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Dietary supplement

Varicare Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Nature's Way

Varicare label
See full label image
Tablet Or Pill Category: Botanical With Nutrients
Most serious interaction: Major
Clinical methodology reviewed by · Updated Sep 9, 2026 · Label data from the NIH DSLD
What is this page for?

First and foremost: checking Varicare 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: Major

Varicare is a dietary supplement by Nature's Way with 3 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for bone health and osteoporosis prevention, dietary calcium deficiency, heartburn relief (calcium carbonate antacids).Based on those ingredients, 793 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated major. The ingredients most likely to interact are Gotu Kola (leaf) extract, Calcium, Horse Chestnut (seed) extract. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

Jump to a section

Check Your Meds Against Varicare by Nature's Way

Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with Varicare by Nature's Way — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.

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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Varicare by Nature's Way

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 Jul 11, 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 3 of its 3 active ingredients.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

Varicare contains three active ingredients. Calcium supports bone health and helps with several conditions including weak bones (osteoporosis) and low calcium levels (hypocalcemia).

Horse chestnut seed extract — specifically the processed form that has toxic compounds removed — is traditionally used for circulation and vein health. Gotu kola leaf extract is included for its effects on skin and possibly circulation.

The tablet also contains several inactive ingredients that help hold it together and make it easier to swallow: cellulose, sodium croscarmellose, soy lecithin, hypromellose, magnesium stearate, glycerin, and carnauba wax.

Does it work?

Moderate 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
Moderate

Some clinical evidence supports this product's ingredients for its stated purpose, but it isn't conclusive.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: Promotes healthy circulation in leg veins.
  • We looked for evidence on: Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), Hemorrhoids, Venous insufficiency, Wound healing, Varicose veins, Leg swelling — and 1 related terms.
  • The strongest evidence on file: Gotu Kola is rated "Possibly Effective" for Venous insufficiency (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Horse Chestnut is rated "Possibly Effective" for Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI).
  • Also on file: Gotu Kola is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Hemorrhoids, Wound healing.

Calcium in this product is effective for osteoporosis (weak bones), high potassium levels (hyperkalemia), low calcium levels (hypocalcemia), and indigestion — it's also likely effective for preventing kidney failure. Horse chestnut seed extract is possibly effective for chronic venous insufficiency (poor circulation in the veins), though the evidence isn't strong.

For hemorrhoids, kidney stones, and IBS, the data we hold doesn't establish whether horse chestnut works. Gotu kola is possibly effective for venous insufficiency and burns, but possibly ineffective for sun damage to skin (radiation dermatitis) and brain function.

The evidence for Alzheimer's disease, anxiety, and other uses hasn't been established in the data we hold.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Calcium Horse Chestnut Gotu Kola

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 3 of the 3 matched ingredients.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 3 of 3.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 3 of 3.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Calcium is generally well tolerated at recommended doses, but high amounts can cause problems. The most common side effects taken by mouth are belching, constipation, diarrhea, bloating, and stomach upset.

Rarely, very high doses have been linked to kidney stones and a serious condition called calciphylaxis. There's also some concern that very high calcium intake — over 1500 to 2000 mg daily — might increase the risk of advanced prostate cancer, though the evidence is mixed and some studies have been criticized.

Horse chestnut seed extract from properly processed extract is reasonably tolerated, but the raw plant is toxic. Common side effects include dizziness, stomach upset, headache, and itching.

Gotu kola is generally well tolerated short-term, but quality evidence is limited. The most common side effects are stomach irritation and nausea; topically, it can cause eczema or allergic contact dermatitis.

There have been rare reports of liver toxicity with gotu kola, though it's unclear whether gotu kola was the actual cause. Calcium is likely safe in pregnancy and lactation at recommended amounts — adequate calcium is important during both.

