Blackmores Evening Primrose Oil 1000mg Capsule

Blackmores Evening Primrose Oil 1000mg Capsule (60s) is a single-ingredient oil supplement from Blackmores. Each soft capsule contains 1000mg of evening primrose oil (EPO), the oil pressed from the seeds of the evening primrose plant (Oenothera biennis), standardised to provide 100mg of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA). Each pack contains 60 capsules.

Evening primrose oil is one of the richest natural plant sources of GLA, an omega-6 fatty acid, and it also contains linoleic acid (LA). The body uses GLA to make other fatty acids and signalling compounds, and both GLA and LA are components of cell membranes, including those of the skin. Blackmores positions this product as a supplement for women’s general health and wellbeing; independent reviews have found that evidence for evening primrose oil in specific health conditions remains limited, so it is best viewed as a dietary source of GLA rather than a remedy for any condition.

According to Blackmores Malaysia, the product contains no added gluten, wheat, milk derivatives or yeast, and no artificial colours, flavours or sweeteners, and it is listed as Halal certified. The capsules are taken with meals, and the amount of oil per capsule makes it straightforward to track your daily GLA intake. Although it is a plant-based oil, it can still cause side effects and may not be suitable for everyone, particularly people with epilepsy, bleeding disorders or upcoming surgery, so it is worth checking with a doctor or pharmacist if you take regular medicines.

Swallow the capsule whole with a glass of water, with or straight after a meal, which may help absorption and reduce the chance of stomach upset. Do not chew or open the capsule. If you take more than one capsule a day, spread them across your meals. Always read the product label and follow the directions for use, or use as directed by your doctor or pharmacist.

Adults: 1 capsule, one to three times a day with meals, or as directed by your healthcare professional. Please confirm the recommended dose on the product label.

Do not exceed the recommended daily intake. At three capsules a day, this provides 3000mg evening primrose oil and 300mg GLA. If you miss a dose, simply take the next one with your following meal; do not double up. This product is not intended for children unless advised by a doctor.

Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, heat and moisture, as oils can deteriorate when exposed to heat and light. Keep the bottle tightly closed after use and refer to the product label for any specific storage temperature. Keep out of reach of children.

• Common: Mild stomach upset, abdominal discomfort or nausea.
• Common: Soft stools or diarrhoea, especially at higher doses.
• Common: Headache.
• Serious: Allergic reactions such as rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips or throat, or difficulty breathing. Stop taking the product and seek medical help immediately.
• Serious: Unusual bleeding or bruising, particularly if you also take blood-thinning medicines. Stop use and consult a doctor.
• Serious: Seizures have been reported rarely, mainly in people with epilepsy or those taking phenothiazine medicines. Seek urgent medical help if this occurs.

• People with a known allergy to evening primrose oil or any ingredient in the product.
• People with epilepsy or another seizure disorder, or those taking phenothiazine medicines, unless specifically advised by their doctor.
• People with a bleeding disorder, or in the two weeks before a scheduled surgery or dental procedure, unless advised by their doctor.
• Pregnant women should not use this product unless advised by their doctor, as evidence on safety during pregnancy is not conclusive.
• Not intended for children unless advised by a doctor.

• Anticoagulant and antiplatelet medicines (e.g. warfarin, clopidogrel, aspirin): Evening primrose oil may slow blood clotting and could increase the risk of bruising or bleeding; speak to your doctor before use.
• Phenothiazine antipsychotics (e.g. chlorpromazine) and medicines that lower the seizure threshold: There have been reports of seizures in people taking these with evening primrose oil; avoid combining unless your doctor advises it.
• Anaesthesia and surgery: Because of the possible effects on bleeding and seizure risk, stop taking evening primrose oil at least two weeks before planned surgery and inform your surgeon or anaesthetist.
• Other supplements that may affect bleeding (e.g. fish oil, ginkgo, garlic, high-dose vitamin E): Combining several of these may add to the effect; check with your pharmacist.
• Food: No significant food interactions are known; taking the capsule with meals is recommended for comfort and absorption.

• Take the capsule with your main meal to reduce the chance of stomach upset.
• Start with one capsule a day and stay within the dose on the product label.
• Tell your doctor or dentist you take evening primrose oil before any surgery or procedure, and stop it two weeks beforehand.
• If you take blood thinners, antipsychotic medicines or have epilepsy, check with your doctor before starting.
• Check other supplements you take, such as combined EPO and fish oil products, to avoid doubling up.
• Keep the bottle tightly closed and away from heat and sunlight to protect the oil.

Precautions: Evening primrose oil has historically carried a caution for people with epilepsy or other seizure disorders and for those taking phenothiazine antipsychotic medicines, because seizures have been reported in these groups; the evidence is limited, but medical advice is needed before use. It may also affect blood clotting, so use caution if you have a bleeding disorder or take anticoagulant or antiplatelet medicines, and stop taking it at least two weeks before surgery. Evidence on safety during pregnancy is not conclusive, so pregnant women should only use it if advised by their doctor; breastfeeding women should consult their doctor first. People with kidney or liver conditions should also seek advice before use.

When to See a Doctor or Pharmacist: Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before starting if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have epilepsy, a bleeding disorder or a planned operation, or take regular medicines, especially blood thinners or antipsychotics. Seek medical advice if stomach upset or diarrhoea persists, if you notice unusual bruising or bleeding, or if you develop signs of an allergic reaction. Seek urgent medical help in the event of a seizure.