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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 1 active ingredient. 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 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 4 of its 4 active ingredients.
  • “Krill Oil” is listed as a grouped ingredient — the label gives one combined amount (500 mg) without saying how much of each component you get.
  • “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 4 active ingredients. The main one is krill oil, a marine source of omega-3 fatty acids that includes eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid — two omega-3s your body needs for heart, brain, and eye health.

It also contains astaxanthin, a red carotenoid antioxidant naturally found in krill and other sea life, and phospholipids, which are fat-like compounds that help your body absorb and use the oils. The softgel capsule also holds inactive ingredients like gelatin, glycerin, and water for the capsule shell.

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: heart health.
  • We looked for evidence on: Cardiovascular disease (CVD), Heart failure, Hypertension, Hypertriglyceridemia, Hyperlipidemia, Stroke — and 3 related terms.
  • 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, Hypertension, Stroke, Metabolic syndrome.

The effectiveness data we hold for astaxanthin in this product cover conditions like age-related cognitive decline, macular degeneration, aging skin, and Alzheimer disease — but the evidence for all of these is insufficient to rate. We don't have reliable data on how well astaxanthin works for its proposed uses.

The krill oil itself and its omega-3 components aren't described in the effectiveness data we hold for this particular product.

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

Astaxanthin is generally well tolerated in studies, though long-term safety data are limited. The most common side effects reported are mild: abdominal pain, diarrhea, and red fecal color (a harmless discoloration from the pigment).

At higher doses, some people have had more severe stomach pain. The safety data advise against using this product during pregnancy and while breastfeeding, because there isn't enough information to know it's safe in those situations — talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you're pregnant, planning pregnancy, or 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?
  • 1 of the 1 matched ingredient can interact with medications — Astaxanthin.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • For scale: 672 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 this product, check with your doctor or pharmacist if you take any drugs broken down by the liver enzyme CYP3A4 (Moderate severity) or CYP2B6 (Moderate severity). These include many heart medications, cholesterol drugs, antihistamines, and psychiatric medications.

Astaxanthin may lower their blood levels. No interactions are documented for the other three active ingredients we hold data on, but we couldn't check eicosapentaenoic acid, docosahexaenoic acid, or phospholipids.

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 supplement is for anyone interested in omega-3 krill oil with added astaxanthin. If you take medications metabolized by your liver — especially heart, cholesterol, or psychiatric drugs — check your exact list with your doctor or pharmacist first, because astaxanthin may affect how your liver processes them.

Pregnant or nursing? Steer clear until you've talked it over with your healthcare provider.

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

Assessment coverage: 1 of 4 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) 020525952523
Net contents 90 Softgel(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Oct 22, 2016
DSLD ID 65421
Product type Fat/fatty Acid
Supplement form Softgel Capsule
Dietary claims / uses Nutrient, All Other, Qualified 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
020525952523
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.
General

040215 8208510

General Statements

1 Based on a 30 day randomized, double blind, placebo controlled trial measuring the effect of 300 mg krill oil on CRP levels. 2 Based on 15 randomized controlled trials assessing the impact of omega-3 fatty acid intake on serum triglyceride levels. 3 Proprietary controlled human clinical study of 300 mg MegaRed for improving Omega-3 Index.

Since 1936

Large pack +10 day supply

Heart health

To open tear here

Compare to fish oil

One Small Pill, No Fishy Aftertaste May reduce the risk of coronary heart disease

Actual size

Research has shown that omega-3s 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 MegaRed Omega-3 Krill oil is carried in phospholipid form so it is easily recognized and utilized by your body, giving easy absorption.

rb Health Hygiene Home

Gelatin is derived from bovine sources.

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

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

GUARANTEED for purity, freshness and labeled potency.

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

Already within the normal range.

Formula

100% Pure, High Absorption Krill Oil

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.

Contains shellfish (krill)

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Brand IP Statement(s)

MEGARED OMEGA-3 KRILL OIL CONTAINS INGREDIENTS TO SUPPORT THREE MARKERS OF CARDIOVASCULAR HEALTH: ~ C-reactive Protein (CRP): An important marker of systemic inflammation1 ~ Triglycerides: A type of fat measured in the blood2 ~ Omega-3 index: The amount of omega-3 fatty acids EPA DHA in blood cells3

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

2015 RB

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.

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

DIRECTIONS: Adults take one (1) softgel daily.

Precautions

Contains shellfish (krill)

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. Note: 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.

Storage

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

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.

Seals/Symbols

Schiff Quality Guarantee

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

Formulation

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

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

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

Serving size1 Softgel(s) Dosage formSoftgel Capsule Amounts shown are per serving.

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
  • › Total Omega-3 Fatty Acids
  • Astaxanthin

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 it can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

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 a single active ingredient, and that one ingredient can interact with many different medications on its own. We check it against each medication and show the mechanism responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
Can I take this if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
There isn't enough safety data to know whether it's safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding. The safety information we hold advises against it in both situations. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist — they can help you decide what's right for you.
What's astaxanthin, and why is it in this product?
Astaxanthin is a red carotenoid antioxidant naturally present in krill and other sea life. It's included because proponents believe it supports aging-related health, though the evidence we hold is insufficient to confirm how well it works for conditions like cognitive decline or eye health.
What side effects might I notice?
Astaxanthin is generally well tolerated, but mild side effects can include abdominal pain, diarrhea, and red fecal color — a harmless discoloration from the pigment. At higher doses, some people have experienced more severe stomach pain.
Will this product make my liver process my medications differently?
Astaxanthin may theoretically affect how your liver breaks down certain drugs (those metabolized by CYP3A4 and CYP2B6 enzymes), potentially lowering their blood levels. This hasn't been proven in humans yet, but it's important enough to check with your doctor or pharmacist before you start, especially if you take heart, cholesterol, or psychiatric medications.
Does this product have any fillers or inactive ingredients I should know about?
Yes — the capsule contains gelatin, glycerin, water, ethyl vanillin, and sorbitol as inactive ingredients. These support the softgel's structure and taste, not the supplement's active effects.

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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