Interactions on record — worth a quick check against your medications. Based on 1 of 3 ingredients. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

Vayarin Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by VAYA Pharma

Capsule Category: Other Combinations
Most serious interaction: Moderate
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Vayarin is a dietary supplement by VAYA Pharma with 3 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for memory and cognitive support, age-related cognitive decline, attention and focus (adhd).Based on those ingredients, 219 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Phosphatidylserine. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Vayarin by VAYA Pharma

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 3 of its 3 active ingredients.
  • “Lipirinen” is listed as a grouped ingredient — the label gives one combined amount (167 mg) without saying how much of each component you get.

Vayarin contains 3 active ingredients. Two are omega-3 fatty acids—eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid—which come from fish oil and support brain and nerve health.

The third is phosphatidylserine, a phospholipid (a type of fat) naturally present in cell membranes, particularly in nerve cells. The product also contains inactive ingredients including hypromellose, silicon dioxide, rosemary extract, mixed tocopherols, ascorbyl palmitate, titanium dioxide, and caramel.

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 Phosphatidylserine's own graded uses on its monograph.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: clinical dietary management of lipid imbalances with ADHD.
  • We looked for evidence on: Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), Cognitive function, Neurodevelopment, Brain lipid metabolism.
  • The closest evidence on file: Phosphatidylserine is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Phosphatidylserine is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Cognitive function.

Phosphatidylserine is possibly effective for age-related cognitive decline and Alzheimer disease according to the evidence we have. For other conditions it may be marketed for—athletic performance, attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), general cognitive function, and dementia—the evidence is insufficient to rate it.

We hold no effectiveness data for the omega-3 ingredients in this product.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Phosphatidylserine

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.

Phosphatidylserine is generally well tolerated in studies, though long-term safety isn't fully established. The most common side effects are flatulence, gastrointestinal upset, headache, insomnia, and nausea—particularly at higher doses.

Gastrointestinal upset can happen at 200–300 mg daily, and insomnia is more likely at 600 mg or higher. The safety data advises against using this product during pregnancy or while breastfeeding because there isn't enough information to know it's safe.

Talk with your doctor or pharmacist for personalized advice if you're pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or nursing.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Phosphatidylserine

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 — Phosphatidylserine.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • For scale: 219 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 anticholinergic drugs (for overactive bladder, tremor, or related conditions) or cholinergic drugs (like some Alzheimer medications), double-check with your pharmacist before starting Vayarin. Phosphatidylserine in this product may interfere with how well anticholinergic drugs work or intensify the effects of cholinergic drugs.

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.

Vayarin may be worth considering if you're concerned about age-related cognitive decline or Alzheimer disease and want to explore phosphatidylserine. If you take anticholinergic or cholinergic medications, you'll need to check with your pharmacist first—these are the main drug interactions we know about.

Pregnant or nursing? Skip this one.

And run any medications you take through the tool on this page.

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

Assessment coverage: 1 of 3 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Sep 24, 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 Vayarin, straight from the product label.

Brand VAYA Pharma
Net contents 0 Not Present
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Sep 24, 2019
DSLD ID 206959
Product type Other Combinations
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses Nutrient, All Other
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), Gluten Free, Sugar 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 Vayarin by VAYA Pharma, 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 Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
2 Capsule(s)
IngredientAmount% DV
Eicosapentaenoic Acid21.5 mg--
Docosahexaenoic Acid8.5 mg--
Phosphatidylserine75 mg--
Lipirinen167 mg--

Other ingredients: Phosphatidylserine, Hypromellose, Silicon Dioxide, Rosemary extract, Mixed Tocopherols, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Titanium Dioxide, Caramel

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

Description Vayarin is an orally administered prescription medical food for the clinical dietary management of certain lipid imbalances associated with ADHD in children.

Vayarin capsules contain shellfish (krill). May contain soy and fish.

Pharmacology Vayarin is composed of Lipirinen, a proprietary composition containing phosphatidylserine-omega-3, EPA enriched.