Horse chestnut and gotu kola, however, lack enough safety data in pregnancy and breastfeeding and are best avoided during both.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Calcium Horse Chestnut Gotu Kola

Meds to double-check

Major interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Major identified

At least one ingredient has a documented Major-severity interaction. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 3 of the 3 matched ingredients can interact with medications — Gotu Kola, Calcium, Horse Chestnut.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Major.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs; heart-rhythm medications; lithium.
  • For scale: 794 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 Varicare, double-check with your pharmacist if you take HIV integrase inhibitors like dolutegravir (Tivicay) or elvitegravir (Vitekta) — calcium significantly lowers their blood levels. Also critical: if you receive intravenous ceftriaxone (Rocephin) for an infection, IV calcium must be avoided entirely and spaced 48 hours apart.

Check too if you take the HIV drug raltegravir (Isentress), the thyroid drug levothyroxine (Synthroid and others), the heart drug sotalol (Betapace), or the calcium-channel blocker diltiazem (Cardizem and others) — calcium can reduce how well these work. If you're on blood thinners (anticoagulants) or antiplatelet drugs, the horse chestnut part may increase bleeding risk.

And if you take sedatives or drugs that can harm the liver, ask your pharmacist about the gotu kola ingredient.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with some supporting evidence for its stated purpose. Major medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

Varicare may be worth considering if you're looking to support bone health and circulation, but you need to check your medications first — calcium especially can interfere with several important drugs. If you take HIV medications, antibiotics, thyroid medication, heart medication, or blood thinners, talk to your pharmacist before starting this product.

For pregnancy or breastfeeding, horse chestnut and gotu kola should be avoided, though calcium at recommended doses is appropriate.

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

Assessment coverage: 3 of 3 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Feb 26, 2020.

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 Varicare, straight from the product label.

Brand Nature's Way
Barcode (UPC) 763948088492
Net contents 90 Vegan Tablet(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Feb 26, 2020
DSLD ID 212836
Product type Botanical With Nutrients
Supplement form Tablet Or Pill
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Vegan, Vegetarian, Adult (18 - 50 Years), 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 Varicare by Nature's Way, 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:
2 Tablet(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
2 Tablet(s)
Servings per container
45
UPC/BARCODE
763948088492
IngredientAmount% DV
Total Carbohydrates1 Gram(s)1%
Calcium140 mg11%
Horse Chestnut (seed) extract250 mg--
Gotu Kola (leaf) extract30 mg--

Other ingredients: Cellulose, Sodium Croscarmellose, Soy Lecithin, Hypromellose, Magnesium Stearate, Glycerin, Carnauba Wax

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.
Formulation

Promotes healthy circulation in leg veins

Gluten free. No yeast-derived ingredients, wheat, dairy products, or artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.

Vegan

General Statements

At Nature’s Way, we believe nature knows best. That’s why our mission is to seek out the best herbs the earth has to give. We will go to any continent or country to find where herbs grow best, so we can bring you the purest botanicals possible. It’s the way we deliver uncompromising quality and the way to help you live healthier. It’s not just our way, it’s Nature's Way.

Nature’s Way Since 1969 Premium blend

Bottles made From 97% post-consumer recycled plastic

FDA Disclaimer Statement

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food & 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

Recommendation: Take 2 tablets twice daily.

Precautions

If you are pregnant, nursing, or taking any medications, consult a healthcare professional before use.

Contains soy.

Keep out of reach of children.

Safety sealed with printed inner seal. Do not use if seal is broken or missing.

Brand IP Statement(s)

2019 Nature’s Way Brands, LLC

Seals/Symbols

Quality Global Sourcing Bottled & Tested In the USA

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

See for yourself

Varicare by Nature's Way label

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

Varicare 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 Varicare by Nature's Way

These are the 3 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size2 Tablet(s) Dosage formTablet Or Pill Servings per container45 Amounts shown are per serving.

Most supplement products combine several ingredients, and a medication can interact with the product through any one of them. Each ingredient below shows whether it has known drug interactions.

Calcium

Interacts with
168 drugs
140 mg per serving Form: Calcium Carbonate

Calcium is an essential mineral your body needs for strong bones, nerve signaling, and muscle function, and supplements can help fill gaps when diet f...

