don't have enough reliable evidence yet to rate them.

The data on BioPerine's effectiveness is not on file here.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Zeaxanthin Lutein

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 2 matched ingredients.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 2 of 2.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 2 of 2.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Lutein and zeaxanthin are generally well tolerated at typical supplement doses. Lutein at up to 20 mg daily has not caused adverse effects in trials.

Both ingredients are rated Likely Safe in pregnancy and breastfeeding, though the safety data on concentrated supplements (rather than food amounts) is limited — if you're pregnant or breastfeeding, talk with your doctor or pharmacist about whether a supplement makes sense for you. Zeaxanthin has no reported adverse effects at normal doses.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Zeaxanthin Lutein

Meds to double-check

Moderate interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Moderate identified

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

Why this rating?
  • 1 of the 2 matched ingredients can interact with medications — Zeaxanthin.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: diabetes medications.
  • For scale: 86 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 diabetes medications (insulin, metformin, sulfonylureas, or any drug that lowers blood sugar), double-check with your pharmacist before starting. Zeaxanthin has theoretically shown hypoglycemic effects and could increase low blood sugar risk.

No interactions are documented for the other checked ingredients.

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. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

M.A.C. Defense is aimed at people concerned about age-related eye health, especially AMD.

If you take diabetes medication, check with your pharmacist first — zeaxanthin may theoretically increase the risk of low blood sugar. If you're pregnant or breastfeeding, the ingredients are likely safe, but the data on high-dose supplements is incomplete, so a quick conversation with your pharmacist is worth it.

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

Assessment coverage: 3 of 4 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Sep 22, 2022.

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 M.A.C. Defense, straight from the product label.

Brand Octiq
Barcode (UPC) 357483001872
Net contents 60 Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Sep 22, 2022
DSLD ID 270250
Product type Other Combinations
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years)
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 M.A.C. Defense by Octiq, 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:
2 Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
2 Capsule(s)
Servings per container
30
UPC/BARCODE
357483001872
IngredientAmount% DV
BioPerine20 mg--
Meso Zeaxanthin40 mg--
Lutein40 mg--
Zeaxanthin8 mg--

Other ingredients: Hypromellose, Magnesium Stearate, Silicon Dioxide, Microcrystalline Cellulose

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

Lutein with Zeaxanthin

Lutein and Zeaxanthin helps to filter harmful blue light and support macular health.

Formulation

Supports eye health Supports visual function

M.A.C. Defense helps replenish essential eye protecting nutrients that you can lose as you age.

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Directions: For adults, take two (2) capsules in the morning, preferably with a meal.

Precautions

Warnings: For adult use only.

Consult with a physician prior to use especially if you are taking any medication or supplements or have a medical condition. Pregnant or lactating women, consult with a physician before use.

Discontinue use and consult with a physician if you experience any unusual symptoms.

Keep out of reach of children

Do not use if seal around cap or under closure is broken or missing

Storage

Store at room temperature

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.

Brand IP Statement(s)

BioPerine is a registered trademark of Sabinsa Corp.

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

See for yourself

M.A.C. Defense by Octiq label

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

M.A.C. Defense label

Label images are published by the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database for the version of this product on file. Always read your actual product label.

View the full label (PDF)
What’s inside

The Ingredients in M.A.C. Defense by Octiq

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

Serving size2 Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container30 Amounts shown are per serving.

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

BioPerine

20 mg per serving Form: Black Pepper extract

Meso Zeaxanthin

Interacts with
86 drugs
40 mg per serving Form: Marigold Extract

Zeaxanthin is a carotenoid pigment that, along with lutein, concentrates in the macula of the eye and may help support long-term eye health. The stron...

Meso Zeaxanthin monograph & interactions

Lutein

No known
interactions
40 mg per serving Form: Marigold Petal Extract

Lutein is a plant-based antioxidant pigment that concentrates in the eye, and the best evidence suggests it (often combined with zeaxanthin) may help...

Lutein monograph & interactions

Zeaxanthin

Interacts with
86 drugs
8 mg per serving Form: Marigold Petal Extract

Zeaxanthin is a carotenoid pigment that, along with lutein, concentrates in the macula of the eye and may help support long-term eye health. The stron...

Zeaxanthin monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Hypromellose, Magnesium Stearate, Silicon Dioxide, Microcrystalline Cellulose. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

M.A.C. Defense by Octiq Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against M.A.C. Defense?

