Interactions on record — worth a quick check against your medications. Based on 2 of 5 ingredients. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

Omega-3 Krill Oil Extra Strength 500 mg Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Schiff MegaRed

Softgel Capsule Category: Fat/fatty Acid
Most serious interaction: Moderate
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Omega-3 Krill Oil Extra Strength 500 mg is a dietary supplement by Schiff MegaRed with 5 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for heart and cholesterol support, high triglycerides, joint pain and inflammation.Based on those ingredients, 838 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Astaxanthin, Krill Oil. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Omega-3 Krill Oil Extra Strength 500 mg by Schiff MegaRed

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 5 of its 5 active ingredients.
  • “Total Omega-3 Fatty Acids” is listed as a grouped ingredient — the label gives one combined amount (115 mg) without saying how much of each component you get.

This product contains 5 active ingredients. Krill oil is the main ingredient — a concentrated source of omega-3 fatty acids from Antarctic krill (tiny shrimp-like creatures).

It also contains astaxanthin, a red pigment with antioxidant properties. The product includes eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid, which are the two major omega-3 fatty acids found in marine sources, plus phospholipids that help deliver these nutrients.

The softgel capsule itself is made from gelatin, glycerin, water, ethyl vanillin (for flavor), and sorbitol.

Does it work?

Insufficient 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
Insufficient

There isn't enough reliable clinical evidence to rate this product's ingredients for its stated purpose.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: May reduce the risk of coronary heart disease.
  • We looked for evidence on: Cardiovascular disease (CVD), Hyperlipidemia, Hypertriglyceridemia, Heart failure, Atherosclerosis, Myocardial infarction.
  • The closest evidence on file: Astaxanthin is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Heart failure (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Astaxanthin is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Hyperlipidemia.
  • Also on file: Krill Oil is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Cardiovascular disease (CVD), Hyperlipidemia, Hypertriglyceridemia.

Evidence for krill oil suggests it may help with dry eye, though we have insufficient reliable data to rate its effectiveness for aging skin, Alzheimer disease, cancer, high cholesterol (hyperlipidemia), or cognitive function. Astaxanthin's evidence is similarly limited — we hold insufficient data to rate it for age-related cognitive decline, age-related macular degeneration (AMD), aging skin, Alzheimer disease, athletic performance, or carpal tunnel syndrome.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Krill Oil Astaxanthin

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 2 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.

Krill oil is generally well tolerated at doses up to 4 grams daily. The most common side effects are bloating, decreased appetite, diarrhea, fishy burps, flatulence, heartburn, nausea, and stomach discomfort — though these tend to be milder and less frequent than those from fish oil.

Headache, tiredness, and dizziness have been reported rarely. Avoid krill oil if you have a shellfish allergy and use caution if you have a bleeding disorder.

Astaxanthin is also generally well tolerated, though long-term safety data are limited. Common side effects include abdominal pain, diarrhea, and red-colored stools.

Higher doses have caused severe stomach pain in a small number of people. We don't have enough safety data to use astaxanthin during pregnancy — the facts advise against it.

We also don't have enough data for breastfeeding, so talk with your doctor or pharmacist before using it while nursing.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Krill Oil Astaxanthin

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?
  • 2 of the 2 matched ingredients can interact with medications — Astaxanthin, Krill Oil.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs; diabetes medications.
  • For scale: 839 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 you start this product, check with your doctor or pharmacist if you take blood thinners or antiplatelet drugs (moderate risk of increased bleeding), diabetes medications (moderate risk of low blood sugar), or any drugs metabolized through the liver enzymes CYP3A4 or CYP2B6 (moderate risk of decreased drug levels). These are theoretical concerns based on lab research, not confirmed in humans, but they're worth discussing.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

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

This product may be worth considering if you're interested in omega-3 support and have had issues tolerating fish oil, since krill oil side effects tend to be gentler. However, if you take blood thinners or diabetes medications, you'll need to clear this with your doctor or pharmacist first — the interactions are real concerns.

Also be aware that astaxanthin shouldn't be used in pregnancy, and we don't know enough about safety while breastfeeding. Talk it over with your own healthcare provider before adding this to your routine.

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

Assessment coverage: 2 of 5 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Oct 22, 2016.

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 Omega-3 Krill Oil Extra Strength 500 mg, straight from the product label.