Calcium monograph & interactions

Horse Chestnut (seed) extract

Interacts with
122 drugs
250 mg per serving Form: Aescin

Horse chestnut seed extract is most often used for chronic venous insufficiency, where standardized products may help reduce leg swelling, pain, and h...

Horse Chestnut (seed) extract monograph & interactions

Gotu Kola (leaf) extract

Interacts with
579 drugs
30 mg per serving Form: Triterpenes

Gotu kola is a traditional Ayurvedic and Asian herb that people use for wound healing, circulation, skin problems, and as a calming or memory-supporti...

Gotu Kola (leaf) extract monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Cellulose, Sodium Croscarmellose, Soy Lecithin, Hypromellose, Magnesium Stearate, Glycerin, Carnauba Wax. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Varicare by Nature's Way Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Varicare?

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
793Drugs
7 Major 769 Moderate 17 Minor

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Gotu Kola (leaf) extract 579
Calcium 168
Horse Chestnut (seed) extract 122

Individual Drug Interactions

The ingredients in Varicare interact with 793 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.

3 of the 3 ingredients in Varicare interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Gotu Kola (leaf) extract Calcium Horse Chestnut (seed) extract

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Varicare with known interactions, here are the types of medications they can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

Gotu Kola (leaf) extract2 drug types · 579 drugs

Cns Depressants

Theoretically, taking gotu kola might increase the sedative effects of CNS depressants.
In vitro research suggests that gotu kola may have sedative effects via binding of GABA receptors.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Hepatotoxic Drugs

Theoretically, taking gotu kola with hepatotoxic drugs might have additive adverse effects.
There are at least four case reports of hepatotoxicity associated with the use of gotu kola. However, more information is needed to determine if gotu kola was the causative factor in these cases.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Gotu Kola (leaf) extract full monograph & interactions

Calcium18 drug types · 168 drugs

Ceftriaxone (Rocephin)

Co-administration of intravenous calcium and ceftriaxone can result in precipitation of a ceftriaxone-calcium salt in the lungs and kidneys.
Avoid administering intravenous calcium in any form, such as parenteral nutrition or Lactated Ringers, within 48 hours of intravenous ceftriaxone. Case reports in neonates show that administering intravenous ceftriaxone and calcium can result in precipitation of a ceftriaxone-calcium salt in the lungs and kidneys. In several cases, neonates have died as a result of this interaction. So far there are no reports in adults; however, there is still concern that this interaction might occur in adults.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Dolutegravir (Tivicay)

Calcium seems to reduce levels of dolutegravir.
Advise patients to take dolutegravir either 2 hours before or 6 hours after taking calcium supplements. Pharmacokinetic research suggests that taking calcium carbonate 1200 mg concomitantly with dolutegravir 50 mg reduces plasma levels of dolutegravir by almost 40%. Calcium appears to decrease levels of dolutegravir through chelation.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Elvitegravir (Vitekta)

Calcium seems to reduce levels of elvitegravir.
Advise patients to take elvitegravir either 2 hours before or 2 hours after taking calcium supplements. Pharmacokinetic research suggests that taking calcium along with elvitegravir can reduce blood levels of elvitegravir through chelation.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Aluminum

Calcium citrate might increase aluminum absorption and toxicity. Other types of calcium do not increase aluminum absorption.
Calcium citrate can increase the absorption of aluminum when taken with aluminum hydroxide. The increase in aluminum levels may become toxic, particularly in individuals with kidney disease. However, the effect of calcium citrate on aluminum absorption is due to the citrate anion rather than calcium cation. Calcium acetate does not appear to increase aluminum absorption.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Bictegravir/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Alafenamide (Biktarvy)

Calcium might decrease levels of bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide by reducing its absorption when taken in a fasting state.
Advise patients that bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide and calcium can be taken together if taken with food. However, if taken on an empty stomach, bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide should not be taken with, or 2 hours after, calcium containing products.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Bisphosphonates

Calcium reduces the absorption of bisphosphonates.
Advise patients to take bisphosphonates at least 30 minutes before calcium, but preferably at a different time of day. Calcium supplements decrease absorption of bisphosphonates.

