Major interaction on record — check this product against your medications before combining. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

Octacosanol+ Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by DaVinci Laboratories Of Vermont

Octacosanol+ label
See full label image
Tablet Or Pill Category: Other Combinations
Most serious interaction: Major
Clinical methodology reviewed by · Updated Sep 16, 2026 · Label data from the NIH DSLD
What is this page for?

First and foremost: checking Octacosanol+ 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: Major

Octacosanol+ is a dietary supplement by DaVinci Laboratories Of Vermont with 5 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for testosterone support, athletic performance and muscle building, energy and endurance.Based on those ingredients, 400 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated major. The ingredients most likely to interact are Policosanol, Calcium, Bee Pollen. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

Jump to a section

Check Your Meds Against Octacosanol+ by DaVinci Laboratories Of Vermont

Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with Octacosanol+ by DaVinci Laboratories Of Vermont — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.

Pharmacist-reviewed data Checks every ingredient Answer in seconds
Prefer a human? Send your question to our licensed pharmacists — free, answered by email within 24 hours.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Octacosanol+ by DaVinci Laboratories Of Vermont

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

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

Generated from HelloPharmacist’s pharmacist-curated databases and editorial rules · Last generated Aug 27, 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 9 of its 9 active ingredients.
  • “Policosanol” is listed as a grouped ingredient — the label gives one combined amount (16 mg) without saying how much of each component you get.

Octacosanol+ contains 9 active and inactive ingredients. The active components are bee pollen, aspartic acid, and a blend called policosanol — which itself breaks down into hexacosanol, octacosanol, triacontanol, nonacosanol, and heptacosanol — plus individual calcium and phosphorus.

Bee pollen is a whole food product made by bees; aspartic acid is an amino acid; the policosanol compounds are waxy long-chain alcohols derived from plant sources; and calcium and phosphorus are minerals. The product also contains inactive ingredients (cellulose, stearic acid, vegetable stearate, silica, and pharmaceutical glaze), which are fillers and binders that help form and stabilize the tablet.

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

This product doesn't appear to be marketed for a specific use, so we graded its ingredients' overall clinical evidence instead.

Strong

Strong clinical evidence supports its ingredients for:

Why this rating?
  • We looked at the product name, claims, and label statements and couldn't find a stated purpose to grade.
  • Since the label doesn't commit to one use, we graded the ingredients' overall clinical evidence instead.
  • On file: Hyperkalemia — rated "Effective" (Calcium) (Natural Medicines).
  • On file: Dyspepsia — rated "Effective" (Calcium) (Natural Medicines).
  • On file: Kidney failure — rated "Effective" (Calcium) (Natural Medicines).
  • On file: Hypocalcemia — rated "Effective" (Calcium) (Natural Medicines).
  • On file: Osteoporosis — rated "Likely Effective" (Calcium) (Natural Medicines).

Evidence for this product's claims is sparse. Aspartic acid has insufficient reliable evidence for athletic performance, muscle strength, or fatigue.

Bee pollen is possibly ineffective for athletic performance and has insufficient evidence for hay fever, hormonal, or prostate concerns. The policosanol-related compounds (hexacosanol, octacosanol, triacontanol, nonacosanol, heptacosanol) show likely effectiveness for intermittent claudication (leg pain from poor circulation), but insufficient evidence for heart disease or high cholesterol.

Calcium is effective for kidney failure, indigestion, low blood calcium, and high potassium, and likely effective for osteoporosis.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Aspartic Acid Bee Pollen Calcium Policosanol Octacosanol

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 5 matched ingredients.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 5 of 5.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 5 of 5.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Bee pollen is generally well tolerated but can trigger serious allergic reactions, especially in people with pollen allergies (ragweed, daisies, chrysanthemums, and related plants) — reactions can include swelling, shortness of breath, and anaphylaxis. Rare cases of liver inflammation and kidney damage have been reported.

The policosanol compounds are generally well tolerated; uncommon side effects from research include headache, mild dizziness, sleepiness, irritability, insomnia, skin rash, or weight loss. Calcium taken at recommended doses is generally well tolerated; common mild effects are belching, constipation, diarrhea, and stomach upset.