Mechanism of action Omega-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFA) have an important role in brain and central nervous system development and functioning [1-4]. Decreased omega-3 fatty acids levels, mainly DHA and EPA, are associated with the occurrence of psychiatric, neurodegenerative, and other neurodevelopmental disorders such as dyspraxia, dyslexia, autism [3], peroxisolmal disorders [5], Alzheimer's disease [6], and ADHD [3]. Administration of phosphatidylserine (PS) enriched with omega-3 fatty acids was found to significantly increase DHA level in rat brains [7]. While the extract mechanism by which Vayarin exerts its effects is not fully understood, PS present in the mammalian nervous system, which is characterized by its substantial levels of omega-3 fatty acids, has been implicated in numerous membrane related functions, such as maintaining the integrity of cell membranes, cell excitability, cell-to-cell recognition and communication [8]. PS has been found to regulate key proteins in neuronal membranes, including sodium/calcium ATPase [9] and protein kinase C [10] which undertake crucial functions in diverse signal transduction pathways. Similarly, PS interacts with Raf-1 protein kinase to promote a cascade of reactions that are believed to be involved in cell survival [11]. Additionally, PS has been found to influence neurotransmitters activity, such as the release of acetylcholine, dopamine and noradrenaline [12, 13] and to increase brain glucose levels. Absorption an metabolism Following dietary ingestion of phospholipids, pancreatic digestive enzymes cleave specific fatty acids, leading to the formation of lysophospholipids that are absorbed by the mucosal cells of the intestine and could be reacylated into phospholipids [14]. The fatty acids released can be further used for triglyceride synthesis. Because of the high activity of decarboxylases in the mucosal cells, the majority of the PS in converted into other phospholipids, primarily to phosphatidylethanolamine [15]. The reacylated PS, phosphatidylethanolamine and other phospholipids enter the lymph and circulation, and are redistributed. Drug interactions PS can potentially interact with some anticholinergic and cholinergic medications. It is recommended to consult with a physician about Vayarin interactions that may apply to specific medical conditions.

Vayarin is composed of Lipirinen, a proprietary composition containing phosphatidylserine-omega-3, EPA enriched.

General Statements

Chemical structure Schematic structure of one of the most abundant molecules present in Vayarin.

Clinical experience [17. 18] Double-blind study Method: A 15-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted witn 200 ADHD children randomized to receive either Vayarin or placebo (4 capsules/day). The effect of Vayarin was assessed by rating scales and questionnaires, including the Conners' parent (CRS-P) and teacher (CRS-T) rating scales and the child health questionnaire (CHQ). Results: 162 participants completed the study, of whom 147 were included in the efficacy analysis. Significant reduction in ADHD scores was detected in the CRS-P assessment. In addition, a significant beneficial effect was observed in the quality of life questionnaire (CHQ). Subgroup analysis of children with a hyperactive/impulsive behavior, as well as mood and behavior-dysregulation, revealed a more pronounced reduction in ADHD scores. Physician supervision

Drug abuse Vayarin does not have any known abuse or withdrawal effects.

Adverse events According to both the double-blind study and open-label extension, Vayarin was well tolerated. Children maintained good health throughout both study phases (30 weeks) and no major adverse events were noted by the study physicians. In the double-blind study, 13 adverse events (in 12 participants) were classified as possibly or probably treatment-related in the Vayarin group. These included 6 cases of gastrointestinal discomfort, one case each of atopic dermatitis, hyperactivity, tics, nausea, elevated serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT) and two cases of tantrum episodes. In the placebo group, 5 adverse events (in 5 participants) were classified as possibly or probably treatment related. These included 4 cases of gastrointestinal discomfort and one case of headache. In the open-label extension, 7 adverse events, classified by the study physicians as possibly or probably treatment-related, were recorded. These included 4 cases of gastrointestinal discomfort, one case each of headache, insomnia and high triglyceride level.

How supplied Available as hard shell capsules. Commercial product is supplied in bottles of 60 capsules. Commercial product (60 capsules) 75959-233-60 Use under medical/physician supervision. Sample product (4 capsules) 75959-233-04 Professional samples - not for sale.

VAYA Pharma does not represent these product codes to be actual National Drug Codes (NDCs). NDC format codes are product codes adjusted according to standard industry practice to meet the formatting requirements of pharmacy and health insurance computer systems.

Precautions

Vayarin capsules contain shellfish (krill). May contain soy and fish.

Vayarin is a medical food product dispensed by prescription and must be used under physician supervision.

Contraindications Vayarin is contraindicated in patients with know hypersensitivity (e.g., anaphylactic reaction) to Vayarin or any of its components.

Precaution Safety and effectiveness of Vayarin in pregnant or lactating patients have not been established. Therefore, Vayarin is not recommended for these populations.

Vayarin should be used with caution in patients with known hypersensitivity to shellfish.

Warning Keep this product out of the reach of children.

Formulation

Vayarin capsules do not contain sugar, lactose, yeast or gluten.

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Dosage and administration Usual dose is 2 capsules daily or as directed by a physician.

Storage

Storage Dispense and keep in original bottle. Store at up to 77(0)F (25(0)). Protect from light and moisture.

