Interactions on record — worth a quick check against your medications. Based on 1 of 2 ingredients. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

Cholesterol Complex Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by VitaCeutical Labs

Tablet Or Pill Category: Non-nutrient/non-botanical
Most serious interaction: Moderate
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Cholesterol Complex is a dietary supplement by VitaCeutical Labs with 2 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for high cholesterol, heart and blood vessel health, leg pain from poor circulation (intermittent claudication).Based on those ingredients, 242 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Policosanol. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Cholesterol Complex by VitaCeutical Labs

Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

What’s inside

Full disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Full

Every active ingredient lists its own amount on the label.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 2 of its 2 active ingredients.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

Cholesterol Complex contains 2 active ingredients. Policosanol is a plant-derived compound extracted from waxes and oils, traditionally used to help manage cholesterol levels.

The product also includes Corowise Plant Sterols, though we hold no detailed information on that ingredient in our monograph. The remaining ingredients are inactive: dicalcium phosphate, cellulose, stearic acid, magnesium stearate, silica, and modified cellulose gum (the binders, fillers, and capsule material that hold the tablet together).

Does it work?

Not established
Evidence for Intended Use · database check
By FDA rules, dietary supplements can’t claim to treat, cure, or prevent disease — so labels speak in careful marketing language. We discern each product’s intended use from its name, label claims, and label statements, then grade the clinical evidence for that use. How these ratings are computed
Not established

The graded evidence we hold for these ingredients covers different conditions than the ones this product is marketed for, so there's no established rating for its stated use — see Policosanol's own graded uses on its monograph.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: support healthy cholesterol levels.
  • We looked for evidence on: Familial hypercholesterolemia, Hypercholesterolemia, Dyslipidemia, Lipid management.
  • The closest evidence on file: Policosanol is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Familial hypercholesterolemia (Natural Medicines).

Policosanol has been rated Likely Effective for intermittent claudication—leg pain or cramping that happens with walking and goes away with rest. For heart disease prevention and familial high cholesterol (inherited high cholesterol), the evidence is Insufficient: we don't have enough reliable data to say whether it works.

If you're considering this product for cholesterol management, talk with us about what the current research actually supports for your situation.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Policosanol

How safe is it?

Well-documented data
Safety Information · database check
Well characterized

Adverse-effect, pregnancy, and general safety data are on file for most of these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • We hold adverse-effect (side-effect) data for 1 of the 1 matched ingredient.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 1 of 1.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 1 of 1.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Policosanol is generally well tolerated in clinical studies. The most commonly reported side effects are headache, insomnia, dizziness, upset stomach, skin rash, itching, and weight loss—though most of these happen in only a small number of trial participants.

Headache and mild dizziness appear uncommon; weight loss is also uncommon in real-world use. There isn't enough safety information to recommend this ingredient during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

If you're pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, talk with your doctor or pharmacist before starting. We hold no pregnancy or breastfeeding data for Corowise Plant Sterols.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Policosanol

Meds to double-check

Moderate interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Moderate identified

The most serious documented interaction for these ingredients is Moderate. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 1 of the 1 matched ingredient can interact with medications — Policosanol.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs; diabetes medications.
  • For scale: 242 individual medications appear in the full list. A big number alone doesn't make a product dangerous — what matters is whether YOUR medication is on it, so run yours through the interaction checker on this page.

Check your medications if you take any blood pressure drugs, especially beta-blockers or propranolol (Moderate risk of added blood pressure drop). Blood thinners and antiplatelet drugs like warfarin carry the same Moderate risk of increased bleeding.

If you're on diabetes medication, there's also a Moderate risk of blood sugar dropping too low. Finally, nitroprusside users should verify safety before taking this product.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with no established evidence rating for its marketed use. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

Cholesterol Complex might be worth discussing if you have intermittent claudication or want to explore cholesterol support—but the evidence for heart disease prevention is uncertain. If you take blood pressure medications, blood thinners, diabetes drugs, or nitroprusside, you'll need to check your specific medications with us before starting.