Likelihood Probable Evidence C
Calcipotriene (Dovonex)

Taking calcipotriene with calcium might increase the risk for hypercalcemia.
Calcipotriene is a vitamin D analog used topically for psoriasis. It can be absorbed in sufficient amounts to cause systemic effects, including hypercalcemia. Theoretically, combining calcipotriene with calcium supplements might increase the risk of hypercalcemia.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Digoxin (Lanoxin)

Using intravenous calcium with digoxin might increase the risk of fatal cardiac arrhythmias.
Hypercalcemia increases the risk of fatal cardiac arrhythmias with digoxin. However, one retrospective analysis of clinical data suggests that intravenous calcium does not increase the risk of dysrhythmias or mortality in patients receiving digoxin.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Diltiazem (Cardizem, Others)

Theoretically, calcium may reduce the therapeutic effects of diltiazem.
Hypercalcemia can reduce the effectiveness of verapamil in atrial fibrillation. Theoretically, calcium might increase this risk of hypercalcemia and reduce the effectiveness of diltiazem.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Levothyroxine (Synthroid, Others)

Calcium seems to reduce the absorption and effectiveness of levothyroxine.
Advise patients to take levothyroxine and calcium supplements at least 4 hours apart. Calcium reduces levothyroxine absorption, probably by forming insoluble complexes. Calcium carbonate supplements reduce effectiveness of levothyroxine in patients with hypothyroidism.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Lithium

Theoretically, concomitant use of calcium and lithium may increase this risk of hypercalcemia.
Clinical research suggests that long-term use of lithium may cause hypercalcemia in 10% to 60% of patients. Theoretically, concomitant use of lithium and calcium supplements may further increase this risk.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Quinolone Antibiotics

Calcium seems to reduce the absorption of quinolone antibiotics.
Advise patients to take oral quinolones at least 2 hours before or 4-6 hours after calcium supplements or calcium-fortified foods. Taking calcium at the same time as oral quinolones can reduce quinolone absorption. Calcium binds to quinolones in the gut.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Raltegravir (Isentress)

Calcium may reduce levels of raltegravir.
Pharmacokinetic research shows that taking a single dose of calcium carbonate 3000 mg along with raltegravir 400 mg twice daily modestly decreases the mean area under the curve of raltegravir, but the decrease does not necessitate a dose adjustment of raltegravir. However, a case of elevated HIV-1 RNA levels and documented resistance to raltegravir has been reported for a patient taking calcium carbonate 1 gram three times daily plus vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) 400 IU three times daily in combination with raltegravir 400 mg twice daily for 11 months. It is thought that calcium reduced raltegravir levels by chelation, leading to treatment failure.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Sotalol (Betapace)

Calcium seems to reduce the absorption of sotalol.
Advise patients to separate doses by at least 2 hours before or 4-6 hours after calcium. Calcium appears to reduce the absorption of sotalol, probably by forming insoluble complexes.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Tetracycline Antibiotics

Calcium seems to reduce the absorption of tetracycline antibiotics.
Advise patients to take oral tetracyclines at least 2 hours before, or 4-6 hours after calcium supplements. Taking calcium at the same time as oral tetracyclines can reduce tetracycline absorption. Calcium binds to tetracyclines in the gut.

Likelihood Probable Evidence C
Thiazide Diuretics

Taking calcium along with thiazides might increase the risk of hypercalcemia and renal failure.
Thiazides reduce calcium excretion by the kidneys. Using thiazides along with moderately large amounts of calcium carbonate increases the risk of milk-alkali syndrome (hypercalcemia, metabolic alkalosis, renal failure). Patients may need to have their serum calcium levels and/or parathyroid function monitored regularly.