Brand IP Statement(s)

Vayarin and Lipirinen are trademarks of Enzymotec Ltd. US Patents #7935365, #7968112, #5965413, #8052992, #8470345

See for yourself

Vayarin by VAYA Pharma label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Vayarin by VAYA Pharma

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

Serving size2 Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule 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.

Lipirinen

167 mg per serving

Other (inactive) ingredients: Phosphatidylserine, Hypromellose, Silicon Dioxide, Rosemary extract, Mixed Tocopherols, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Titanium Dioxide, Caramel. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Vayarin by VAYA Pharma Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Vayarin?

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
219Drugs
219 Moderate

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Vayarin 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.

Phosphatidylserine2 drug types · 219 drugs

Anticholinergic Drugs

Theoretically, phosphatidylserine might decrease the effectiveness anticholinergic drugs.
Phosphatidylserine is thought to increase acetylcholine levels, which could theoretically interfere with the activity of anticholinergic agents.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Cholinergic Drugs

Theoretically, phosphatidylserine might have additive effects with cholinergic drugs.
Phosphatidylserine is thought to increase acetylcholine levels, which could theoretically lead to additive cholinergic effects when used with cholinergic drugs.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
The maker

Brand information

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

VAYA Pharma

See all VAYA Pharma products
Name
VAYA Pharma Inc.
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Vayarin by VAYA Pharma: Common Questions

Does Vayarin by VAYA Pharma interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Vayarin has a known interaction with 219 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Vayarin 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 are eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid?
They're omega-3 fatty acids, a type of healthy fat that supports brain and nerve cell function. Both come from fish oil and are key ingredients in this product, though we don't have effectiveness data for them on file.
What's phosphatidylserine supposed to do?
It's a fat that helps make up the membrane (outer covering) of nerve cells. Research suggests it's possibly effective for age-related cognitive decline and Alzheimer disease, but evidence for other uses is still being studied.
What side effects should I watch for?
The most common ones are stomach upset, bloating, nausea, headache, and trouble sleeping—especially at higher doses. Stomach problems can show up at 200–300 mg daily, and sleep issues are more likely at 600 mg or more.
Is it okay to take this while I'm pregnant?
There isn't enough safety data to know either way, so the advice is to avoid it during pregnancy. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you're pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
Can I take this while breastfeeding?
Safety while breastfeeding is unknown, so it's recommended to avoid it. Check with your doctor or pharmacist for personalized guidance if you're nursing.
How long can I safely take this?
Studies show it's generally well tolerated, but long-term safety isn't fully established, so talk with your pharmacist about how long you plan to use it.

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.

Vayarin label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Vayarin'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 9 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.

Phosphatidylserine 9 references
  1. Crook T, Petrie W, Wells C, Massari DC. Effects of phosphatidylserine in Alzheimer's disease. Psychopharmacol Bull 1992;28:61-6.
  2. Pepping J. Phosphatidylserine. Am J Health-Syst Pharm 1999;56:2038,2043-4.
  3. Kidd PM. Phosphatidylserine; Membrane nutrient for memory. A clinical and mechanistic assessment. Altern Med Rev 1996;1:70-84.
  4. Kim HY, Akbar M, Lau A, et al. Inhibition of neuronal apoptosis by docosahexaenoic acid (22:6n-3). Role of phosphatidylserine in antiapoptotic effect. J Biol Chem 2000;275:35215-23.. PubMed
  5. Zanotti A, Valzelli L, Toffano G. Chronic phosphatidylserine treatment improves spatial memory and passive avoidance in aged rats. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 1989;99:316-21.. PubMed
  6. Schreiber S, Kampf-Sherf O, Gorfine M, et al. An open trial of plant-source derived phosphatydilserine for treatment of age-related cognitive decline. Isr J Psychiatry Relat Sci 2000;37:302-7.
  7. Pepping, J. Phosphatidylserine. Am J Health Syst.Pharm. 10-15-1999;56(20):2038, 2043-2038, 2044.
  8. Monteverde, A., Gnemmi, P., Rossi, F., Monteverde, A., and Finali, G. C. Selegiline in the treatment of mild to moderate Alzheimer-type dementia. Clin.Ther 1990;12(4):315-322.
  9. Vakhapova V, Cohen T, Richter Y, Herzog Y, Kam Y, Korczyn AD. Phosphatidylserine containing omega-3 Fatty acids may improve memory abilities in nondemented elderly individuals with memory complaints: results from an open-label extension study. Dement Geri PubMed

See these in context on the Phosphatidylserine 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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