High doses raise theoretical concerns about kidney stones, and very high calcium intake (over 1,500 mg/day) has been weakly linked to increased risk of advanced prostate cancer in some studies. Aspartic acid lacks long-term safety data at supplement doses — it's fine in food amounts but avoid it in pregnancy and while breastfeeding.

Bee pollen safety data are insufficient for pregnancy and breastfeeding — avoid supplement doses. Hexacosanol, octacosanol, triacontanol, nonacosanol, and heptacosanol all lack safety information for pregnancy and breastfeeding — avoid use.

Calcium at recommended amounts is likely safe in pregnancy and breastfeeding, but very high doses carry a possibly unsafe rating — stay within recommended amounts unless your doctor advises otherwise.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Aspartic Acid Bee Pollen Calcium Policosanol Octacosanol

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 5 matched ingredients can interact with medications — Bee Pollen, Policosanol, Octacosanol, Calcium.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Major.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs; diabetes medications; heart-rhythm medications; lithium; Parkinson's medications.
  • For scale: 400 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.

Check with your doctor or pharmacist before using this product if you take HIV drugs (dolutegravir, elvitegravir, raltegravir), antibiotics (ceftriaxone), blood thinners (warfarin, other anticoagulants or antiplatelet drugs), blood pressure medications (beta-blockers, propranolol, nitroprusside), thyroid medication (levothyroxine), diabetes drugs, heart medications (sotalol, diltiazem), Parkinson's medication (levodopa/carbidopa), or psoriasis treatments (calcipotriene). The calcium and policosanol-related ingredients can reduce effectiveness or increase side effects of several of these.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with strong clinical evidence behind its ingredients' uses. Major medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

Octacosanol+ may appeal to people looking to support circulation (particularly intermittent claudication), bone health, or overall athletic performance, though evidence is mixed. If you take any HIV drugs, blood thinners, thyroid medication, diabetes drugs, blood pressure medications, or certain antibiotics, you need to check this with your own doctor or pharmacist before starting — the interactions are real and can change how your medications work.

The bee pollen component may trigger serious allergic reactions if you're sensitive to pollen. Talk it over with your healthcare provider before you begin.

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

Assessment coverage: 8 of 9 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Sep 25, 2013.

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 Octacosanol+, straight from the product label.

Brand DaVinci Laboratories Of Vermont
Barcode (UPC) 026664236364
Net contents 60 Tablet(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Sep 25, 2013
DSLD ID 23308
Product type Other Combinations
Supplement form Tablet Or Pill
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 Octacosanol+ by DaVinci Laboratories Of Vermont, 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 Tablet(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 Tablet(s)
Servings per container
60
UPC/BARCODE
026664236364
IngredientAmount% DV
Aspartic Acid50 mg--
Bee Pollen500 mg--
Hexacosanol1200 mcg--
Octacosanol9600 mg--
Triacontanol3520 mcg--
Calcium120 mg12%
Phosphorus135 mg14%
Policosanol16 mg--
Nonacosanol704 mcg--
Heptacosanol432 mcg--

Other ingredients: Cellulose, Stearic Acid, Vegetable Stearate, Silica, Pharmaceutical Glaze

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

Label statements
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
General Statements

TRUTH We pledge total truth in labeling. Our family of products contain only the purest and most potent ingredients. Guaranteed.

Policosanol is the generic term used for a mixture of long chain fatty alcohols found in beeswax, jams, sugar cane and wheat germ oil.

Color of this product may vary due to color variations of the natural ingredients.

Formulation

This product is free of citrus, corn and yeast.

Precautions

Warning: If you are pregnant or nursing, consult your health care practitioner before taking this product.

Keep out of reach of children.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place.

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.

General

0200363.060 0111A

Formula

Triacontanol and Octacosanol are the main components of the policosanol complex.

A Policosanol Product with Bee Pollen

FDA Statement of Identity

A Dietary Supplement to Support the Maintenance of Cholesterol Within Normal Range, Proper Nerve Function and Endurance

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested Use: As a dietary supplement, take 1 tablet, 1 or 2 times daily, or as directed by your health care practitioner.

Brand IP Statement(s)

Octacosanol, Triacosanol combined with other naturally occurring components from policosanol work with the nutrients in Octacosanol+(TM) to support the maintenance of cholesterol levels within normal range, proper nerve function and endurance.