Likelihood Probable Evidence C
Verapamil (Calan, Others)

Theoretically, calcium may reduce the therapeutic effects of verapamil.
Hypercalcemia can reduce the effectiveness of verapamil in atrial fibrillation. Theoretically, use of calcium supplements may increase this risk of hypercalcemia and reduce the effectiveness of verapamil.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Calcium Channel Blockers

Intravenous calcium may decrease the effects of calcium channel blockers; oral calcium is unlikely to have this effect.
Intravenous calcium is used to decrease the effects of calcium channel blockers in the management of overdose. Intravenous calcium gluconate has been used before intravenous verapamil (Isoptin) to prevent or reduce the hypotensive effects without affecting the antiarrhythmic effects. But there is no evidence that dietary or supplemental calcium when taken orally interacts with calcium channel blockers.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence D
Calcium full monograph & interactions

Horse Chestnut (seed) extract1 drug type · 122 drugs

Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Horse chestnut may have antiplatelet effects and may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Horse chestnut contains the constituent esculin which has been shown to have antithrombotic effects. Therefore, horse chestnut might have antiplatelet effects. This has not been shown in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Horse Chestnut (seed) extract full monograph & interactions
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Varicare, from the product label.

Nature's Way

See all Nature's Way products
Name
Nature's Way Brands, LLC (previously branded Enzymatic Therapy, LLC)
City
Green Bay
State
WI
ZipCode
54311
Phone Number
1-800-962-8873
Web Address
naturesway.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Varicare by Nature's Way: Common Questions

Does Varicare by Nature's Way interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Varicare has a known interaction with 793 medications, including 7 rated major. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Varicare contains 3 active ingredients, and an interaction can come from any of them. We check every ingredient, combine the results into one list per medication, and show which ingredient and mechanism is 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.
What is horse chestnut seed extract actually used for?
It's used for chronic venous insufficiency — that's poor circulation in the veins, often causing swelling and discomfort in the legs. The evidence that it works is modest (possibly effective). The extract you get in supplements has the toxic parts removed, so it's reasonably safe, but the raw plant itself is toxic.
Can I take Varicare if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
Calcium at recommended doses is fine in both — adequate calcium is actually important during pregnancy and lactation. But horse chestnut and gotu kola don't have enough safety data, so they're best avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Talk with your doctor or midwife about what's right for your situation.
What are the common side effects of taking Varicare?
The most common ones from calcium are belching, constipation, diarrhea, bloating, and stomach upset. Horse chestnut may cause dizziness, stomach upset, headache, or itching. Gotu kola typically causes stomach irritation or nausea. Most people tolerate it okay at recommended doses, but if you're sensitive, you might notice one or more of these.
Does this product have fillers or other inactive ingredients?
Yes — the tablet contains cellulose, sodium croscarmellose, soy lecithin, hypromellose, magnesium stearate, glycerin, and carnauba wax. These are standard inactive ingredients that help the tablet hold together and be swallowed easily. If you're allergic to soy, note that soy lecithin is included.
Is Varicare safe to take long-term?
Calcium is generally safe at recommended amounts over time. Horse chestnut extract is considered reasonably tolerated short-term, but long-term safety is less clear. Gotu kola is well tolerated short-term, but quality long-term data is limited. If you're thinking about taking this daily for months, ask your pharmacist whether it's right for you and whether you need any monitoring.
Will this help my poor circulation or swollen legs?
Horse chestnut extract is possibly effective for chronic venous insufficiency — that's the medical term for poor circulation in the veins — so it may help, but the evidence isn't strong. Gotu kola is also possibly effective for venous insufficiency. Results vary, and it can take time. If symptoms are severe or worsening, see your doctor.

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

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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.

Varicare label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Varicare’s Ingredients

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

Herb & supplement monograph

Calcium

Interacts with 168 drugs

Calcium is an essential mineral your body needs for strong bones, nerve signaling, and muscle function, and supplements can help fill gaps when diet falls short. Most people do best getting...

Read the full Calcium monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Horse Chestnut

Interacts with 122 drugs

Horse chestnut seed extract is most often used for chronic venous insufficiency, where standardized products may help reduce leg swelling, pain, and heaviness. Raw, unprocessed horse chestnu...

