Blackmores Garlic Oil Capsule

Blackmores Garlic Oil Capsule is a garlic oil dietary supplement from the Australian brand Blackmores, presented as a soft capsule. According to Blackmores Malaysia, each capsule contains 1mg of garlic oil, equivalent to 3000mg (3g) of fresh garlic (Allium sativum) bulb. It is supplied in a pack of 90 capsules, which lasts about one month at the recommended three capsules a day.

Garlic oil is obtained from garlic bulbs and contains many of the volatile sulphur compounds that give garlic its distinctive smell and flavour. Because the oil is concentrated, a small amount by weight represents a much larger quantity of fresh garlic, which is why the label states both the oil content and the fresh-bulb equivalent. Blackmores states that the formula contains no added yeast, gluten, wheat, milk derivatives, preservatives, artificial flavours or sweeteners.

Blackmores Garlic Oil may be taken by adults as a dietary supplement alongside a balanced diet, in divided doses with meals to help reduce garlic repeating. It does not replace any medicine your doctor has prescribed. Garlic supplements may increase the risk of bleeding, particularly with blood thinners, aspirin or NSAIDs and before surgery, and can lower the levels of the HIV medicine saquinavir, so please speak to your doctor or pharmacist before use if you take regular medicines.

Swallow each capsule whole with a glass of water during or immediately after a meal. Spread the capsules across your main meals (for example breakfast, lunch and dinner) rather than taking them all at once. Do not chew the capsules.

Adults: Take 1 capsule 3 times a day with meals, or as advised by your healthcare professional.

Do not exceed the recommended daily intake of 3 capsules unless advised by a healthcare professional. Not intended for children. If you miss a dose, take the next capsule with your next meal — do not double up.

Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat, and follow any storage temperature stated on your pack. Keep the bottle tightly closed so the soft capsules stay in good condition, and keep out of reach of children.

• Common: Garlic breath or body odour, and a garlic aftertaste or repeating (burping).
• Common: Stomach upset, heartburn, gas, bloating or nausea — taking the capsules with meals may help.
• Less common: Diarrhoea or loose stools.
• Serious: Unusual bruising or bleeding, nosebleeds, bleeding gums or blood in urine or stools — stop the product and seek medical advice promptly.
• Serious: Allergic reactions such as rash, itching, swelling of the face or lips, or difficulty breathing — stop the product and seek urgent medical help.

• Allergy to garlic or other plants in the onion (Allium) family, such as onion, leek or chives, or to any ingredient in this product.
• Bleeding disorders (such as haemophilia), a low platelet count or active bleeding.
• Planned surgery or dental procedures — stop taking garlic supplements at least 2 weeks beforehand.
• People taking saquinavir or other HIV medicines, unless the treating doctor has approved it, because garlic supplements can lower the levels of some HIV medicines.
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding — garlic in supplement amounts is not recommended unless advised by a doctor.
• People who avoid gelatin for dietary or religious reasons should check the capsule shell details on the product label.

• Anticoagulants: Warfarin, apixaban, rivaroxaban, dabigatran and heparins — garlic supplements may increase the risk of bleeding; use only with your doctor’s approval and monitoring.
• Antiplatelet medicines and NSAIDs: Aspirin, clopidogrel, ticagrelor, ibuprofen, naproxen and similar medicines — combined use may add to bleeding risk.
• Saquinavir and other HIV medicines: Garlic supplements have been shown to substantially lower blood levels of saquinavir and may affect some other HIV medicines, which can reduce their effectiveness.
• Other supplements: Ginkgo, nattokinase, high-dose fish oil, high-dose vitamin E and other garlic products may further increase bleeding risk; avoid doubling up.
• Food: Taking the capsules with meals is recommended and may reduce stomach upset; there is no specific food to avoid.

• Split the three daily capsules across your three main meals rather than taking them together.
• A 90-capsule bottle lasts about a month at the recommended dose — reorder before you run out if you take it regularly.
• Swallow the capsules whole and with food to keep garlic aftertaste to a minimum.
• Let your doctor or dentist know you take garlic oil, and stop at least 2 weeks before planned surgery.
• Avoid combining with other garlic products or supplements that may affect bleeding unless advised.
• Check with your pharmacist first if you take blood thinners, aspirin, NSAIDs or HIV medicines.

Precautions: Garlic supplements may increase bleeding risk — take care if you use anticoagulants, antiplatelet medicines or NSAIDs, have a bleeding disorder, or have surgery or dental work coming up (stop at least 2 weeks before). Garlic can lower blood levels of saquinavir and may affect other HIV medicines. People with stomach ulcers or reflux may find garlic irritating. Not recommended in supplement amounts during pregnancy or breastfeeding, or for children, unless a doctor advises. Being natural does not make a supplement risk-free.

When to See a Doctor or Pharmacist: Speak to your doctor or pharmacist before use if you take any long-term medicine, especially blood thinners, aspirin or HIV treatment, or if you have a chronic condition. Stop the capsules and get medical advice if you notice unusual bruising or bleeding, persistent stomach discomfort, or an allergic reaction such as rash, swelling or breathing difficulty.