Frequently asked questions

What is Oxiprovin?

Oxiprovin is a health supplement that contains grape seed extract which is a source of antioxidants (oligomeric proanthocyanidins) for the maintenance and preservation of good health and venous health.

Each capsule of Oxiprovin contains 140mg of grape seed extract produced in South Africa from grapes sourced exclusively from selected vineyards in the Western Cape in South Africa.

What is an antioxidant?

Antioxidants such as Oxiprovin help protect the body from the harmful effects of free radicals and oxidative stress. Free radicals are harmful, unstable and destructive molecules which cause cellular damage. They do this by damaging DNA, denaturing proteins and breaking down or weakening cell membranes. The result of this cellular damage is inflammation, degeneration and accelerated ageing of tissues and cellular structures.

How does Oxiprovin work in the body?

As an antioxidant, it assists by protecting the body against free radicals and oxidative stress, Oxiprovin supports protection of cells, organs and tissues and helps to maintain and preserve good health and venous health.

Grape seed extract is a balanced antioxidant. Unlike many other antioxidants. Oxiprovin achieves its effect through multiple pathways producing a balanced, protective action against oxidative stress.

Some of the known protective effects antioxidants, like grape seed extract include:

Reducing the production of free radicals.
Lowering levels of oxidative stress.
Directly neutralising free radicals, rendering them harmless (quenching).
Reducing the negative effects and damage caused by oxidative stress.
Promoting repair of DNA, protection of cell membranes.
Upregulating the production of the body’s own internal antioxidants.

Can I take Oxiprovin if I have high blood pressure?

Oxiprovin is not intended as a treatment for high blood pressure. Grape seed extract is reported to provide health benefits in those who have high blood pressure. Always tell your healthcare provider if you intend taking any new medicine/supplements. This includes all complementary or traditional medicines.

Do I take Oxiprovin in the mornings or in the evenings?

Oxiprovin can be taken with or without food in the morning or evenings.

Can I take Oxiprovin with other medication?

If you are taking existing acute or chronic medication, always tell your healthcare provider if you are intending to take any other new medicine.

This includes all complementary or traditional medicines, and health supplements such as Oxiprovin. Your healthcare provider will help you to decide whether you may take Oxiprovin together with these medicine/supplements.

This is particularly important if you are taking blood thinning medication. Grape seed extract when used with blood thinners may increase the risk of bleeding.

For other medicine related interactions please refer to the Patient Information Leaflet.

Do I need a doctor’s script for Oxiprovin?

Oxiprovin is widely available at most pharmacies and health food stores throughout South Africa without a script.

How much does Oxiprovin cost?

Oxiprovin offers value for money. Kindly contact your local pharmacy or health shop for recommended retail prices.

Where can I buy Oxiprovin?

Oxiprovin is available from most pharmacies and health food stores throughout South Africa.

Does Oxiprovin have any side effects?

Side effects for grape seed extract are infrequent but still remain possible. These are reported to occur at rates similar to placebo.

Less frequent side effects may include:

Bellyache (abdominal pain).
Diarrhoea.
Headache.
Joint pain.
Lower back pain (lumbago).
Nausea.
Sore-throat, cough, allergic rhinitis (itchy, watery eyes, sneezing), nasopharyngitis (the common cold, affecting the nose, throat, and sinuses).

Should your general health worsen or if you experience any untoward effects while taking Oxiprovin, please consult your healthcare provider for advice.

Please refer to the Patient Information Leaflet for further information.

Can I give my child Oxiprovin?

Oxiprovin should not be used in children under the age of 18 years unless advised by your healthcare provider.

Will Oxiprovin make me lose weight?

Oxiprovin is not intended for use as a weight loss product. Grape seed extract as an antioxidant is reported to provide health benefits in those who are overweight and/or obese.

Will Oxiprovin make me gain weight?

Weight gain is not a documented side effect of supplementing with grape seed extract. It is unlikely that the use of Oxiprovin could cause weight gain. Should your general health worsen or if you experience any untoward effects while taking Oxiprovin, please consult your healthcare provider for advice.

Can I take Oxiprovin if I have diabetes?

Oxiprovin is sugar free and therefore safe to use in diabetes.

Will Oxiprovin keep me awake at night?

It is unlikely that the use of Oxiprovin may cause this. Should your general health worsen or if you experience any untoward effects while taking Oxiprovin please consult your healthcare provider for advice.

Will Oxiprovin make me tired?

Tiredness is not a documented side effect of grape seed extract supplementation. It is unlikely that the use of Oxiprovin may cause this. Should your general health worsen however or if you experience any untoward effects while taking Oxiprovin, please consult your healthcare provider for advice.

Please refer to the Patient Information Leaflet for more information.

Can I take Oxiprovin if I am pregnant?

Due to the lack of safety data on its use in pregnancy, grape seed extract is not recommended unless advised by a healthcare provider.

Please refer to the Patient Information Leaflet for further information.

Can I take Oxiprovin if I am breastfeeding?

Due to the lack of safety data on its use during breastfeeding, grape seed extract is not recommended unless advised by a healthcare provider.

Please refer to the Patient Information Leaflet for more information.

Can I take Oxiprovin if I am allergic to grapes?

Oxiprovin should not be used in the case of hypersensitivity (allergy) to the active substance, Vitis vinifera (L.) (grape and/or grape seed extract), or any of the other ingredients in Oxiprovin.

Can I take Oxiprovin if I am taking other chronic medication?

If you are taking existing chronic medication, always tell your healthcare provider if you are intending to take any other new medicine (this includes all complementary or traditional medicines) and health supplements such as Oxiprovin. Your healthcare provider will help you to decide whether you may take Oxiprovin together with these medicine/supplements.

This is particularly important if you are taking blood thinning medication, as grape seed extract when used with blood thinners may increase the risk of bleeding.

When can I not take Oxiprovin?

You should not take Oxiprovin without your doctor’s consent if you are:

Pregnant or breastfeeding.
Taking blood thinning medication.
Scheduled for a surgical procedure.
Under 18 years of age.
Hypersensitive (allergic) to the active substance, Vitis vinifera (L.) (grape and/or grape seed extract), or any of the other ingredients in Oxiprovin.

Please refer to the Patient Information Leaflet for further information.