Brand Schiff MegaRed
Barcode (UPC) 020525105257
Net contents 60 Softgel(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Oct 22, 2016
DSLD ID 65464
Product type Fat/fatty Acid
Supplement form Softgel Capsule
Dietary claims / uses Nutrient, All Other, Approved Health, 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 Omega-3 Krill Oil Extra Strength 500 mg by Schiff MegaRed, 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 Softgel(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 Softgel(s)
UPC/BARCODE
020525105257
IngredientAmount% DV
Calories5 Calorie(s)--
Krill Oil500 mg--
Calories from Fat5 Calorie(s)--
Eicosapentaenoic Acid64 mg--
Docosahexaenoic Acid30 mg--
Phospholipids167 mg--
Cholesterol5 mg1%
Total Fat0.5 Gram(s)1%
Total Omega-3 Fatty Acids115 mg--
Astaxanthin25 mcg--

Other ingredients: Gelatin, Glycerin, Water, Ethyl Vanillin, Sorbitol

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.
Precautions

WARNING: People with shellfish allergy, coagulopathy or taking anticoagulants or other medications should notify their physician and be tested prior to taking dietary supplements.

WARNING: People with shellfish allergy, coagulopathy or taking anticoagulants or other medications should notify their physician and be tested prior to taking dietary supplements. If pregnant, breastfeeding or on prescribed medication, consult your physician before using this product.

Keep out of reach of children.

Protected with a tamper evident seal. Do not use if seal under cap is broken or missing.

Contains shellfish (krill)

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place with lid tightly closed.

General Statements

Gelatin is derived from bovine sources.

May Reduce the Risk of Coronary Heart Disease

SUPPORTIVE, BUT NOT CONCLUSIVE RESEARCH SHOWS THAT CONSUMPTION OF EPA AND DHA OMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS MAY REDUCE THE RISK OF CORONARY HEART DISEASE.

Compare to fish oil MegaRed Softgel Fish Oil Softgel 100% pure Antarctic Krill oil check Contains Omega-3 Fatty acids check check Just one small softgel per day check No fishy aftertaste check In phospholipid form for easy absorption check Contains powerful antioxidant astaxanthin check

In order for Omega-3s to be put to good use, they must first be absorbed by your body. Traditional fish oil floats on top of your stomach, giving that unpleasant fishy aftertaste.

ITS OMEGA-3s ARE CARRIED IN PHOSPHOLIPID FORM, SO IT: ~ Easily mixes in the stomach and doesn’t leave an unpleasant aftertaste. ~ Is easily recognized and utilized by your body’s cell membranes, which are also phospholipid, allowing easy absorption.

Supportive, but not conclusive research shows that consumption of EPA and DHA Omega-3 fatty acids may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease.

Actual bottle size

Eco-Friendly. Krill is one of earth’s most abundant and sustainable organisms. The harvest of krill is well below conservative international catch guidelines.

This product comes from a fishery that has been independently certified to the MSC’s standard for a well-managed and sustainable fishery. www.msc.org

GUARANTEED for purity, freshness and labeled potency.

Since 1936

Heart health

COMPARE TO FISH OIL

One Small Pill, No Fishy Aftertaste

Actual size

rb Health Hygiene Home

Formula

MegaRed contains oil from 100% pure Antarctic krill, tiny crustaceans that thrive in the frigid waters of the Antarctic. Just one small MegaRed softgel provides an optimal combination of omega-3 fatty acids and the powerful antioxidant astaxanthin to support heart health. Research has shown that omega-3s may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease.

With Phospholipid Omega-3s for easy absorption

100% Pure, High Absorption Krill Oil

Contains shellfish (krill)

Brand IP Statement(s)

MEGARED OMEGA-3 KRILL OIL IS DIFFERENT.

Just one small pill with no fishy aftertaste, that’s why MegaRed Omega-3 Krill Oil is the superior choice.

MegaRed goes a step further by only sourcing krill from the Antarctic where krill is most abundant. This helps the ecosystem maintain a healthy, sustainable krill population.

Schiff SURE DISSOLVE softgels are formulated to disintegrate within one hour.

Superba is a registered trademark of the Aker Group.

2015 RB

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

072915 8219679

Seals/Symbols

C-SCS-0123 Certified Sustainable Seafood MSC www.msc.org

Schiff Quality Guarantee

Formulation

GUARANTEED: No added sugar (sucrose, fructose, lactose), salt (sodium chloride), yeast, wheat, gluten or milk. No preservatives or artificial colors.

