Lovastatin and Colchicine: Interaction Details
AI-assisted, pharmacist-reviewed · Source data updated Aug 8, 2026 · Sources: FDA labeling, DDInter 2.0, cited literature
Colchicine
Lovastatin
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, including rhabdomyolysis
Interaction Deep Dive
Coadministration of colchicine and lovastatin may result in myopathy and rhabdomyolysis. Myopathy was reported when lovastatin was introduced in a patient maintained on colchicine for gout. CYP450 inhibition and synergistic myotoxicity were 2 possible mechanisms proposed by the authors3. Coadministration is reasonable when clinically indicated, with monitoring for signs/symptoms of myopathy/rhabdomyolysis (muscle pain, tenderness, weakness) including creatine kinase (CK) levels if symptomatic, especially at treatment initiation, in elderly patients, and with titration of either drug; may consider dose reductions of either drug, especially in those with renal impairment 213. Monitoring may not necessarily prevent development of severe myopathy. Discontinue colchicine immediately if myopathy is diagnosed/suspected 2.
Why it happens (mechanism)
Unknown
Literature reports
2 reports — tap to read
a) The American Heart Association states that concurrent usage of lovastatin and colchicine is reasonable when clinically indicated. Dose reductions may be considered for either lovastatin or colchicine when these drugs are used concurrently due to the potential for competitive inhibition with CYP3A and competitive P-gp-mediated efflux; reduced dosages of colchicine should be considered for patients with renal impairment. Monitoring for muscle-related signs and symptoms of myopathy or rhabdomyolysis is recommended 1.
b) A 74-year-old man maintained on prophylactic colchicine therapy for gout presented with proximal muscle weakness after 4 weeks of lovastatin therapy to treat hypercholesteremia. On admission, serum creatine kinase was 8370 Units/L (normal 0 to 130 Units/L). Both colchicine and lovastatin were discontinued, and the patient gradually returned to baseline function following physical rehabilitation 3.
Common questions
Can I take Lovastatin and Colchicine together?
An increased risk of myopathy, including rhabdomyolysis Always confirm with your pharmacist or prescriber before making any change.
How serious is the Lovastatin and Colchicine 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 Lovastatin or Colchicine 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 (3)
- Wiggins BS, Saseen JJ, Page RL, et al: Recommendations for management of clinically significant drug-drug interactions with statins and select agents used in patients with cardiovascular disease: a scientific statement from the American Heart Association. Circulation 2016; 134(21):e468-e495. PubMed
- Product Information: COLCRYS oral tablets, colchicine oral tablets. Takeda Pharmaceuticals America Inc (per FDA), Deerfield, IL, 2020. DailyMed
- Torgovnick J, Sethi N, & Arsura E: Colchicine and HMG Co-A reductase inhibitors induced myopathy-a case report. Neurotoxicology 2006; 27(6):1126-1127. PubMed
Keep reading about Colchicine
Keep reading about Lovastatin
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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