Talk to your pharmacist about whether this product fits your situation.

Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI

Assessment coverage: 1 of 2 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Feb 23, 2012.

This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed

At a glance

General information

Key facts about Cholesterol Complex, straight from the product label.

Brand VitaCeutical Labs
Barcode (UPC) 719985084317
Net contents 60 Vegetarian Tablet(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Feb 23, 2012
DSLD ID 6265
Product type Non-nutrient/non-botanical
Supplement form Tablet Or Pill
Dietary claims / uses Nutrient, All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Vegan, Vegetarian, Adult (18 - 50 Years), Gluten Free
From the label
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.

Supplement Facts

The label details for Cholesterol Complex by VitaCeutical Labs, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
2 Tablet(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
2 Tablet(s)
Servings per container
30
UPC/BARCODE
719985084317
IngredientAmount% DV
Policosanol20 mg--
Corowise Plant Sterols950 mg--

Other ingredients: Dicalcium Phosphate, Cellulose, Stearic Acid, Magnesium Stearate, Silica, modified Cellulose Gum, modified Cellulose Gum

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

Label statements
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

SUGGESTED USE: Take 2 tablets twice daily with a glass of water before meals. For best results, take this product up to 15 minutes before eating a meal.

Precautions

In conjunction with a healthy diet, Cholesterol Complex with Plant Sterols helps support cholesterol levels already within a normal range.†

KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN.

Support a healthy heart! Cholesterol Complex with Plant Sterols is a powerful blend of nutrients designed to naturally support healthy cholesterol levels. This formula includes policosanol, a complex nutrient that has both antioxidant effects and supports liver cholesterol metabolism. Corowise(TM) plant sterols are natural components found in plants that may help excrete cholesterol from the body. According to the FDA, products containing at least 400 mg per serving of plant sterols and stanols, eaten twice a day with meals for a daily intake of at least 800 milligrams as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol, may reduce the risk of heart disease.

WE GUARANTEE OUR SUPPLEMENTS FOR POTENCY AND PURITY

FDA Disclaimer Statement

† These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

General

084E

General Statements

Cholesterol Support†

Brand IP Statement(s)

Corowise(TM) is trademark of Cargill.

Formulation

Suitable for vegans.

CONTAINS NO artificial colors, flavors or preservatives; no wheat, gluten, milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, soy, crustacean shellfish or fish.

Seals/Symbols

DOUBLE VERIFIED GLUTEN FREE(TM)

Formula

CHOLESTEROL COMPLEX With Plant Sterols

See for yourself

Cholesterol Complex by VitaCeutical Labs label

The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Cholesterol Complex by VitaCeutical Labs

These are the 2 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size2 Tablet(s) Dosage formTablet Or Pill Servings per container30 Amounts shown are per serving.

Most supplement products combine several ingredients, and a medication can interact with the product through any one of them. Each ingredient below shows whether it has known drug interactions.

Policosanol

Interacts with
242 drugs
20 mg per serving Form: Sugar Cane Wax

Policosanol is a mix of waxy alcohols (mostly octacosanol) made from sugar cane or other plant waxes, and it is often marketed as a natural way to low...

Policosanol monograph & interactions

Corowise Plant Sterols

950 mg per serving

Other (inactive) ingredients: Dicalcium Phosphate, Cellulose, Stearic Acid, Magnesium Stearate, Silica, Modified Cellulose Gum, Modified Cellulose Gum. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Cholesterol Complex by VitaCeutical Labs Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Cholesterol Complex?

Ask about interactions with your drugs in plain English — “Can I take it with lisinopril?” — and we find you the answer in seconds, ingredient by ingredient.