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

See for yourself

Octacosanol+ by DaVinci Laboratories Of Vermont label

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

Octacosanol+ 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 Octacosanol+ by DaVinci Laboratories Of Vermont

These are the 5 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size1 Tablet(s) Dosage formTablet Or Pill 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.

Aspartic Acid

No known
interactions
50 mg per serving

Aspartic acid is a common amino acid your body makes on its own and gets from protein-rich foods, so a true deficiency is rare. D-aspartic acid is hea...

Aspartic Acid monograph & interactions

Bee Pollen

Interacts with
2 drugs
500 mg per serving

Bee pollen is a nutrient-rich product collected by bees and marketed as a 'superfood' for energy and immune support, but solid human evidence for most...

Bee Pollen monograph & interactions

Calcium

Interacts with
168 drugs
120 mg per serving Form: Ca pyrophosphate, Calcium Sulfate

Calcium is an essential mineral your body needs for strong bones, nerve signaling, and muscle function, and supplements can help fill gaps when diet f...

Calcium monograph & interactions

Phosphorus

135 mg per serving Form: Ca pyrophosphate

Policosanol

Interacts with
242 drugs
16 mg per serving Form: Sugar Cane

Policosanol is a mix of waxy alcohols (mostly octacosanol) made from sugar cane or other plant waxes, and it is often marketed as a natural way to low...

Policosanol monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Cellulose, Stearic Acid, Vegetable Stearate, Silica, Pharmaceutical Glaze. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Octacosanol+ by DaVinci Laboratories Of Vermont Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Octacosanol+?

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
400Drugs
7 Major 375 Moderate 18 Minor

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Policosanol 242
Calcium 168
Bee Pollen 2

Individual Drug Interactions

The ingredients in Octacosanol+ interact with 400 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.

3 of the 5 ingredients in Octacosanol+ interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Policosanol Calcium Bee Pollen

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Octacosanol+ 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.

Policosanol6 drug types · 242 drugs

Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, taking policosanol with other antiplatelet or anticoagulant drugs might increase the risk of bruising and bleeding.
Some clinical research shows that taking policosanol 10-50 mg daily for 7-15 days can inhibit platelet aggregation in healthy patients. Although, one clinical trial shows that taking policosanol 10 mg twice daily for 2 weeks prior to warfarin dosing does not affect warfarin pharmacokinetics or warfarin response. Furthermore, a study in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention with a drug-eluting stent found that taking policosanol 40 mg plus clopidogrel and aspirin daily for 30 days modestly reduced the risk for minor bleeding events when compared with taking clopidogrel and aspirin alone. Until more is known, use with caution.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, policosanol might have additive effects with antidiabetes drugs and increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
Clinical research shows that policosanol can lower blood glucose levels.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Beta-Blockers

Concomitant use of policosanol with beta-blockers can cause additive blood pressure-lowering effects.
Clinical research shows that policosanol 5 mg daily can have additive blood pressure-lowering effects in patients with hypertension who are taking beta-blockers. Also, animal research shows that policosanol can increase the blood-pressure lowering effects of propranolol.

Likelihood Probable Evidence A
Nitroprusside (Nitropress)

Theoretically, concomitant use of policosanol with nitroprusside might cause additive blood pressure-lowering effects.
Animal research shows that taking policosanol along with nitroprusside can increase the blood pressure-lowering effects of nitroprusside.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Propranolol (Inderal)

Animal research shows that taking policosanol along with propranolol can increase the blood pressure-lowering effects of propranolol.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Warfarin (Coumadin)

Theoretically, taking policosanol with warfarin might increase the risk of bruising and bleeding.
Some clinical research shows that taking policosanol 10-50 mg daily for 7-15 days can inhibit platelet aggregation in healthy patients. However, one clinical trial shows that taking policosanol 10 mg twice daily for 2 weeks prior to warfarin dosing does not affect warfarin pharmacokinetics or warfarin response.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Policosanol full monograph & interactions

Calcium18 drug types · 168 drugs

Ceftriaxone (Rocephin)

