What medicines cannot be taken with OmegaXL? A Guide to Interactions

October 6, 2025 •

4 min read

Over 15% of older Americans take medication combinations with the potential for major drug interactions [1.5.5]. Understanding what medicines cannot be taken with OmegaXL is crucial, as this popular omega-3 supplement can affect how certain drugs work, particularly those for blood clotting and blood pressure [1.5.1, 1.5.2].

Quick Summary

OmegaXL can interact with several medications. Key concerns include an increased risk of bleeding with anticoagulants and antiplatelet drugs, and enhanced effects of blood pressure medications.

Key Points

Blood Thinner Interaction: OmegaXL can increase the risk of bleeding when taken with anticoagulants like warfarin or antiplatelet drugs like clopidogrel [1.2.1, 1.5.2].
Blood Pressure Medication: It may enhance the effects of blood pressure medications, potentially causing blood pressure to drop too low (hypotension) [1.5.1, 1.5.2].
NSAID Caution: Combining OmegaXL with over-the-counter NSAIDs like ibuprofen or aspirin can also increase bleeding risk [1.2.2, 1.5.4].
Shellfish Allergy: Individuals with a known allergy to fish or shellfish should use OmegaXL with caution or avoid it [1.2.5].
Consult a Doctor First: It is crucial to speak with a healthcare provider before starting OmegaXL, especially if you are on any medication or have other health conditions [1.5.3].
Herbal Supplement Interactions: Avoid taking OmegaXL with other supplements that affect blood clotting, such as garlic, ginkgo, ginger, and turmeric [1.2.1].
Monitor for Side Effects: Be aware of signs of serious side effects, such as unusual bruising, dizziness, or chest pain, and seek medical help if they occur [1.6.2].

Understanding OmegaXL and Its Active Ingredients

OmegaXL is a dietary supplement centered around a proprietary oil extract, PCSO-524, derived from the New Zealand green-lipped mussel (Perna canaliculus) [1.3.2]. It is marketed as a potent source of over 30 fatty acids, including omega-3s like EPA and DHA. The primary appeal of OmegaXL is its anti-inflammatory properties, often used by individuals seeking relief from joint pain and inflammation, particularly associated with osteoarthritis [1.3.6]. While many users benefit from this supplement, it's essential to recognize that its active components can interact with various prescription and over-the-counter medications. The core of these interactions stems from the natural effects of omega-3 fatty acids on the body's physiological processes, such as blood clotting and blood pressure regulation [1.5.1, 1.5.4].

Critical Warning for Users

Before taking OmegaXL or any new supplement, it is imperative to consult with a healthcare professional. This is especially true for individuals with pre-existing medical conditions, those who are pregnant or nursing, have a shellfish allergy, or are currently taking any other medications [1.2.5, 1.6.4, 1.6.5]. Self-prescribing can lead to dangerous interactions and adverse effects.

Major Drug Interactions with OmegaXL

The most significant concern regarding OmegaXL is its interaction with medications that affect blood clotting and blood pressure [1.5.2]. These interactions are not unique to OmegaXL but are characteristic of omega-3 supplements in general.

Anticoagulant and Antiplatelet Drugs (Blood Thinners)

This is the most critical category of drug interaction. Omega-3 fatty acids have a natural blood-thinning effect, which can inhibit platelet aggregation [1.5.1, 1.5.9]. When combined with medications designed to do the same, this additive effect can dangerously increase the risk of bleeding [1.2.3, 1.5.2]. Even a minor injury could lead to excessive blood loss, and the risk of internal bleeding is heightened [1.2.2].

Common Medications in this Class:

Anticoagulants: Warfarin (Coumadin®, Jantoven®), Apixaban (Eliquis®), Rivaroxaban (Xarelto®), Dabigatran (Pradaxa®) [1.2.1, 1.5.2].
Antiplatelet Drugs: Clopidogrel (Plavix®), Ticlopidine, Dipyridamole [1.2.1].
Over-the-Counter NSAIDs: Aspirin, Ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®), Naproxen (Aleve®) can also thin the blood and increase bleeding risk when combined with high doses of omega-3s [1.2.2, 1.2.8, 1.5.4].

Symptoms of excessive bleeding to watch for include unusual bruising, black or tarry stools, coughing up blood, severe headaches, dizziness, or weakness [1.2.7]. Anyone taking these medications should not start OmegaXL without explicit approval and monitoring from their doctor [1.5.3].

Blood Pressure Medications

Omega-3 supplements may slightly lower blood pressure by helping to dilate blood vessels [1.5.2]. While often a desired effect, combining OmegaXL with prescribed antihypertensive drugs could cause an excessive drop in blood pressure, a condition known as hypotension [1.5.1]. Doses of omega-3s around 2,000 to 3,000 mg daily have been noted to have a modest blood-pressure-lowering effect [1.5.2].