Go to the checker
242Drugs
242 Moderate

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Cholesterol Complex with known interactions, here are the types of medications it can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

Policosanol6 drug types · 242 drugs

Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, taking policosanol with other antiplatelet or anticoagulant drugs might increase the risk of bruising and bleeding.
Some clinical research shows that taking policosanol 10-50 mg daily for 7-15 days can inhibit platelet aggregation in healthy patients. Although, one clinical trial shows that taking policosanol 10 mg twice daily for 2 weeks prior to warfarin dosing does not affect warfarin pharmacokinetics or warfarin response. Furthermore, a study in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention with a drug-eluting stent found that taking policosanol 40 mg plus clopidogrel and aspirin daily for 30 days modestly reduced the risk for minor bleeding events when compared with taking clopidogrel and aspirin alone. Until more is known, use with caution.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, policosanol might have additive effects with antidiabetes drugs and increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
Clinical research shows that policosanol can lower blood glucose levels.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Beta-Blockers

Concomitant use of policosanol with beta-blockers can cause additive blood pressure-lowering effects.
Clinical research shows that policosanol 5 mg daily can have additive blood pressure-lowering effects in patients with hypertension who are taking beta-blockers. Also, animal research shows that policosanol can increase the blood-pressure lowering effects of propranolol.

Likelihood Probable Evidence A
Nitroprusside (Nitropress)

Theoretically, concomitant use of policosanol with nitroprusside might cause additive blood pressure-lowering effects.
Animal research shows that taking policosanol along with nitroprusside can increase the blood pressure-lowering effects of nitroprusside.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Propranolol (Inderal)

Animal research shows that taking policosanol along with propranolol can increase the blood pressure-lowering effects of propranolol.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Warfarin (Coumadin)

Theoretically, taking policosanol with warfarin might increase the risk of bruising and bleeding.
Some clinical research shows that taking policosanol 10-50 mg daily for 7-15 days can inhibit platelet aggregation in healthy patients. However, one clinical trial shows that taking policosanol 10 mg twice daily for 2 weeks prior to warfarin dosing does not affect warfarin pharmacokinetics or warfarin response.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Cholesterol Complex, from the product label.

VitaCeutical Labs

See all VitaCeutical Labs products
Phone Number
1-888-710-0006
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Cholesterol Complex by VitaCeutical Labs: Common Questions

Does Cholesterol Complex by VitaCeutical Labs interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Cholesterol Complex has a known interaction with 242 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Cholesterol Complex contains 2 active ingredients, and an interaction can come from any of them. We check every ingredient, combine the results into one list per medication, and show which ingredient and mechanism is responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
Does this work for high cholesterol?
We don't have enough reliable evidence to say whether policosanol works for general cholesterol management or heart disease prevention. It is rated Likely Effective for intermittent claudication (leg pain with activity), but for cholesterol itself, the data is Insufficient. Talk with us about what the research actually supports for your goals.
What's policosanol, exactly?
Policosanol is a plant-derived compound made from waxes and oils. It's been studied for its possible effects on cholesterol and blood flow. Quality and benefit can vary between products, and it's generally well tolerated in studies, though its real-world benefit remains uncertain.
Can I take it while I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
No, it's best to avoid policosanol during pregnancy and breastfeeding—there isn't enough safety information to know whether it's safe. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you're pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
What side effects might I notice?
Most people tolerate it well. Headache, dizziness, insomnia, and upset stomach are the most commonly reported side effects, though they're uncommon. A small number of trial participants also reported skin rash, itching, and weight loss.
What is Corowise Plant Sterols?
It's the second active ingredient in this product, but we hold no detailed information about it in our monograph, so I can't tell you much beyond its presence in the formula. Ask us if you'd like to learn more about it from other sources.
Do I need to worry about fillers?
The inactive ingredients are dicalcium phosphate, cellulose, stearic acid, magnesium stearate, silica, and modified cellulose gum—standard binders and fillers used in tablets. If you have sensitivities to any of these, let us know and we can check the label.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

Not sure if Cholesterol Complex is safe with your meds?

Our pharmacists answer your medication & supplement questions — free.

