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Dietary supplement

Saw Palmetto Formula Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by GNC Mega Men

Saw Palmetto Formula label
See full label image
Capsule Category: Botanical
Most serious interaction: Moderate
Clinical methodology reviewed by · Updated Sep 9, 2026 · Label data from the NIH DSLD
What is this page for?

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

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

The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Saw Palmetto Formula is a dietary supplement by GNC Mega Men with 1 active ingredient. Its ingredients are commonly taken for benign prostatic hyperplasia (bph) symptoms, urinary problems, hair loss.Based on those ingredients, 174 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Saw Palmetto Berries Extract. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

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Check Your Meds Against Saw Palmetto Formula by GNC Mega Men

Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with Saw Palmetto Formula by GNC Mega Men — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.

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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Saw Palmetto Formula by GNC Mega Men

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 Sep 10, 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 1 of its 1 active ingredient.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

This formula contains one active ingredient: saw palmetto berries extract. The extract is delivered in a softgel capsule with olive oil, gelatin, glycerin, caramel color, and titanium dioxide as inactive ingredients.

Does it work?

Leans against
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
Leans against

The strongest graded evidence we hold for the stated purpose leans against a benefit.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: Prostate health for men over 50.
  • We looked for evidence on: Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), Non-neurogenic lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), Prostatitis, Chronic prostatitis and chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS), urinary symptoms, prostate support.
  • The closest evidence on file: Saw Palmetto is rated "Possibly Ineffective" for Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Saw Palmetto is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Chronic prostatitis and chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS), Prostatitis, Non-neurogenic lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS).

The evidence for saw palmetto is mixed. It's rated possibly effective for one specific urinary condition (transurethral resection of the prostate recovery), but possibly ineffective for benign prostatic hyperplasia—the most common reason people take it.

For hair loss (androgenic alopecia), chronic bronchitis, and non-neurogenic lower urinary tract symptoms, the evidence isn't established enough to rate. If prostate or urinary issues are why you're interested, talk with your doctor about what the research actually supports for your situation.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Saw Palmetto

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.

Saw palmetto is generally well tolerated in adults, and side effects when they do occur are usually mild and reversible. The most common ones are abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, dizziness, headache, nausea, and changes in libido.

Rarely, heart rhythm issues have been reported. You should avoid this product during pregnancy and while breastfeeding—the hormone-related effects and lack of safety data make it unsafe in both situations.

If you're pregnant, planning pregnancy, or nursing, skip this and talk with your doctor about safer options.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Saw Palmetto

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 — Saw Palmetto.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs.
  • For scale: 174 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 estrogens or contraceptive drugs—saw palmetto may reduce how well they work. Also check if you're on blood thinners (anticoagulants) or antiplatelet drugs like aspirin or warfarin, because saw palmetto might increase bleeding risk.

Use the search tool on this page to verify your exact medications.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

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

Saw palmetto might interest you if you're dealing with certain urinary symptoms and want to explore what the evidence supports—but the research is limited. The main caution is if you're on birth control, hormone therapy, or blood thinners; those interactions are real concerns.

Chat with your doctor or pharmacist before you start, especially if you take any prescription medications or if you're pregnant or breastfeeding.

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

Assessment coverage: 1 of 1 active ingredient matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Dec 21, 2012.

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 Saw Palmetto Formula, straight from the product label.

Brand GNC Mega Men
Net contents 30 Pack(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Dec 21, 2012
DSLD ID 15715
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Seniors/Mature (>50 Years) - Men ONLY, Gluten Free, Dairy Free
From the label
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.

Supplement Facts

The label details for Saw Palmetto Formula by GNC Mega Men, 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)
IngredientAmount% DV
Saw Palmetto Berries Extract160 mg--

Other ingredients: Olive Oil, Gelatin, Glycerin, Caramel color, Titanium Dioxide

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

KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN.

Discontinue use two weeks prior to surgery.

WARNING: Consult your physician prior to using this product if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition.

General Statements

GNC QUALITY COMMITMENT GNC, the leader in the development and manufacture of dietary supplements, is committed to providing the highest quality products available. This commitment begins with quality designed supplement formulations. Every raw material that goes into a GNC supplement is guaranteed as to quality and potency. Each product is dated and then shipped immediately to our stores, so you can be sure you are purchasing the freshest supplements available. At GNC, we extend our quality commitment to you by offering our money-back guarantee.

Compared to leading brands.

GNC GUARANTEE Use any GNC supplement for as little as 10 days. If you are not 100% completely satisfied, return the unused portion of the product with proof of purchase to your GNC store for a complete refund of your purchase price. No questions asked!

Dr. Frank J. Costa, M.D., an internationally acclaimed urological surgeon and men's health expert, is part of the GNC Medical Advisory Board. One of "America's Top Physician's," Dr. Cost lectures internationally on men's health topics. Dr. Costa is regularly featured in television, radio and newspaper interviews and has published articles in both professional journals and popular magazines. "Mega Men(R) 50 Plus Vitapak(R) is the smart choice for healthy aging. This program includes a specially balanced multivitamin, prostate and memory formulas, heart health and vision support ingredients and extra antioxidant protection. Everything a man over 50 needs to ensure optimal nutritional support."