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
86Drugs
86 Moderate

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Meso Zeaxanthin 86

Individual Drug Interactions

The ingredients in M.A.C. Defense interact with 86 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.

1 of the 4 ingredients in M.A.C. Defense interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Meso Zeaxanthin

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in M.A.C. Defense 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.

Meso Zeaxanthin1 drug type · 86 drugs

Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, taking zeaxanthin with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
In an animal diabetic model, zeaxanthin has hypoglycemic effects. However, population research has found that increasing intake of dietary zeaxanthin plus lutein does not decrease the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Meso Zeaxanthin full monograph & interactions
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for M.A.C. Defense, from the product label.

Octiq

See all Octiq products
Name
Innovus Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
City
Englewood
State
CO
ZipCode
80112
Phone Number
1-800-996-5122
Web Address
www.aytuhealth.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

M.A.C. Defense by Octiq: Common Questions

Does M.A.C. Defense by Octiq interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, M.A.C. Defense has a known interaction with 86 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
M.A.C. Defense 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.
Does this actually work for dry eyes or AMD?
Lutein and zeaxanthin are both Possibly Effective for age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The evidence is strongest for that condition. For other eye problems like dry eyes, we don't have solid data yet on whether these ingredients help.
Is it safe if I'm pregnant?
Both lutein and zeaxanthin are rated Likely Safe in pregnancy, but the safety data on supplement doses is incomplete — food sources are fine, but concentrated supplements haven't been fully studied. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about whether M.A.C. Defense is right for you.
What's BioPerine for?
BioPerine is a black pepper extract added to help your body absorb the lutein and zeaxanthin more efficiently. We don't have interaction or effectiveness data on file for it.
Can I take this with my diabetes medication?
Zeaxanthin may theoretically increase the risk of low blood sugar when combined with diabetes drugs. Check with your pharmacist before starting to make sure it's safe alongside your specific medication.
Are there any side effects?
Lutein and zeaxanthin are generally well tolerated. No adverse effects were reported in trials at typical supplement doses, and lutein at up to 20 mg daily was without problems.
Is it safe while breastfeeding?
Lutein and zeaxanthin are rated Likely Safe during breastfeeding, but safety data on concentrated supplements (rather than food) is limited. Talk with your pharmacist or doctor for personalized advice.

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

Not sure if M.A.C. Defense 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.

M.A.C. Defense label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind M.A.C. Defense’s Ingredients

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

Herb & supplement monograph

Zeaxanthin

Interacts with 86 drugs

Zeaxanthin is a carotenoid pigment that, along with lutein, concentrates in the macula of the eye and may help support long-term eye health. The strongest evidence relates to slowing progres...

Read the full Zeaxanthin monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Lutein

Lutein is a plant-based antioxidant pigment that concentrates in the eye, and the best evidence suggests it (often combined with zeaxanthin) may help slow progression of age-related macular...

Read the full Lutein monograph →
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

M.A.C. Defense'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 6 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.

Zeaxanthin 4 references
  1. Montonen J, Knekt P, Jarvinen R, Reunanen A. Dietary antioxidant intake and risk of type 2 diabetes. Diabetes Care 2004;27:362-6. PubMed
  2. Leermakers ET, Darweesh SK, Baena CP, et al. The effects of lutein on cardiometabolic health across the life course: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Am J Clin Nutr 2016;103(2):481-94. PubMed
  3. Kou L, Du M, Zhang C, Dai Z, Li X, Zhang B. The Hypoglycemic, Hypolipidemic, and Anti-Diabetic Nephritic Activities of Zeaxanthin in Diet-Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Sprague Dawley Rats. Appl Biochem Biotechnol 2017;182(3):944-955. PubMed
  4. Xu X, Zhao X, Berde Y, Low YL, Kuchan MJ. Milk and Plasma Lutein and Zeaxanthin Concentrations in Chinese Breast-Feeding Mother-Infant Dyads With Healthy Maternal Fruit and Vegetable Intake. J Am Coll Nutr 2019;38(2):179-184. PubMed

See these in context on the Zeaxanthin monograph →

Lutein 2 references
  1. Brown L, Rimm EB, Seddon JM, et al. A prospective study of carotenoid intake and risk of cataract extraction in US men. Am J Clin Nutr 1999;70:517-24. PubMed
  2. Chasan-Taber L, Willett WC, Seddon JM, et al. A prospective study of carotenoid and vitamin A intakes and risk of cataract extraction in US women. Am J Clin Nutr 1999;70:509-16. PubMed

See these in context on the Lutein 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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