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Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.

Cholesterol Complex label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Cholesterol Complex's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.

Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.

The 15 references behind this product’s interaction data

Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

Policosanol 15 references
  1. Carbajal D, Arruzazabala ML, Valdes S, Mas R. Effect of policosanol on platelet aggregation and serum levels of arachidonic acid metabolites in healthy volunteers. Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids 1998;58:61-4.
  2. Arruzazabala ML, Valdes S, Mas R, et al. Comparative study of policosanol, aspirin and the combination therapy policosanol-aspirin on platelet aggregation in healthy volunteers. Pharmacol Res 1997;36:293-7. PubMed
  3. Valdes S, Arruzazabala ML, Fernandez L. Effect of policosanol on platelet aggregation in healthy volunteers. Int J Clin Pharmacol Res 1996;16:67-72.
  4. Greyling A, De Witt C, Oosthuizen W, Jerling JC. Effects of a policosanol supplement on serum lipid concentrations in hypercholesterolaemic and heterozygous familial hypercholesterolaemic subjects. Br J Nutr 2006;95:968-75. PubMed
  5. Abdul MI, Jiang X, Williams KM, et al. Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic interactions of echinacea and policosanol with warfarin in healthy subjects. Br J Clin.Pharmacol. 2010;69:508-15. PubMed
  6. Molina, Cuevas, V, Arruzazabala, M. L., Carbajal, Quintana D., Mas, Ferreiro R., and Valdes, Garcia S. Effect of policosanol on arterial blood pressure in rats. Study of the pharmacological interaction with nifedipine and propranolol. Arch Med Res 1998;29
  7. Castano G, Fernandez L, Mas R, et al. Comparison of the efficacy, safety and tolerability of original policosanol versus other mixtures of higher aliphatic primary alcohols in patients with type II hypercholesterolemia. Int.J.Clin.Pharmacol.Res. 2002;22:5
  8. Arruzazabala, M. L., Carbajal, D., Mas, R., Valdes, S., and Molina, V. Pharmacological Interaction Between Policosanol and Nitroprusside in Rats. J Med Food 2001;4(2):67-70. PubMed
  9. Castano G, Mas R, Gamez R, et al. Concomitant use of policosanol and beta-blockers in older patients. Int J Clin Pharmacol.Res 2004;24:65-77.
  10. Francini-Pesenti F, Brocadello F, Beltramolli D, et al. Sugar cane policosanol failed to lower plasma cholesterol in primitive, diet-resistant hypercholesterolaemia: A double blind, controlled study. Complement Ther Med 2008;16:61-65. PubMed
  11. Castaño G, Fernández L, Mas R, Illnait J, Mesa M, Fernández JC. Comparison of the effects of policosanol and atorvastatin on lipid profile and platelet aggregation in patients with dyslipidaemia and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Clin Drug Investig. 2003;23(10 PubMed
  12. Fernandez L, Mas R, Illnait J, Fernandez JC. Policosanol: results of a postmarketing surveillance study of 27,879 patients. Curr Ther Res 1998;59(10):717-22. DOI
  13. Wang HY, Jiao QP, Chen SY, et al. Efficacy and safety of policosanol plus fenofibrate combination therapy in elderly patients with mixed dyslipidemia: A randomized, controlled clinical study. Am J Med Sci. 2018;356(3):254-261. PubMed
  14. Xu K, Liu X, Li Y, Wang Y, Zang H, Guo L, et al. Safety and efficacy of policosanol in patients with high on-treatment platelet reactivity after drug-eluting stent implantation: two-year follow-up results. Cardiovasc Ther. 2016 Oct;34(5):337-42. doi: 10.1 PubMed
  15. Li C, Ding Y, Si Q, Li K, Xu K. Multiple functions of policosanol in elderly patients with dyslipidemia. J Int Med Res. 2020;48(7):300060520936082. PubMed

See these in context on the Policosanol monograph →

Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC

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