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

DIRECTIONS: Adults take one (1) softgel daily.

See for yourself

Omega-3 Krill Oil Extra Strength 500 mg by Schiff MegaRed label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Omega-3 Krill Oil Extra Strength 500 mg by Schiff MegaRed

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

Serving size1 Softgel(s) Dosage formSoftgel Capsule 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.

Krill Oil

Interacts with
208 drugs
500 mg per serving

Krill oil is a source of omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) bound to phospholipids, which may help absorption. It is most studied for lowering triglyce...

Krill Oil monograph & interactions

Phospholipids

167 mg per serving

Total Omega-3 Fatty Acids

115 mg per serving
  • › Eicosapentaenoic Acid
  • › Docosahexaenoic Acid

Astaxanthin

Interacts with
671 drugs
25 mcg per serving Form: Krill Oil

Astaxanthin is a reddish carotenoid pigment with strong antioxidant activity in the lab, and it is widely promoted for skin, eye, heart, and exercise...

Astaxanthin monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Gelatin, Glycerin, Water, Ethyl Vanillin, Sorbitol. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Omega-3 Krill Oil Extra Strength 500 mg by Schiff MegaRed Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Omega-3 Krill Oil Extra Strength 500 mg?

Ask about interactions with your drugs in plain English — “Can I take it with lisinopril?” — and we find you the answer in seconds, ingredient by ingredient.

Go to the checker
838Drugs
838 Moderate

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Krill Oil 208

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Omega-3 Krill Oil Extra Strength 500 mg 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.

Astaxanthin2 drug types · 671 drugs

Cytochrome P450 2B6 (Cyp2B6) Substrates

Theoretically, astaxanthin may decrease levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2B6.
In vitro research shows that astaxanthin induces cytochrome CYP2B6 enzyme activity in human hepatocytes. This effect has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 3A4 (Cyp3A4) Substrates

Theoretically, astaxanthin may decrease levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
In vitro research shows that astaxanthin induces CYP3A4 enzyme activity in human hepatocytes. This effect has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

Krill Oil2 drug types · 208 drugs

Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, krill oil may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Taking high doses of omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil can modestly decrease platelet aggregation. Since krill oil also contains these fatty acids, taking high doses of krill oil might also inhibit platelet aggregation. Theoretically, taking high doses of krill oil with antiplatelet or anticoagulant drugs might increase the risk of bleeding. However, the omega-3 content of krill oil is much lower than that of fish oil.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, taking krill oil with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
Some research in animals and humans shows that krill oil might lower blood glucose levels. However, a small study shows that taking krill oil does not reduce blood glucose levels in patients with type 2 diabetes, most of whom were taking antidiabetes drugs.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Omega-3 Krill Oil Extra Strength 500 mg, from the product label.

Schiff MegaRed

See all Schiff MegaRed products
Name
Reckitt Benckiser
City
Parsippany
State
NJ
ZipCode
07054-0224
Phone Number
1-800-526-6251
Web Address
www.megared.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Omega-3 Krill Oil Extra Strength 500 mg by Schiff MegaRed: Common Questions

Does Omega-3 Krill Oil Extra Strength 500 mg by Schiff MegaRed interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Omega-3 Krill Oil Extra Strength 500 mg has a known interaction with 838 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Omega-3 Krill Oil Extra Strength 500 mg 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.
Does krill oil really cause fewer stomach problems than fish oil?
Yes, according to the data we have. While both can cause bloating, nausea, diarrhea, and fishy burps, these side effects seem to be less severe or happen less often with krill oil than with fish oil. That said, if your stomach is sensitive, start low and see how you do.
Can I take this if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
There isn't enough safety data for krill oil in pregnancy — talk with your doctor before using it. Astaxanthin in this product shouldn't be used during pregnancy. For breastfeeding, we don't have enough data on either ingredient, so check with your doctor or pharmacist for personalized advice.
What is astaxanthin and why is it in here?
Astaxanthin is a red pigment from marine organisms that works as an antioxidant. It's included in this product for potential anti-inflammatory and antioxidant support, though we don't have solid evidence yet for most of the conditions it's been studied for.
Is this safe if I have a shellfish allergy?
No — krill are small shellfish-like creatures, so you should avoid this product if you have a shellfish allergy. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about other omega-3 options if that applies to you.
I'm on a blood thinner. Can I take this?
Not without checking with your doctor or pharmacist first. Krill oil's omega-3 fatty acids may increase bleeding risk when combined with blood thinners, so this needs personalized review before you start.

