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Dietary supplement

Shark Cartilage 740 mg Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by DC

Capsule Category: Non-nutrient/non-botanical
Most serious interaction: Moderate
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Shark Cartilage 740 mg is a dietary supplement by DC with 1 active ingredient. Its ingredients are commonly taken for cancer support (popular use), arthritis and joint pain, psoriasis.Based on those ingredients, 121 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Shark Cartilage. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Shark Cartilage 740 mg by DC

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

This product contains one active ingredient: shark cartilage at 740 mg per capsule. The capsule also holds gelatin, vegetable cellulose, silica, and vegetable magnesium stearate as inactive ingredients (binders and capsule materials).

Does it work?

Not established
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
Not established

The graded evidence we hold for these ingredients covers different conditions than the ones this product is marketed for, so there's no established rating for its stated use — see Shark Cartilage's own graded uses on its monograph.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: joint cartilage maintenance and structure.
  • We looked for evidence on: Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), cartilage health, joint integrity.
  • The closest evidence on file: Shark Cartilage is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Osteoarthritis (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Shark Cartilage is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

The evidence for shark cartilage is mixed and mostly weak. It's rated likely ineffective for cancer.

For age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, Kaposi sarcoma, osteoarthritis, and psoriasis, there isn't enough reliable evidence in the data we hold to say whether it works. Before taking it for any of these conditions, you might want to talk with your doctor about what research actually supports.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Shark Cartilage

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.

Shark cartilage is generally well tolerated when taken by mouth, but side effects do occur. The most common are constipation, nausea, vomiting, dyspepsia (indigestion), dizziness, fatigue, taste disturbance, and low blood pressure.

Rare but serious effects include altered consciousness, weakness, decreased sensation, liver inflammation (hepatitis), high or low blood sugar, and swelling in the legs. Safety data during pregnancy and breastfeeding is not sufficient — the safety notes advise against use in both situations.

Because shark cartilage is often poorly studied and proven benefits are lacking, caution is warranted.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Shark Cartilage

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 — Shark Cartilage.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: immunosuppressants / transplant drugs.
  • For scale: 121 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.

If you take immunosuppressants — medications that dampen your immune system after a transplant or for severe autoimmune conditions — flag this product with your doctor or pharmacist before you start. Shark cartilage might theoretically interfere with how they work (Moderate severity).

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with no established evidence rating for its marketed use. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

Shark cartilage may be worth considering if you're curious about it for arthritis, vision problems, or other listed conditions — but the evidence is thin to absent. If you take immunosuppressants, check with your doctor or pharmacist before starting.

Side effects like nausea and constipation are possible, and it's not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Talk it over with your own doctor or pharmacist to see if it fits your situation.

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 Jun 16, 2022.

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 Shark Cartilage 740 mg, straight from the product label.

Brand DC
Net contents 300 Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Jun 16, 2022
DSLD ID 266885
Product type Non-nutrient/non-botanical
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses Nutrient, All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), Women (not pregnant or lactating), Gluten 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 Shark Cartilage 740 mg by DC, 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 Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 Capsule(s)
Servings per container
300
IngredientAmount% DV
Shark Cartilage740 mg--

Other ingredients: Gelatin, Vegetable Cellulose, Silica, Vegetable Magnesium Stearate

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.
Formula

The pure, freeze dried shark cartilage contained in this product is a natural source of chondroitin sulfate, which is a key structural component in human cartilage. Chondroitin also plays an important role in the maintenance of joint cartilage.

A natural source of protein and mucopolysaccharides

Precautions

Tamper Evident: Do not use this product if imprinted foil seal under cap is broken or missing.

Keep out of reach of children.

Caution: If you are pregnant or nursing do not take this product.

Contraindicated in those with hypercalcemia. Those with renal failure or liver failure should exercise caution in the use of shark cartilage.

Contains fish (shark) ingredients.

Formulation

Mfg. in an FDA Registered Facility using Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs)

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

Gluten free

Made in USA

Seals/Symbols

Keep tightly closed. Store at room temperature: 59 degrees - 86 degrees F (15 degrees to 30 degrees C).

Quali Pure

FDA Disclaimer Statement

This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Directions: Adults, as a dietary supplement, take 1 capsule four to six times daily, preferably with meals.

See for yourself

Shark Cartilage 740 mg by DC label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Shark Cartilage 740 mg by DC

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

Serving size1 Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container300 Amounts shown are per serving.

Shark Cartilage

Interacts with
121 drugs
740 mg per serving

Shark cartilage is a supplement made from the skeletal tissue of sharks that was heavily promoted for cancer and joint conditions, but good-quality cl...

