Lovastatin and Danazol: Interaction Details
AI-assisted, pharmacist-reviewed · Source data updated Aug 8, 2026 · Sources: FDA labeling, DDInter 2.0, cited literature
Danazol
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 or rhabdomyolysis
Interaction Deep Dive
The combination of danazol and lovastatin is associated with an increased risk of developing myopathy/rhabdomyolysis21. A 91-year-old man, on long-term therapy with danazol, experienced rhabdomyolysis about 2 months after starting lovastatin 3. Risk of myopathy/rhabdomyolysis with concomitant lovastatin is dose-related, and coadministration should be used only if the potential benefit outweighs the risk. If used concomitantly with danazol, lovastatin therapy should be initiated with 10 mg daily, and should not exceed 20 mg daily 1. In addition, monitor the patient for signs and symptoms of myopathy or rhabdomyolysis (muscle pain, tenderness, weakness). Monitor creatine kinase (CK) levels and discontinue lovastatin use if CK levels show a marked increase, or if myopathy or rhabdomyolysis is diagnosed or suspected.
Why it happens (mechanism)
Inhibition of CYP3A4-mediated metabolism of lovastatin
Literature reports
1 report — tap to read
a) A 91-year-old man, on long-term therapy with danazol for idiopathic thrombocytopenia purpura, experienced rhabdomyolysis about 2 months after starting lovastatin. The patient was stabilized on danazol 400 mg once daily for the past 25 years and had received many different statins (fluvastatin, simvastatin, atorvastatin) in the last 10 years without recourse. About 2 months before presenting with symptoms, he had been switched from atorvastatin 10 mg/day to lovastatin 40 mg/day. At presentation, he reported bilateral leg weakness developing and worsening over the past 2 weeks. On examination, he had diffuse lower extremity weakness and skin ecchymosis without rash, but no other notable system involvement. Laboratory tests revealed elevated WBC (14,200 units/L), creatine kinase (22,504 units/L), liver enzymes (AST, 368 unit/L; ALT 415 units/L), and serum creatinine (2.5 mg/dL). Danazol and lovastatin were immediately discontinued, and he was treated with IV hydration and physical therapy. Within 4 days, laboratory values were normalizing and his symptoms improved. The Naranjo probability scale score of 8 indicated a probable causal association 3.
Common questions
Can I take Lovastatin and Danazol together?
An increased risk of myopathy or rhabdomyolysis Always confirm with your pharmacist or prescriber before making any change.
How serious is the Lovastatin and Danazol 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 Danazol 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)
- Product Information: MEVACOR(R) oral tablets, lovastatin oral tablets. Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp, Whitehouse Station, NJ, 2010. DailyMed
- Product Information: DANOCRINE(R) oral capsules, danazol oral capsules. sanofi-aventis U.S. LLC (Per FDA), Bridgewater, NJ, 2011. DailyMed
- Khanna S & Mundell WC: Rhadbomyolysis associated with co-administration of danazol and lovastatin. Br J Clin Pharmacol 2011; 72(1):166-167. PubMed
Keep reading about Danazol
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.
Check another combination
Our instant two-drug interaction checker is almost here.
Still have questions about this combination?
Every question gets a real answer from a licensed pharmacist — free, and usually within a day.
Ask the pharmacist