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Dietary supplement

Shark Cartilage 750 mg Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Swanson

Shark Cartilage 750 mg label
See full label image
Capsule Category: Non-nutrient/non-botanical
Most serious interaction: Moderate
Clinical methodology reviewed by · Updated Sep 16, 2026 · Label data from the NIH DSLD
What is this page for?

First and foremost: checking Shark Cartilage 750 mg 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

Shark Cartilage 750 mg is a dietary supplement by Swanson 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.

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Check Your Meds Against Shark Cartilage 750 mg by Swanson

Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with Shark Cartilage 750 mg by Swanson — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.

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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Shark Cartilage 750 mg by Swanson

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 product contains one active ingredient: shark cartilage at 750 mg per capsule. Shark cartilage is a tissue extract that's been studied for various musculoskeletal and eye conditions.

The capsule itself is made from gelatin, and the product also contains rice flour and magnesium stearate as inactive ingredients.

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: supports joint integrity and cartilage maintenance.
  • We looked for evidence on: Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), joint health, cartilage health, connective tissue support.
  • 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 limited and mixed. For cancer, it's rated likely ineffective.

For age-related macular degeneration (AMD), diabetic retinopathy, Kaposi sarcoma, osteoarthritis, and psoriasis, there isn't enough reliable evidence to say whether it works or doesn't. If you're considering it for any of these conditions, talk with your doctor about what the current science 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 ones are constipation, nausea, vomiting, indigestion, dizziness, taste changes, and fatigue.

Rarely, more serious effects have been reported, including changes in consciousness, weakness, liver inflammation, and blood sugar swings. The product is poorly studied overall, and the safety data during pregnancy and breastfeeding is insufficient — the facts advise against use in both situations.

Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about whether this product is appropriate for you.

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 weaken the immune system for transplants, autoimmune diseases, or certain cancers — check with your doctor or pharmacist before starting shark cartilage. The product might theoretically interfere with how these drugs work (Moderate severity).

Altogether, these interactions span 121 individual medications.

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 750 mg may be worth a conversation if you're looking at it for osteoarthritis or another condition and you don't take immune-suppressing medications. If you do take immunosuppressants, check with your doctor or pharmacist first.

Be aware the evidence for most conditions is weak or absent, side effects are common, and the overall safety data is thin.

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 28, 2019.

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 750 mg, straight from the product label.

Brand Swanson
Barcode (UPC) 087614016597
Net contents 250 Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD May 28, 2019
DSLD ID 202682
Product type Non-nutrient/non-botanical
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other, 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 Shark Cartilage 750 mg by Swanson, 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:
3 Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
3 Capsule(s)
Servings per container
83
UPC/BARCODE
087614016597
IngredientAmount% DV
Shark Cartilage2.25 Gram(s)--

Other ingredients: Gelatin, Rice Flour, 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.
General Statements

Supports joint integrity Supports cartilage maintenance Maintains healthy connective tissue Science-Backed Quality Since 1969

Joint health and mobility 750 mg per capsule

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested use: As a dietary supplement, take three capsules three times per day with water or as recommended by your healthcare provider.

Precautions

Warning: For adults only.

Consult your physician before using this or any product if you are pregnant or nursing, taking medication or have a medical condition.

Keep out of reach of children.

Do not use if seal is broken.

Contains fish (shark).

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place.

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.

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Formula

Contains fish (shark).

General

SW659 Rev 1 09 25 18

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

See for yourself

Shark Cartilage 750 mg by Swanson label

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

Shark Cartilage 750 mg 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 Shark Cartilage 750 mg by Swanson

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

Serving size3 Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container83 Amounts shown are per serving.

Shark Cartilage

Interacts with
121 drugs
2.25 Gram(s) 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, Rice Flour, Magnesium Stearate. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Shark Cartilage 750 mg by Swanson Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Shark Cartilage 750 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

Shark Cartilage 121

Individual Drug Interactions

The ingredients in Shark Cartilage 750 mg interact with 121 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.

1 of the 1 ingredient in Shark Cartilage 750 mg interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Shark Cartilage

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Shark Cartilage 750 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
Shark Cartilage full monograph & interactions
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Shark Cartilage 750 mg, from the product label.

Swanson

See all Swanson products
Name
Swanson Health Products
City
Fargo
State
ND
ZipCode
58104
Phone Number
1-800-437-4148
Web Address
swanson.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Shark Cartilage 750 mg by Swanson: Common Questions

Does Shark Cartilage 750 mg by Swanson interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Shark Cartilage 750 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 750 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. The safety data isn't there yet. The product facts advise against use during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist for personalized guidance.
What side effects might I get from this?
Most commonly, constipation, nausea, vomiting, indigestion, dizziness, taste changes, and fatigue. Serious side effects are rare but can include changes in consciousness, weakness, liver inflammation, and blood sugar changes. Stop and contact your doctor if anything feels wrong.
Does shark cartilage actually work for osteoarthritis?
There isn't enough reliable evidence to say. The research is insufficient. If you're considering it for joint pain, talk with your doctor about treatments that have better evidence behind them.
Why does shark cartilage interact with immune-suppressing drugs?
Lab studies suggest shark cartilage might rev up immune activity, which could work against medications designed to calm the immune system down. It hasn't been confirmed in real patients yet, but it's a real enough concern to check first.
What exactly is shark cartilage?
It's a tissue extract from shark cartilage. Proponents have studied it for cancers, eye problems, and joint conditions, but proof of benefit is lacking for most uses.

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

Not sure if Shark Cartilage 750 mg is safe with your meds?

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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 750 mg label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Shark Cartilage 750 mg’s Ingredients

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

Herb & supplement monograph

Shark Cartilage

Interacts with 121 drugs

Shark cartilage is a supplement made from the skeletal tissue of sharks that was heavily promoted for cancer and joint conditions, but good-quality clinical trials have not shown meaningful...

Read the full Shark Cartilage monograph →
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Shark Cartilage 750 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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