Shark Cartilage monograph & interactions

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

Interaction report

Shark Cartilage 740 mg by DC Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Shark Cartilage 740 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
121Drugs
121 Moderate

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Shark Cartilage 740 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.

Shark Cartilage1 drug type · 121 drugs

Immunosuppressants

Theoretically, shark cartilage might interfere with immunosuppressive therapy.
In vitro evidence suggests that shark cartilage might stimulate immune responses. This effect has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Shark Cartilage 740 mg, from the product label.

DC

See all DC products
Name
Dee Cee Laboratories, Inc.
Street Address
304 Dee Cee Rd.
City
White House
State
TN
ZipCode
37188
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Shark Cartilage 740 mg by DC: Common Questions

Does Shark Cartilage 740 mg by DC interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Shark Cartilage 740 mg has a known interaction with 121 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Shark Cartilage 740 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.
Is shark cartilage safe to take while pregnant or breastfeeding?
No — there isn't enough safety data. The safety notes advise against use during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you're pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or nursing, to go over your options.
What are the most common side effects?
Constipation, nausea, vomiting, indigestion, dizziness, fatigue, changes in taste, and low blood pressure are the most frequently reported. Most people tolerate it reasonably well, but digestive upset is fairly common.
Does shark cartilage actually work for arthritis?
The evidence doesn't establish that it does. For osteoarthritis, there isn't enough reliable evidence to say whether it helps. If you're considering it for joint pain, talk with your doctor about treatments with better evidence first.
Can I take this if I'm on an immunosuppressant medication?
Not without checking first. Shark cartilage might theoretically interfere with immunosuppressants (used after transplants or for severe autoimmune disease), so you'll need to discuss it with your doctor or pharmacist before you start.
What is shark cartilage supposed to do?
It's been marketed for various conditions including cancer, osteoarthritis, vision problems, and psoriasis, but the science doesn't reliably support most of these uses. It's often poorly studied overall.

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

Not sure if Shark Cartilage 740 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.

Shark Cartilage 740 mg label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Shark Cartilage 740 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 12 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.

Shark Cartilage 12 references
  1. Ashar B, Vargo E. Shark cartilage-induced hepatitis [letter]. Ann Intern Med 1996;125:780-1. PubMed
  2. Lane IW, Comac L. Sharks don't get cancer. Garden City, NY: Avery Publishing Group; 1992.
  3. Miller DR, Anderson GT, Stark JJ, et al. Phase I/II trial of the safety and efficacy of shark cartilage in the treatment of advanced cancer. J Clin Oncol 1998;16:3649-55. PubMed
  4. Leitner SP, Rothkopf MM, Haverstick L, et al. Two phase II studies of oral dry shark cartilage powder (SCP) in patients (pts) with either metastatic breast or prostate cancer refractory to standard treatment. Proc Am Soc Clinical Oncol 1998;17:A240.
  5. Batist G, Patenaude F, Champagne P, et al. Neovastat (AE-941) in refractory renal cell carcinoma patients: report of a phase II trial with two dose levels. Ann Oncol 2002;13:1259-63..
  6. Merly, L., Simjee, S., and Smith, S. L. Induction of inflammatory cytokines by cartilage extracts. Int Immunopharmacol. 2007;7(3):383-391. PubMed
  7. Bargahi, A., Hassan, Z. M., Rabbani, A., Langroudi, L., Noori, S. H., and Safari, E. Effect of shark cartilage derived protein on the NK cells activity. Immunopharmacol.Immunotoxicol. 2011;33(3):403-409. PubMed
  8. Leitner SP, Rothkopf MM, Haverstick DD, and et al. Two phase II studies of oral dry shark cartilage powder (SCP) in patients with either metastatic breast or prostate cancer refractory to standard treatment. Amer Soc Clin Oncol 1998;17:A240.
  9. Milner M. A guide to the use of shark cartilage in the treatment of arthritis and other inflammatory joint diseases. Amer Chiropractor 1999;21:40-42.
  10. Rosenbluth, RJ, Jennis, AA, Cantwell, S, and et al. Oral shark cartilage in the treatment of patients with advanced primary brain tumors. A phase II pilot study (meeting abstract). Proc Annu Meet Am Soc Clin Oncol 1999;18:A554.
  11. Saad F, Klotz L, Babaian R, Lacombe L, Champagne P, and Dupont E. Phase I/II trial on AE-941 (Neovastat) in patients with metastatic refractory prostate cancer (abstract presentation). Canadian Urological Association Annual Meeting (June 24-27, 2001).
  12. Merly L, Smith SL. Pro-inflammatory properties of shark cartilage supplement. Immunopharmacol Immunotoxicol. 2015;37(2):140-7. PubMed

See these in context on the Shark Cartilage 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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