Clofibrate and Lovastatin: Interaction Details
AI-assisted, pharmacist-reviewed · Source data updated Aug 8, 2026 · Sources: FDA labeling, DDInter 2.0, cited literature
Lovastatin
Clofibrate
No brand names on record
How we grade severity & evidence
Severity levels
- Contraindicated: These should generally not be used together.
- Major: Potentially serious — often needs a change or close monitoring.
- Moderate: Can be significant — usually manageable with monitoring.
- Minor: Usually limited clinical impact.
Evidence grades
- Established: Well documented — supported by controlled studies or strong clinical data.
- Probable: Good supporting evidence, though not definitively proven.
- Suspected: Some evidence suggests this interaction, but it is not well established.
- Possible: Limited or conflicting evidence; the interaction may occur.
- Theoretical: Predicted from the drugs' pharmacology; not yet confirmed in people.
Ratings come from the documented interaction literature and are reviewed by a pharmacist. They describe the documented risk of the combination, not what will necessarily happen to you — your dose, timing, and health picture all matter.
What happens
An increased risk of myopathy or rhabdomyolysis
Interaction Deep Dive
Myopathy and rhabdomyolysis have occasionally been associated with the use of clofibrate monotherapy. Combination therapy of lovastatin and gemfibrozil has resulted in fulminant rhabdomyolysis as early as three weeks after the initiation of therapy. Therefore, the concurrent use of lovastatin and fibrates is not recommended. However, one study indicates that lovastatin and clofibrate cotherapy is beneficial and without adverse effects1. It is advised that the dose of lovastatin should not exceed 20 mg daily in patients receiving concomitant medication with clofibrate. The combined use of lovastatin with fibrates should be avoided unless the benefit of further alteration in lipid levels is likely to outweigh the increased risk of this drug combination 2.
Why it happens (mechanism)
Unknown
Literature reports
1 report — tap to read
a) Twelve type III hyperlipoproteinemic patients were treated sequentially with lovastatin and clofibrate. Six patients remained hyperlipidemic on monotherapy with either drug and were then treated successfully with lovastatin 20 mg twice daily and clofibrate concurrently. No significant clinical or biochemical side effects were observed during the 6- to 12-month period of cotherapy 1.
Common questions
Can I take Clofibrate and Lovastatin together?
An increased risk of myopathy or rhabdomyolysis Always confirm with your pharmacist or prescriber before making any change.
How serious is the Clofibrate and Lovastatin interaction?
It is rated major. Potentially serious — often needs a change or close monitoring.
How quickly could this interaction happen?
The documented onset is "delayed". Effects tend to build up gradually over days to weeks.
How strong is the evidence for this interaction?
The evidence is graded "probable". Good supporting evidence, though not definitively proven.
Questions for your pharmacist
- Does my dose of Clofibrate or Lovastatin need adjusting while I take them together?
- What symptoms should prompt me to call you or my prescriber right away?
- Does the timing of my doses matter for this combination?
- Is there a safer alternative to one of these medications for me?
References (2)
Keep reading about Lovastatin
Keep reading about Clofibrate
These medications also interact with supplements
Prescription drugs aren't the whole picture — herbal and dietary supplements can interact with them too. From the evidence-graded Natural Medicines database:
major · moderate · minor — check everything you take with our drug–supplement interaction checker.
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