Co-administration of intravenous calcium and ceftriaxone can result in precipitation of a ceftriaxone-calcium salt in the lungs and kidneys.
Avoid administering intravenous calcium in any form, such as parenteral nutrition or Lactated Ringers, within 48 hours of intravenous ceftriaxone. Case reports in neonates show that administering intravenous ceftriaxone and calcium can result in precipitation of a ceftriaxone-calcium salt in the lungs and kidneys. In several cases, neonates have died as a result of this interaction. So far there are no reports in adults; however, there is still concern that this interaction might occur in adults.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Dolutegravir (Tivicay)

Calcium seems to reduce levels of dolutegravir.
Advise patients to take dolutegravir either 2 hours before or 6 hours after taking calcium supplements. Pharmacokinetic research suggests that taking calcium carbonate 1200 mg concomitantly with dolutegravir 50 mg reduces plasma levels of dolutegravir by almost 40%. Calcium appears to decrease levels of dolutegravir through chelation.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Elvitegravir (Vitekta)

Calcium seems to reduce levels of elvitegravir.
Advise patients to take elvitegravir either 2 hours before or 2 hours after taking calcium supplements. Pharmacokinetic research suggests that taking calcium along with elvitegravir can reduce blood levels of elvitegravir through chelation.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Aluminum

Calcium citrate might increase aluminum absorption and toxicity. Other types of calcium do not increase aluminum absorption.
Calcium citrate can increase the absorption of aluminum when taken with aluminum hydroxide. The increase in aluminum levels may become toxic, particularly in individuals with kidney disease. However, the effect of calcium citrate on aluminum absorption is due to the citrate anion rather than calcium cation. Calcium acetate does not appear to increase aluminum absorption.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Bictegravir/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Alafenamide (Biktarvy)

Calcium might decrease levels of bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide by reducing its absorption when taken in a fasting state.
Advise patients that bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide and calcium can be taken together if taken with food. However, if taken on an empty stomach, bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide should not be taken with, or 2 hours after, calcium containing products.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Bisphosphonates

Calcium reduces the absorption of bisphosphonates.
Advise patients to take bisphosphonates at least 30 minutes before calcium, but preferably at a different time of day. Calcium supplements decrease absorption of bisphosphonates.

Likelihood Probable Evidence C
Calcipotriene (Dovonex)

Taking calcipotriene with calcium might increase the risk for hypercalcemia.
Calcipotriene is a vitamin D analog used topically for psoriasis. It can be absorbed in sufficient amounts to cause systemic effects, including hypercalcemia. Theoretically, combining calcipotriene with calcium supplements might increase the risk of hypercalcemia.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Digoxin (Lanoxin)

Using intravenous calcium with digoxin might increase the risk of fatal cardiac arrhythmias.
Hypercalcemia increases the risk of fatal cardiac arrhythmias with digoxin. However, one retrospective analysis of clinical data suggests that intravenous calcium does not increase the risk of dysrhythmias or mortality in patients receiving digoxin.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Diltiazem (Cardizem, Others)

Theoretically, calcium may reduce the therapeutic effects of diltiazem.
Hypercalcemia can reduce the effectiveness of verapamil in atrial fibrillation. Theoretically, calcium might increase this risk of hypercalcemia and reduce the effectiveness of diltiazem.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Levothyroxine (Synthroid, Others)

Calcium seems to reduce the absorption and effectiveness of levothyroxine.
Advise patients to take levothyroxine and calcium supplements at least 4 hours apart. Calcium reduces levothyroxine absorption, probably by forming insoluble complexes. Calcium carbonate supplements reduce effectiveness of levothyroxine in patients with hypothyroidism.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Lithium

Theoretically, concomitant use of calcium and lithium may increase this risk of hypercalcemia.
Clinical research suggests that long-term use of lithium may cause hypercalcemia in 10% to 60% of patients. Theoretically, concomitant use of lithium and calcium supplements may further increase this risk.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Quinolone Antibiotics

Calcium seems to reduce the absorption of quinolone antibiotics.
Advise patients to take oral quinolones at least 2 hours before or 4-6 hours after calcium supplements or calcium-fortified foods. Taking calcium at the same time as oral quinolones can reduce quinolone absorption. Calcium binds to quinolones in the gut.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Raltegravir (Isentress)

