Which supplements should I avoid with statins (cholesterol drugs)?

Red Yeast Rice — see the severity-grouped list above. Always confirm with your pharmacist, who can check your exact regimen.

Is it safe to take supplements while on statins (cholesterol drugs)?

Some supplements are fine, but 4 have a documented or theoretical interaction ranging from 'monitor' to 'avoid'. Never start, stop, or combine a supplement with statins (cholesterol drugs) without checking with the clinician who manages your medication.

Supplement–drug interactions

Supplements That Interact with Statins (cholesterol drugs)

4 supplements in NutriDex have a known or theoretical interaction with statins (cholesterol drugs), including 1 best avoided entirely. Grouped by severity below; each links to its full evidence, dosing & mechanism. This is educational and not exhaustive — always tell your doctor or pharmacist about every supplement you take before combining it with medication.

Avoid — do not combine 1

Red Yeast Rice

Contains monacolin K (= lovastatin); stacking with a statin duplicates dosing — myopathy risk.

Caution — use only with medical guidance 1

Vitamin B3 (Niacin)

High-dose niacin with statins increases risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis.

Monitor — watch for effects 2

Citrus Bergamot

Citrus bergamot lowers cholesterol and may add to statins; usually fine but monitor lipids.

Coenzyme Q10

Statins lower CoQ10 levels; co-use is generally benign (CoQ10 is sometimes taken to offset this).

Each supplement links to its full evidence, dosing, mechanism & citations. See also all medication interaction guides →

Supplements That Interact with Statins (cholesterol drugs)

⛔ Avoid — do not combine 1

⚠ Caution — use only with medical guidance 1

• Monitor — watch for effects 2

Avoid — do not combine 1

Caution — use only with medical guidance 1

Monitor — watch for effects 2