Common Medications in this Class:

ACE inhibitors (e.g., Lisinopril)
Angiotensin II receptor blockers (e.g., Losartan)
Beta-blockers (e.g., Metoprolol)
Calcium channel blockers (e.g., Amlodipine)
Diuretics (e.g., Furosemide) [1.5.2]

Symptoms of hypotension can include dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, and weakness. Your doctor might need to adjust your medication dosage if you are taking OmegaXL concurrently [1.5.2].

Other Potential Interactions

While the primary concerns are with blood thinners and blood pressure drugs, other substances can also interact with OmegaXL.

Other Supplements with Blood-Clotting Effects: Caution is advised when taking OmegaXL with other herbal supplements that can affect blood clotting. These include garlic, ginger, ginkgo, turmeric, danshen, and evening primrose oil [1.2.1].
Orlistat (Xenical, Alli): This weight-loss drug can decrease the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins and fatty acids. It's recommended to take OmegaXL and Orlistat at least two hours apart to ensure proper absorption [1.5.1].
Contraceptive Drugs: Some contraceptive medications might interfere with the effect omega-3s have on triglycerides [1.5.1].
Vitamin E: Taking fish oil supplements like OmegaXL may reduce vitamin E levels in the body [1.5.1].

Comparison: OmegaXL vs. Standard Fish Oil


Feature	OmegaXL (Green-Lipped Mussel Oil)	Standard Fish Oil	Source
Source	Perna canaliculus (New Zealand Green-Lipped Mussel)	Fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, anchovies	[1.3.6]
Composition	Complex profile of over 30 fatty acids, including EPA, DHA, and others in a phospholipid structure.	Primarily EPA and DHA in a triglyceride structure.	[1.3.6]
Primary Interactions	Increased bleeding risk with anticoagulants/antiplatelets; enhanced effect of blood pressure meds.	Increased bleeding risk with anticoagulants/antiplatelets; enhanced effect of blood pressure meds.	[1.4.1, 1.5.1]
Other Interactions	May interact with other supplements affecting clotting (ginger, ginkgo); Orlistat may reduce absorption.	Orlistat may reduce absorption; may lower Vitamin E levels; contraceptive drugs may interfere.	[1.2.1, 1.5.1]
Allergy Concern	High risk for individuals with shellfish allergies. The company claims proteins are removed, but caution is advised.	Risk for individuals with fish allergies.	[1.2.5, 1.6.5]

Conclusion: Prioritize Safety Through Communication

While OmegaXL offers potential anti-inflammatory benefits, its capacity to interact with common medications cannot be overlooked. The primary concern lies with its blood-thinning and blood-pressure-lowering effects, which can be amplified when taken with anticoagulant, antiplatelet, and antihypertensive drugs. This creates a significant risk for bleeding and hypotension. Always consult your healthcare provider before adding OmegaXL to your regimen to discuss your current medications, potential risks, and to establish a safe plan for its use. Do not stop taking any prescribed medications without talking to your doctor first [1.5.2].

For more information from an authoritative source, you can visit the Mayo Clinic's page on Fish Oil. [1.5.1]

Frequently Asked Questions

No, you should not take OmegaXL with blood thinners like warfarin (Coumadin) or apixaban (Eliquis) without direct medical supervision. The combination significantly increases the risk of bleeding [1.2.1, 1.2.7].

Taking OmegaXL with blood pressure medication can cause your blood pressure to drop too low. You must consult your doctor, who may need to adjust your medication dosage [1.5.1, 1.5.2].

You should be cautious. Combining OmegaXL with NSAIDs like ibuprofen and aspirin can increase the risk of bleeding. Discuss this combination with your healthcare provider, especially if you use NSAIDs frequently [1.5.4].

OmegaXL is derived from green-lipped mussels. Although the manufacturer claims allergenic proteins are removed, people with a shellfish allergy should use extreme caution and consult their doctor before taking it [1.2.5, 1.6.5].

Yes, OmegaXL should be used with caution alongside other supplements that can affect blood clotting, including turmeric, ginger, garlic, and ginkgo, as this can heighten the risk of bleeding [1.2.1].

Signs of a serious interaction, particularly related to bleeding, include easy or unexplained bruising, black or tarry stools, dizziness, weakness, or coughing up blood. Symptoms of low blood pressure include lightheadedness and fainting [1.2.2, 1.6.2].

Before starting OmegaXL, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. Inform them about all prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, and other dietary supplements you are currently taking to check for potential interactions [1.2.5, 1.5.2].