Calcium may reduce levels of raltegravir.
Pharmacokinetic research shows that taking a single dose of calcium carbonate 3000 mg along with raltegravir 400 mg twice daily modestly decreases the mean area under the curve of raltegravir, but the decrease does not necessitate a dose adjustment of raltegravir. However, a case of elevated HIV-1 RNA levels and documented resistance to raltegravir has been reported for a patient taking calcium carbonate 1 gram three times daily plus vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) 400 IU three times daily in combination with raltegravir 400 mg twice daily for 11 months. It is thought that calcium reduced raltegravir levels by chelation, leading to treatment failure.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Sotalol (Betapace)

Calcium seems to reduce the absorption of sotalol.
Advise patients to separate doses by at least 2 hours before or 4-6 hours after calcium. Calcium appears to reduce the absorption of sotalol, probably by forming insoluble complexes.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Tetracycline Antibiotics

Calcium seems to reduce the absorption of tetracycline antibiotics.
Advise patients to take oral tetracyclines at least 2 hours before, or 4-6 hours after calcium supplements. Taking calcium at the same time as oral tetracyclines can reduce tetracycline absorption. Calcium binds to tetracyclines in the gut.

Likelihood Probable Evidence C
Thiazide Diuretics

Taking calcium along with thiazides might increase the risk of hypercalcemia and renal failure.
Thiazides reduce calcium excretion by the kidneys. Using thiazides along with moderately large amounts of calcium carbonate increases the risk of milk-alkali syndrome (hypercalcemia, metabolic alkalosis, renal failure). Patients may need to have their serum calcium levels and/or parathyroid function monitored regularly.

Likelihood Probable Evidence C
Verapamil (Calan, Others)

Theoretically, calcium may reduce the therapeutic effects of verapamil.
Hypercalcemia can reduce the effectiveness of verapamil in atrial fibrillation. Theoretically, use of calcium supplements may increase this risk of hypercalcemia and reduce the effectiveness of verapamil.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Calcium Channel Blockers

Intravenous calcium may decrease the effects of calcium channel blockers; oral calcium is unlikely to have this effect.
Intravenous calcium is used to decrease the effects of calcium channel blockers in the management of overdose. Intravenous calcium gluconate has been used before intravenous verapamil (Isoptin) to prevent or reduce the hypotensive effects without affecting the antiarrhythmic effects. But there is no evidence that dietary or supplemental calcium when taken orally interacts with calcium channel blockers.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence D
Calcium full monograph & interactions

Bee Pollen1 drug type · 2 drugs

Warfarin (Coumadin)

There is some concern that bee pollen might interact with warfarin and increase the risk of bleeding.
In one case report, a patient on warfarin had a stable international normalized ratio (INR) of 1.9-3.3 for 9 months. The patient's INR was found to be 7.1 after starting bee pollen granules one teaspoon twice daily for approximately one month. The patient's warfarin dose was decreased by approximately 11% in order to return the INR to the therapeutic range while continuing the bee pollen supplement.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Bee Pollen full monograph & interactions
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Octacosanol+, from the product label.

DaVinci Laboratories Of Vermont

See all DaVinci Laboratories Of Vermont products
Name
DaVinci Laboratories of Vermont a division of FoodScience Corp.
Street Address
20 New England Drive, Suite 10
City
Essex Junction
State
VT
ZipCode
05452
Web Address
www.davincilabs.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Octacosanol+ by DaVinci Laboratories Of Vermont: Common Questions