Read the full Horse Chestnut monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Gotu Kola

Interacts with 579 drugs

Gotu kola is a traditional Ayurvedic and Asian herb that people use for wound healing, circulation, skin problems, and as a calming or memory-supporting herb. Some early studies suggest poss...

Read the full Gotu Kola monograph →
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Varicare'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 101 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.

Calcium 62 references
  1. Shils M, Olson A, Shike M. Modern Nutrition in Health and Disease. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Lea and Febiger, 1994.
  2. Hernandez-Avila M, Gonzalez-Cossio T, Hernandez-Avila JE, et al. Dietary calcium supplements to lower blood lead levels in lactating women: a randomized placebo-controlled trial. Epidemiology 2003;14:206-12.. PubMed
  3. Thys-Jacobs S, Ceccarelli S, Bierman A, et al. Calcium supplementation in premenstrual syndrome: a randomized crossover trial. J Gen Intern Med 1989;4:183-9. PubMed
  4. Maton PN, Burton ME. Antacids revisited: a review of their clinical pharmacology and recommended therapeutic use. Drugs 1999;57:855-70.
  5. Clemens JD, Feinstein AR. Calcium carbonate and constipation: a historical review of medical mythopoeia. Gastroenterology 1977;72:957-61. DOI
  6. Saunders D, Sillery J, Chapman R. Effect of calcium carbonate and aluminum hydroxide on human intestinal function. Dig Dis Sci 1988;33:409-13. PubMed
  7. Friedman PA, Bushinsky DA. Diuretic effects on calcium metabolism. Semin Nephrol 1999;19:551-6.
  8. Koo WK, Walters JC, Esterlitz J, et al. Maternal calcium supplementation and fetal bone mineralization. Obstet Gynecol 1999;94:577-82. DOI
  9. Raman L, Rajalakshmi K, Krishnamachari KAVR, et al. Effect of calcium supplementation to undernourished mothers during pregnancy on the bone density of the neonates. Am J Clin Nutr 1978; 31:466-9. DOI
  10. Murry JJ, Healy MD. Drug-mineral interactions: a new responsibility for the hospital dietician. J Am Diet Assoc 1991;91:66-73.
  11. Chan JM, Giovannucci E, Andersson SO, et al. Dairy products, calcium, phosphorous, vitamin D, and risk of prostate cancer. Cancer Causes Control 1998;9:559-66.
  12. Butner LE, Fulco PP, Feldman G, et al. Calcium carbonate-induced hypothyroidism. Ann Intern Med 2000:132:595. PubMed
  13. Schneyer CR. Calcium carbonate and reduction of levothyroxine efficacy. JAMA 1998;279:750. PubMed
  14. Moser LR, Smythe MA, Tisdale JE. The use of calcium salts in the prevention and management of verapamil-induced hypotension. Ann Pharmacother 2000;34:622-9. PubMed
  15. Singh N, Singh PN, Hershman JM. Effect of calcium carbonate on the absorption of levothyroxine. JAMA 2000;283:2822-5. PubMed
  16. Kahela P, Anttila M, Tikkanen R, Sundquist H. Effect of food, food constituents and fluid volume on the bioavailability of sotalol. Acta Pharmacol Toxicol (Copenh) 1979;44:7-12.. PubMed
  17. Pletz MW, Petzold P, Allen A, et al. Effect of calcium carbonate on bioavailability of orally administered gemifloxacin. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2003;47:2158-60.. PubMed
  18. Bar-Or D, Yoel G. Calcium and calciferol antagonize effect of verapamil in atrial fibrillation. Br Med J 1981;282:1585-6.
  19. Decktor DL, Robinson M, Maton PN, et al. Effects of aluminum/magnesium hydroxide and calcium carbonate on esophageal and gastric pH in subjects with heartburn. Am J Ther 1995;2:546-52. PubMed
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Gotu Kola 18 references
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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.

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