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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 a single active ingredient: saw palmetto berries extract. Saw palmetto is used primarily for symptoms related to the prostate and urinary tract.

The supplement also includes several inactive ingredients—olive oil, gelatin, glycerin, caramel color, and titanium dioxide—which serve as the capsule base and help deliver the extract.

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 and urinary function.
  • 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).
  • 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. For transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), it's rated possibly effective.

For benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)—the most common reason people take it—the data shows it's possibly ineffective. For other uses like male pattern baldness, chronic bronchitis, and lower urinary tract symptoms, there isn't enough reliable evidence yet to rate how well it works.

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, and adverse effects tend to be mild and reversible. The most common side effects include abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, dizziness, fatigue, headache, nausea, and decreased libido.

Rarely, it's been linked to skin reactions and cardiovascular effects like heart palpitations or changes in blood pressure, though these are uncommon. Importantly, saw palmetto is rated likely unsafe in pregnancy and should be avoided while breastfeeding because safety data is insufficient and the supplement may affect hormones.

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.

Check before taking this if you use blood thinners or antiplatelet drugs (warfarin, aspirin, clopidogrel, and others)—saw palmetto may increase bleeding risk. Also double-check if you take any hormonal contraceptives or estrogen therapy, as saw palmetto might reduce their effectiveness.

Your doctor or pharmacist can help you decide if it's right for your 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 is an option if you're looking into prostate or urinary health support, though the evidence for benign prostatic hyperplasia isn't strong. Before you start, check your medications—especially if you take blood thinners, contraceptive pills, or any form of hormone therapy.

Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about whether this supplement fits your situation and any personal health concerns.

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 May 23, 2014.

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 37 Pack(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD May 23, 2014
DSLD ID 33632
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 Dark Brown Softgel Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 Dark Brown Softgel Capsule(s)
Servings per container
37
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.
Brand IP Statement(s)

To ensure a complete nutritional program, take daily with these GNC products: Ultra Probiotic Complex Total Lean(TM) CLA SuperFoods Whole Foods Total Lean(TM) Breakfast Squares

Vitapak(R) Program

GNC Mega(R) Men 50 Plus Vitapak(R) Program is a physician endorsed by Frank J. Costa, M.D., an internationally acclaimed urological surgeon, men's health expert and member of the GNC Medical Advisory Board

"Men over 50 need to make wise decisions about nutrition to remain healthy as they age. Mega Men(R) 50 Plus Vitapak(R) Program is the smart choice for mature adults who want to keep up with the changes that accompany aging. I strongly recommend this program because it contains everything that a man over 50 needs to ensure optimal nutritional support. This complete program includes a premium high potency multivitamin, targeted formulas to support prostate and memory function, ingredients that support heart and vision health, plus antioxidant protection."- Frank J. Costa, M.D.

Why should I use Mega Men(R) 50 Plus Vitapak(R) Program? Mega Men (R) 50 Plus Vitapak(R) Program includes key nutrients that a man over 50 needs to ensure inutritional support. The components in this program provide highly effective support for healthy aging. How can Mega Men(R) 50 Plus Vitapak(R) Program Benefit me? Mega Men(R) 50 Plus Vitapak(R) Program combines important nutrients that support overall nutritional needs with focused ingredients designed to address particular health concerns of men of 50 in one convenient daily pack. How Does Mega Men(R) 50 Plus Vitapak(R) Program Work? Each serving of Mega Men(R) 50 Plus Vitapak(R) Program includes the following components to help you achieve your daily nutritional goals.

General

CODE 328422 APG

FDA Disclaimer Statement

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

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.

Formula

Each Pack contains: Mega Men(R) 50 Plus Phytosterols Saw Palmetto Formula Fish Oil with CoQ-10 Memoral(R)

Saw Palmetto Formula- A blend of special ingredients, including pygeum, lycopene and saw palmetto to help support prostate health and normal, healthy urinary flow. This formula also contains zinc for normal reproductive function.

Precautions

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

KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Discontinue use two weeks prior to surgery.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place.

General Statements

GNC QUALITY COMMITMENT For more than 78 years, GNC has been the leader in the development of superior nutritional supplements. Our products are produced using only fresh, high-quality ingredients and are manufactured under the strictest quality controls.

GNC GUARANTEE If you are not 100% completely satisfied, return the unused portion of the product with your receipt to a GNC store within 30 days. Our trained sales staff will either refund your purchase price or, if you prefer, assist you in finding a replacement product to help you LIVE WELL.

BONUS SIZE-ONE EXTRA WEEK FREE!

Promotes prostate health with saw palmetto

PHYSICIAN ENDORSED

50 Plus

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

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

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 Dark Brown Softgel Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container37 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
Name
General Nutrition Corporation
City
Pittsburgh
State
PA
ZipCode
15222
Phone Number
1-888-462-2548
Web Address
gnc.com
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 this if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
No. Saw palmetto is rated likely unsafe in pregnancy because of possible hormonal effects and lack of safety data. You should also avoid it while breastfeeding because there isn't enough information to know it's safe. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you're pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or nursing.
Does saw palmetto actually work for prostate problems?
The evidence is limited. For benign prostatic hyperplasia—the most common prostate condition—saw palmetto is rated possibly ineffective based on available data. For a specific procedure called TURP, it's rated possibly effective. The strength of the evidence isn't strong, so results vary.
What are the most common side effects?
Mild side effects like abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, dizziness, fatigue, headache, nausea, and decreased libido are most common and usually reversible. Serious effects are rare but have been reported, including heart rhythm changes and skin reactions.
Will this interfere with my birth control?
Saw palmetto may have antiestrogenic effects, which means it could theoretically reduce how well hormonal contraceptives work. If you rely on birth control pills or patches, check with your doctor or pharmacist before starting this supplement.
Is it safe to take with aspirin or other blood thinners?
There's a moderate interaction concern. Saw palmetto may prolong bleeding time and increase the risk of bleeding when combined with blood thinners or antiplatelet drugs like aspirin, warfarin, or clopidogrel. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist before taking it alongside these medications.

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

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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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