Does Octacosanol+ by DaVinci Laboratories Of Vermont interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Octacosanol+ has a known interaction with 400 medications, including 7 rated major. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Octacosanol+ contains 5 active ingredients, and an interaction can come from any of them. We check every ingredient, combine the results into one list per medication, and show which ingredient and mechanism is responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
Can I take this if I'm allergic to pollen or ragweed?
You should avoid it. Bee pollen can trigger serious allergic reactions in people sensitive to pollen, especially ragweed and related plants — reactions can include swelling, breathing problems, and anaphylaxis. Talk to your allergist or pharmacist before considering this product.
What is octacosanol and what does it do?
Octacosanol is a waxy long-chain alcohol from plants — it's the main active compound in policosanol. Research shows it's likely effective for intermittent claudication (leg pain from poor circulation), but evidence is insufficient for its effects on other conditions like high cholesterol or Parkinson's disease.
What is bee pollen used for in this product?
Bee pollen is included for possible benefits to athletic performance and various other concerns like allergies or hormone balance, but evidence for most of these uses is either insufficient or suggests it may not be effective. It's mainly known as a nutritional whole-food ingredient.
Is this safe to take while pregnant or breastfeeding?
There isn't enough safety data for most ingredients. Aspartic acid, bee pollen, and all the policosanol-related compounds lack safety information for pregnancy and breastfeeding — avoid them. Calcium at recommended amounts is likely safe, but discuss this product with your doctor or pharmacist before use.
What are the inactive ingredients and do they matter?
This product contains cellulose, stearic acid, vegetable stearate, silica, and pharmaceutical glaze — all standard fillers and binders that help form the tablet. They typically don't cause problems at these amounts, but if you have sensitivities to any of them, let your pharmacist know.
What side effects might I experience?
Uncommon effects from the policosanol compounds include headache, mild dizziness, sleepiness, or insomnia. Calcium may cause mild constipation, diarrhea, or stomach upset. Bee pollen can rarely trigger serious allergic reactions. If you experience anything concerning, stop and talk to your pharmacist or doctor.

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.

Octacosanol+ label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Octacosanol+’s Ingredients

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

Herb & supplement monograph

Aspartic Acid

Aspartic acid is a common amino acid your body makes on its own and gets from protein-rich foods, so a true deficiency is rare. D-aspartic acid is heavily marketed for boosting testosterone...

Read the full Aspartic Acid monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Bee Pollen

Interacts with 2 drugs

Bee pollen is a nutrient-rich product collected by bees and marketed as a 'superfood' for energy and immune support, but solid human evidence for most of these claims is lacking. It can caus...

Read the full Bee Pollen monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Calcium

Interacts with 168 drugs

Calcium is an essential mineral your body needs for strong bones, nerve signaling, and muscle function, and supplements can help fill gaps when diet falls short. Most people do best getting...

Read the full Calcium monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Policosanol

Interacts with 242 drugs

Policosanol is a mix of waxy alcohols (mostly octacosanol) made from sugar cane or other plant waxes, and it is often marketed as a natural way to lower cholesterol. Early studies from Cuba...

Read the full Policosanol monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Octacosanol

Interacts with 248 drugs

Octacosanol is a waxy long-chain alcohol from plant sources that is most often promoted for exercise endurance and cholesterol support, but solid human evidence is limited and results are mi...

Read the full Octacosanol monograph →
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Octacosanol+'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 109 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.

Aspartic Acid 1 reference
  1. Food and Nutrition Board, Institute of Medicine. Dietary Reference Intakes for Energy, Carbohydrate, Fiber, Fat, Fatty Acids, Cholesterol, Protein, and Amino Acids. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press, 2005. Available at: https://doi.org/10.17226 DOI

See these in context on the Aspartic Acid monograph →

Bee Pollen 15 references
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  2. The Review of Natural Products by Facts and Comparisons. St. Louis, MO: Wolters Kluwer Co., 1999.
  3. Leung AY, Foster S. Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients Used in Food, Drugs and Cosmetics. 2nd ed. New York, NY: John Wiley & Sons, 1996.
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  6. Winther K, Hedman C. Assessment of the Effects of the Herbal Remedy Femal on the Symptoms of Premenstrual Syndrome: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study. Curr Ther Res Clin Exp 2002;63:344-53. DOI
  7. Cohen SH, Yunginger JW, Rosenberg N, Fink JN. Acute allergic reaction after composite pollen ingestion. J Allergy Clin Immunol 1979;64:270-4. PubMed
  8. Hurren KM, Lewis CL. Probable interaction between warfarin and bee pollen. Am J Health Syst Pharm 2010;67:2034-7. PubMed
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  10. Greenberger, P. A. and Flais, M. J. Bee pollen-induced anaphylactic reaction in an unknowingly sensitized subject. Ann.Allergy Asthma Immunol 2001;86(2):239-242. PubMed
  11. Lin FL, Vaughan TR, Vandewalker ML, et al. Hypereosinophilia, neurologic, and gastrointestinal symptoms after bee-pollen ingestion. J Allergy Clin Immunol 1989;83(4):793-796. PubMed
  12. Mansfield LE, Goldstein GB. Anaphylactic reaction after ingestion of local bee pollen. Ann Allergy 1981;47(3):154-156.
  13. Choi JH, Jang YS, Oh JW, Kim CH, Hyun IG. Bee pollen-induced anaphylaxis: a case report and literature review. Allergy Asthma Immunol Res 2015 Sep;7(5):513-7. PubMed
  14. Nonotte-Varly C. Allergenicity of Artemisia contained in bee pollen is proportional to its mass. Eur Ann Allergy Clin Immunol 2015;47(6):218-24.
  15. Leang ZX, Thalayasingam M, O'Sullivan M. A paediatric case of exercise-augmented anaphylaxis following bee pollen ingestion in Western Australia. Asia Pac Allergy. 2022 Jul 12;12(3):e23. PubMed