CLINICALLY STUDIED

- Promotes prostate health with saw palmetto

Saw Palmetto Formula

Conforms to USP <2091> for weight. Meets USP <2040> for disintegration.

ACTUAL SIZE

- Saw Palmetto Formula - Features saw palmetto extract to support healthy prostate function and health and a normal urinary flow.

Formulation

No Artificial Colors, No Wheat, No Gluten, No Dairy, Yeast Free.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place.

Brand IP Statement(s)

VITAPACK(R) PROGRAM FOR MEN OVER 50

MEGA MEN(R) 50 PLUS Mega Men(R) 50 PLUS Vitapak(R) Program is a scientifically designed, healthy aging program that conveniently combines specialty formulas to support men's overall nutritional needs. - Mega Men(R) 50 Plus - Our premium, clinically studied multivitamin scientifically designed to include nutrients that support overall healthy aging.

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

DIRECTIONS: As a dietary supplement, take the contents of one pack daily with food.

General

CODE 328411 CMG

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.

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

See for yourself

Saw Palmetto Formula by GNC Mega Men label

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

Saw Palmetto Formula 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 Saw Palmetto Formula by GNC Mega Men

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

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

Saw Palmetto Berries Extract

Interacts with
174 drugs
160 mg per serving Form: Fatty Acids, Sterols

Saw palmetto is a plant extract most often used for urinary symptoms linked to an enlarged prostate (BPH). The best research suggests it works no bett...

Saw Palmetto Berries Extract monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Olive Oil, Gelatin, Glycerin, Caramel color, Titanium Dioxide. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Saw Palmetto Formula by GNC Mega Men Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Saw Palmetto Formula?

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
174Drugs
174 Moderate

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Saw Palmetto Berries Extract 174

Individual Drug Interactions

The ingredients in Saw Palmetto Formula interact with 174 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.

1 of the 1 ingredient in Saw Palmetto Formula interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Saw Palmetto Berries Extract

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Saw Palmetto Formula 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.

Saw Palmetto Berries Extract3 drug types · 174 drugs

Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Saw palmetto might increase the risk of bleeding with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Saw palmetto is reported to prolong bleeding time. Theoretically, it might increase the risk of bleeding when used concomitantly with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Contraceptive Drugs

Saw palmetto might reduce the effectiveness of contraceptive drugs.
Saw palmetto might have antiestrogenic effects. Theoretically, it might interfere with contraceptive drugs taken concomitantly.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Estrogens

Saw palmetto might reduce the effectiveness of estrogens.
Saw palmetto might have antiestrogenic effects. Theoretically, it might interfere with estrogens taken concomitantly.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Saw Palmetto Berries Extract full monograph & interactions
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Saw Palmetto Formula, from the product label.

GNC Mega Men

See all GNC Mega Men products
Phone Number
1-888-462-2548
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Saw Palmetto Formula by GNC Mega Men: Common Questions

Does Saw Palmetto Formula by GNC Mega Men interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Saw Palmetto Formula has a known interaction with 174 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Saw Palmetto Formula 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 Saw Palmetto Formula if I'm on birth control?
Not without checking first. Saw palmetto might reduce how well your contraceptive works because it can interfere with estrogens. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist before combining them—they can help you decide if it's safe for you or if you need to adjust anything.
What are the most common side effects?
Most adverse effects are mild and reversible. The most common ones are abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, dizziness, headache, nausea, and decreased libido. Serious side effects like heart rhythm changes are rare but have been reported.
Is it safe during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?
No. The safety data rates saw palmetto as likely unsafe in both pregnancy and lactation because of its hormone-related effects and lack of safety information. If you're pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or nursing, avoid this product and talk with your doctor about alternatives.
Does this really work for benign prostatic hyperplasia (enlarged prostate)?
The evidence doesn't support it well. Saw palmetto is rated possibly ineffective for BPH, which is the main reason most people take it. If you have urinary symptoms, have a conversation with your doctor about treatments with stronger evidence.
Can I take this if I'm on blood thinners?
Not without talking to your doctor or pharmacist first. Saw palmetto may increase bleeding risk when combined with anticoagulants like warfarin or antiplatelet drugs like aspirin. Let your healthcare provider know before you start, so they can monitor you or adjust your plan.
Can I take this along with hormone replacement therapy?
Check with your doctor or pharmacist before combining them. Saw palmetto might interfere with estrogens in your hormone therapy and reduce how well it works. They can advise you on whether it's safe for you personally.

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

Not sure if Saw Palmetto Formula is safe with your meds?

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Ask a pharmacist

Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.

Saw Palmetto Formula label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Saw Palmetto Formula’s Ingredients

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

Herb & supplement monograph

Saw Palmetto

Interacts with 174 drugs

Saw palmetto is a plant extract most often used for urinary symptoms linked to an enlarged prostate (BPH). The best research suggests it works no better than a placebo for most men, though i...

Read the full Saw Palmetto monograph →
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Saw Palmetto Formula'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 22 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.