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

Not sure if Omega-3 Krill Oil Extra Strength 500 mg is safe with your meds?

Our pharmacists answer your medication & supplement questions — free.

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.

Omega-3 Krill Oil Extra Strength 500 mg label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Omega-3 Krill Oil Extra Strength 500 mg's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.

Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.

The 16 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.

Krill Oil 13 references
  1. Leaf A. On the reanalysis of the GISSI-Prevenzione. Circulation 2002;105:1874-5. PubMed
  2. Connor WE. n-3 Fatty acids from fish and fish oil: panacea or nostrum? Am J Clin Nutr 2001;74;415-6. PubMed
  3. Calder PC. N-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, inflammation and immunity: pouring oil on troubled waters or another fishy tale? Nutr Res 2001;21:309-41. DOI
  4. Bunea R, El Farrah K, Deutsch L. Evaluation of the effects of Neptune Krill Oil on the clinical course of hyperlipidemia. Altern Med Rev 2004;9:420-8.
  5. Sampalis F, Bunea R, Pelland MF, et al. Evaluation of the effects of Neptune Krill Oil on the management of premenstrual syndrome and dysmenorrhea. Altern Med Rev 2003;8:171-9.
  6. Harris WS, Miller M, Tighe AP, et al. Omega-3 fatty acids and coronary heart disease risk: clinical and mechanistic perspectives. Atherosclerosis 2008;197:12-24. PubMed
  7. Tandy S, Chung RW, Wat E, et al. Dietary krill oil supplementation reduces hepatic steatosis, glycemia, and hypercholesterolemia in high-fat-fed mice. J Agric Food Chem 10-14-2009;57:9339-45. PubMed
  8. Maki, K. C., Reeves, M. S., Farmer, M., Griinari, M., Berge, K., Vik, H., Hubacher, R., and Rains, T. M. Krill oil supplementation increases plasma concentrations of eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids in overweight and obese men and women. Nutr.R PubMed
  9. Albert BB, Derraik JG, Brennan CM, et al. Supplementation with a blend of krill and salmon oil is associated with increased metabolic risk in overweight men. Am J Clin Nutr 2015;102(1):49-57.
  10. Berge K, Musa-Veloso K, Harwood M, Hoem N, Burri L. Krill oil supplementation lowers serum triglycerides without increasing low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in adults with borderline high or high triglyceride levels. Nutr Res 2014;34(2):126-33. PubMed
  11. Lobraico JM, DiLello LC, Butler AD, Cordisco ME, Petrini JR, Ahmadi R. Effects of krill oil on endothelial function and other cardiovascular risk factors in participants with type 2 diabetes, a randomized controlled trial. BMJ Open Diabetes Res Care. 2015 PubMed
  12. van der Wurff ISM, von Schacky C, Bergeland T, Zeegers MP, Kirschner PA, de Groot RHM. Krill oil supplementation's effect on school grades in typically developing adolescents. Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids 2023;191:102553. PubMed
  13. van der Wurff ISM, von Schacky C, Bergeland T, et al. Effect of 1 year krill oil supplementation on cognitive achievement of Dutch adolescents: A double-blind randomized controlled trial. Nutrients. 2019;11(6):1230. PubMed

See these in context on the Krill Oil monograph →

Astaxanthin 3 references
  1. Kupcinskas L, Lafolie P, Lignell A, et al. Efficacy of the natural antioxidant astaxanthin in the treatment of functional dyspepsia in patients with or without Helicobacter pylori infection: A prospective, randomized, double blind, and placebo-controlled
  2. Kistler, A., Liechti, H., Pichard, L., Wolz, E., Oesterhelt, G., Hayes, A., and Maurel, P. Metabolism and CYP-inducer properties of astaxanthin in man and primary human hepatocytes. Arch.Toxicol. 2002;75(11-12):665-675. PubMed
  3. Choi HD, Youn YK, Shin WG. Positive effects of astaxanthin on lipid profiles and oxidative stress in overweight subjects. Plant Foods Hum Nutr. 2011;66:363-369. PubMed

See these in context on the Astaxanthin 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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