See these in context on the Bee Pollen monograph →

Policosanol 15 references
  1. Carbajal D, Arruzazabala ML, Valdes S, Mas R. Effect of policosanol on platelet aggregation and serum levels of arachidonic acid metabolites in healthy volunteers. Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids 1998;58:61-4.
  2. Arruzazabala ML, Valdes S, Mas R, et al. Comparative study of policosanol, aspirin and the combination therapy policosanol-aspirin on platelet aggregation in healthy volunteers. Pharmacol Res 1997;36:293-7. PubMed
  3. Valdes S, Arruzazabala ML, Fernandez L. Effect of policosanol on platelet aggregation in healthy volunteers. Int J Clin Pharmacol Res 1996;16:67-72.
  4. Greyling A, De Witt C, Oosthuizen W, Jerling JC. Effects of a policosanol supplement on serum lipid concentrations in hypercholesterolaemic and heterozygous familial hypercholesterolaemic subjects. Br J Nutr 2006;95:968-75. PubMed
  5. Abdul MI, Jiang X, Williams KM, et al. Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic interactions of echinacea and policosanol with warfarin in healthy subjects. Br J Clin.Pharmacol. 2010;69:508-15. PubMed
  6. Molina, Cuevas, V, Arruzazabala, M. L., Carbajal, Quintana D., Mas, Ferreiro R., and Valdes, Garcia S. Effect of policosanol on arterial blood pressure in rats. Study of the pharmacological interaction with nifedipine and propranolol. Arch Med Res 1998;29
  7. Castano G, Fernandez L, Mas R, et al. Comparison of the efficacy, safety and tolerability of original policosanol versus other mixtures of higher aliphatic primary alcohols in patients with type II hypercholesterolemia. Int.J.Clin.Pharmacol.Res. 2002;22:5
  8. Arruzazabala, M. L., Carbajal, D., Mas, R., Valdes, S., and Molina, V. Pharmacological Interaction Between Policosanol and Nitroprusside in Rats. J Med Food 2001;4(2):67-70. PubMed
  9. Castano G, Mas R, Gamez R, et al. Concomitant use of policosanol and beta-blockers in older patients. Int J Clin Pharmacol.Res 2004;24:65-77.
  10. Francini-Pesenti F, Brocadello F, Beltramolli D, et al. Sugar cane policosanol failed to lower plasma cholesterol in primitive, diet-resistant hypercholesterolaemia: A double blind, controlled study. Complement Ther Med 2008;16:61-65. PubMed
  11. Castaño G, Fernández L, Mas R, Illnait J, Mesa M, Fernández JC. Comparison of the effects of policosanol and atorvastatin on lipid profile and platelet aggregation in patients with dyslipidaemia and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Clin Drug Investig. 2003;23(10 PubMed
  12. Fernandez L, Mas R, Illnait J, Fernandez JC. Policosanol: results of a postmarketing surveillance study of 27,879 patients. Curr Ther Res 1998;59(10):717-22. DOI
  13. Wang HY, Jiao QP, Chen SY, et al. Efficacy and safety of policosanol plus fenofibrate combination therapy in elderly patients with mixed dyslipidemia: A randomized, controlled clinical study. Am J Med Sci. 2018;356(3):254-261. PubMed
  14. Xu K, Liu X, Li Y, Wang Y, Zang H, Guo L, et al. Safety and efficacy of policosanol in patients with high on-treatment platelet reactivity after drug-eluting stent implantation: two-year follow-up results. Cardiovasc Ther. 2016 Oct;34(5):337-42. doi: 10.1 PubMed
  15. Li C, Ding Y, Si Q, Li K, Xu K. Multiple functions of policosanol in elderly patients with dyslipidemia. J Int Med Res. 2020;48(7):300060520936082. PubMed