Saw Palmetto 22 references
  1. Wilt TJ, Ishani A, Stark G, et al. Saw palmetto extracts for treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia: a systematic review. JAMA 1998;280:1604-9. PubMed
  2. Carraro JC, Raynaud JP, Koch G, et al. Comparison of phytotherapy (Permixon) with finasteride in the treatment of benign prostate hyperplasia: a randomized international study of 1,098 patients. Prostate 1996;29:231-40. DOI
  3. Di Silverio F, D'Eramo G, Lubrano C, et al. Evidence that Serenoa repens extract displays an antiestrogenic activity in prostatic tissue of benign prostatic hypertrophy patients. Eur Urol 1992;21:309-14. PubMed
  4. Stepanov VN, Siniakova LA, Sarrazin B, Raynaud JP. Efficacy and tolerability of the lipidosterolic extract of Serenoa repens (Permixon) in benign prostatic hyperplasia: a double-blind comparison of two dosage regimens. Adv Ther 1999;16:231-41.
  5. Cheema P, El-Mefty O, Jazieh AR. Intraoperative haemorrhage associated with the use of extract of Saw Palmetto herb: a case report and review of literature. J Intern Med 2001;250:167-9. PubMed
  6. Jibrin I, Erinle A, Saidi A, Aliyu ZY. Saw palmetto-induced pancreatitis. South Med J 2006;99:611-2. PubMed
  7. Prager N, Bickett K, French N, Marcovici G. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial to determine the effectiveness of botanically derived inhibitors of 5-alpha-reductase in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia. J Altern Complement Med 2002
  8. Avins AL, Bent S, Staccone S, et al. A detailed safety assessment of a saw palmetto extract. Complement Ther Med 2008;16:147-54. PubMed
  9. Morgia, G., Mucciardi, G., Gali, A., Madonia, M., Marchese, F., Di, Benedetto A., Romano, G., Bonvissuto, G., Castelli, T., Macchione, L., and Magno, C. Treatment of chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome category IIIA with Serenoa repens plus
  10. Aliaev, IuG, Vinarov, A. Z., Lokshin, K. L., and Spivak, L. G. [Efficiency and safety of prostamol-Uno in patients with chronic abacterial prostatitis]. Urologiia. 2006;(1):47-50.
  11. Agbabiaka, T. B., Pittler, M. H., Wider, B., and Ernst, E. Serenoa repens (saw palmetto): a systematic review of adverse events. Drug Saf 2009;32(8):637-647. PubMed
  12. Wargo, K. A., Allman, E., and Ibrahim, F. A possible case of saw palmetto-induced pancreatitis. South.Med.J. 2010;103(7):683-685. PubMed
  13. Lapi, F., Gallo, E., Giocaliere, E., Vietri, M., Baronti, R., Pieraccini, G., Tafi, A., Menniti-Ippolito, F., Mugelli, A., Firenzuoli, F., and Vannacci, A. Acute liver damage due to Serenoa repens: a case report. Br.J.Clin.Pharmacol. 2010;69(5):558-560.
  14. Mantovani, F. Serenoa repens in benign prostatic hypertrophy: analysis of 2 Italian studies. Minerva Urol.Nefrol. 2010;62(4):335-340.
  15. Hanaka, M., Yoshii, C., Yatera, K., Ito, C., Chojin, Y., Nagata, S., Yamasaki, K., Nishida, C., Kawanami, T., Kawanami, Y., Ishimoto, H., and Mukae, H. [A case of rhabdomyolysis caused by saw palmetto of healthy foods]. J.UOEH. 6-1-2012;34(2):193-199. PubMed
  16. Miroddi, M., Carni, A., Mannucci, C., Moleti, M., Navarra, M., and Calapai, G. Hot flashes in a young girl: a wake-up call concerning Serenoa repens use in children. Pediatrics 2012;130(5):e1374-e1376.
  17. Braeckman J. The extract of Serenoa repens in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia: a multicenter open study. Current Therapeutic Research 1994;55(7):776-785. DOI
  18. Jipescu D, Patel A, Bohra H, Pientka A. Rare case of saw palmetto induced heart block. JACC 2017;69(11) supplement:2310.
  19. Morabito P, Miroddi M, Giovinazzo S, Spina E, Calapai G. Serenoa repens as an endocrine disruptor in a 10-year-Old young girl: a new case report. Pharmacology. 2015;96(1-2):41-3. doi: 10.1159/000431327.
  20. Gammoudi R, Ameur K, Ouni B, et al. Fixed drug eruption to Serenoa repens: first case report and consideration of the use of herbal medicine. Dermatol Ther 2020 Aug 29:e14247.
  21. Paulis G, Paulis A, Perletti G. Serenoa repens and its effects on male sexual function. A systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials. Arch Ital Urol Androl 2021;93(4):475-480. PubMed
  22. Venkateswaran S, Declet-Bauzo R, Shodeinde M, Gilford P. Postoperative Retroperitoneal Hematoma: A Case of Saw Palmetto and the Importance of Primary Care Intervention. HCA Healthc J Med 2020;1(5):279-282. PubMed

See these in context on the Saw Palmetto 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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