See these in context on the Policosanol monograph →

Octacosanol 16 references
  1. Carbajal D, Arruzazabala ML, Valdes S, Mas R. Effect of policosanol on platelet aggregation and serum levels of arachidonic acid metabolites in healthy volunteers. Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids 1998;58:61-4.
  2. Arruzazabala ML, Valdes S, Mas R, et al. Comparative study of policosanol, aspirin and the combination therapy policosanol-aspirin on platelet aggregation in healthy volunteers. Pharmacol Res 1997;36:293-7. PubMed
  3. Valdes S, Arruzazabala ML, Fernandez L. Effect of policosanol on platelet aggregation in healthy volunteers. Int J Clin Pharmacol Res 1996;16:67-72.
  4. Snider S. Octacosanol in parkinsonism. Ann Neurol 1984;16:723. PubMed
  5. Greyling A, De Witt C, Oosthuizen W, Jerling JC. Effects of a policosanol supplement on serum lipid concentrations in hypercholesterolaemic and heterozygous familial hypercholesterolaemic subjects. Br J Nutr 2006;95:968-75. PubMed
  6. Abdul MI, Jiang X, Williams KM, et al. Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic interactions of echinacea and policosanol with warfarin in healthy subjects. Br J Clin.Pharmacol. 2010;69:508-15. PubMed
  7. Molina, Cuevas, V, Arruzazabala, M. L., Carbajal, Quintana D., Mas, Ferreiro R., and Valdes, Garcia S. Effect of policosanol on arterial blood pressure in rats. Study of the pharmacological interaction with nifedipine and propranolol. Arch Med Res 1998;29
  8. Menendez, R., Mas, R., Amor, A. M., Gonzalez, R. M., Fernandez, J. C., Rodeiro, I., Zayas, M., and Jimenez, S. Effects of policosanol treatment on the susceptibility of low density lipoprotein (LDL) isolated from healthy volunteers to oxidative modificat
  9. Castano G, Fernandez L, Mas R, et al. Comparison of the efficacy, safety and tolerability of original policosanol versus other mixtures of higher aliphatic primary alcohols in patients with type II hypercholesterolemia. Int.J.Clin.Pharmacol.Res. 2002;22:5
  10. Arruzazabala, M. L., Carbajal, D., Mas, R., Valdes, S., and Molina, V. Pharmacological Interaction Between Policosanol and Nitroprusside in Rats. J Med Food 2001;4(2):67-70. PubMed
  11. Castano G, Mas R, Gamez R, et al. Concomitant use of policosanol and beta-blockers in older patients. Int J Clin Pharmacol.Res 2004;24:65-77.
  12. Francini-Pesenti F, Brocadello F, Beltramolli D, et al. Sugar cane policosanol failed to lower plasma cholesterol in primitive, diet-resistant hypercholesterolaemia: A double blind, controlled study. Complement Ther Med 2008;16:61-65. PubMed
  13. Castaño G, Fernández L, Mas R, Illnait J, Mesa M, Fernández JC. Comparison of the effects of policosanol and atorvastatin on lipid profile and platelet aggregation in patients with dyslipidaemia and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Clin Drug Investig. 2003;23(10 PubMed
  14. Wang HY, Jiao QP, Chen SY, et al. Efficacy and safety of policosanol plus fenofibrate combination therapy in elderly patients with mixed dyslipidemia: A randomized, controlled clinical study. Am J Med Sci. 2018;356(3):254-261. PubMed
  15. Xu K, Liu X, Li Y, Wang Y, Zang H, Guo L, et al. Safety and efficacy of policosanol in patients with high on-treatment platelet reactivity after drug-eluting stent implantation: two-year follow-up results. Cardiovasc Ther. 2016 Oct;34(5):337-42. doi: 10.1 PubMed
  16. Li C, Ding Y, Si Q, Li K, Xu K. Multiple functions of policosanol in elderly patients with dyslipidemia. J Int Med Res. 2020;48(7):300060520936082. PubMed

See these in context on the Octacosanol monograph →

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See these in context on the Calcium monograph →

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

© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC

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