Interactions on record — worth a quick check against your medications. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

Co-Q10 & Red Yeast Rice Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by DC

Co-Q10 & Red Yeast Rice label
See full label image
Capsule Category: Other Combinations
Most serious interaction: Moderate
Clinical methodology reviewed by · Updated Sep 16, 2026 · Label data from the NIH DSLD
What is this page for?

First and foremost: checking Co-Q10 & Red Yeast Rice against your medications. The heart of this page is the interaction checker and the full interaction report — how this product’s ingredients may interact with prescription and over-the-counter medicines you may be taking.

Around that, we add a pharmacist’s high-level view of the product as a whole — what’s inside, the evidence for its stated use, how transparent the label is, and what safety data exists — so you can see the full picture in one place. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases and the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist — not medical advice — and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy

The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Co-Q10 & Red Yeast Rice is a dietary supplement by DC with 3 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for heart health, statin-related muscle aches, migraine prevention.Based on those ingredients, 1,304 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are BioPerine, Red Yeast Rice powder, Coenzyme Q10. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

Jump to a section

Check Your Meds Against Co-Q10 & Red Yeast Rice by DC

Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with Co-Q10 & Red Yeast Rice by DC — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.

Pharmacist-reviewed data Checks every ingredient Answer in seconds
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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Co-Q10 & Red Yeast Rice by DC

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

Generated from HelloPharmacist’s pharmacist-curated databases and editorial rules · Last generated Jul 11, 2026

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 3 of its 3 active ingredients.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

This product contains three active ingredients. Coenzyme Q10 is an antioxidant that your cells naturally make and use for energy; it's been used to support heart health and energy production.

Red Yeast Rice powder is made by fermenting rice with yeast and acts like a statin drug — it contains lovastatin and is used to help manage cholesterol levels. BioPerine is a black pepper extract (the active compound is piperine) used in supplements to boost how well other ingredients are absorbed.

You'll also find cellulose, magnesium stearate, and silica listed as inactive ingredients — these are binders and fillers that hold the capsule together.

Does it work?

Strong evidence
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

This product doesn't appear to be marketed for a specific use, so we graded its ingredients' overall clinical evidence instead.

Strong

Strong clinical evidence supports its ingredients for:

Why this rating?
  • We looked at the product name, claims, and label statements and couldn't find a stated purpose to grade.
  • Since the label doesn't commit to one use, we graded the ingredients' overall clinical evidence instead.
  • On file: Coenzyme Q10 deficiency — rated "Likely Effective" (Coenzyme Q10) (Natural Medicines).
  • On file: Fibromyalgia — rated "Possibly Effective" (Coenzyme Q10) (Natural Medicines).
  • On file: Multiple sclerosis (MS) — rated "Possibly Effective" (Coenzyme Q10) (Natural Medicines).
  • On file: Ischemia-reperfusion injury — rated "Possibly Effective" (Coenzyme Q10) (Natural Medicines).
  • On file: Migraine headache — rated "Possibly Effective" (Coenzyme Q10) (Natural Medicines).

Coenzyme Q10 is likely effective for CoQ10 deficiency and possibly effective for fibromyalgia, migraine headaches, congestive heart failure, and diabetic neuropathy. Red Yeast Rice is possibly effective for HIV/AIDS-related high cholesterol and heart attack prevention.

For BioPerine on its own, we don't have established effectiveness data — the evidence isn't there for hay fever, asthma, athletic performance, headache, depression, or diarrhea.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Coenzyme Q10 Black Pepper Red Yeast Rice

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 3 of the 3 matched ingredients.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 3 of 3.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 3 of 3.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Coenzyme Q10 is generally well tolerated; in clinical trials no serious side effects were reported. The most common ones — less than 1% of users — are stomach upset, nausea, diarrhea, and heartburn; higher daily doses above 100 mg are less likely to cause these if you split them up.

Headache, dizziness, and insomnia have been reported, and very rarely skin itching or allergic rash. There isn't enough safety data for CoQ10 in pregnancy, so it's best to avoid unless your doctor advises otherwise; breastfeeding safety hasn't been well studied either.

BioPerine is generally safe in food amounts, but concentrated supplement doses haven't been well studied — use caution. The most common side effects are burning aftertaste and heartburn.

Allergic reactions are rare. Red Yeast Rice works like a statin and carries similar risks: the most common side effects are abdominal discomfort, diarrhea, dizziness, headache, heartburn, nausea, and myopathy (muscle weakness).

Rarely, serious liver damage or rhabdomyolysis (severe muscle breakdown) have been reported, likely linked to the lovastatin in the product. Red Yeast Rice is unsafe in pregnancy because of its statin-like activity.

It should be avoided while breastfeeding due to its statin activity and lack of safety data.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Coenzyme Q10 Black Pepper Red Yeast Rice

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?
  • 3 of the 3 matched ingredients can interact with medications — Black Pepper, Red Yeast Rice, Coenzyme Q10.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs; immunosuppressants / transplant drugs; diabetes medications; lithium.
  • For scale: 1,305 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 these medication types before taking this product: blood thinners like warfarin (Moderate risk — Red Yeast Rice may reduce its effect); statin drugs like atorvastatin, simvastatin, or any HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor (Moderate — combining them risks muscle damage); cyclosporine used after transplants (Moderate — Red Yeast Rice may dangerously raise lovastatin levels); gemfibrozil for triglycerides (Moderate — risk of muscle breakdown); niacin, especially high-dose (Moderate — risk of muscle breakdown); anti-seizure drugs like phenytoin (Moderate — BioPerine may raise levels); HIV drugs like nevirapine (Moderate — BioPerine may raise levels); tuberculosis antibiotics like rifampin (Moderate — BioPerine may raise levels); heart drugs like propranolol (Moderate — BioPerine may raise levels); asthma drugs like theophylline (Moderate — BioPerine may raise levels); sedatives like pentobarbital (Moderate — BioPerine may increase drowsiness); and blood pressure drugs (Minor — CoQ10 may add to the effect). Also check if you take any drugs that damage the liver or any that slow your liver's CYP3A4 enzyme.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with strong clinical evidence behind its ingredients' uses. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

This product combines CoQ10 for heart health with Red Yeast Rice for cholesterol, but Red Yeast Rice acts like a prescription statin — so it's not for everyone. If you take any prescription medications, especially blood thinners, cholesterol drugs, HIV drugs, anti-seizure drugs, or heart medications, you must check your exact drugs with the tool on this page before starting.

Talk with your pharmacist or doctor about whether this is right for you and whether your current medications will be affected.

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

Assessment coverage: 3 of 3 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Jun 25, 2025.

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 Co-Q10 & Red Yeast Rice, straight from the product label.

Brand DC
Net contents 60 Veg. Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Jun 25, 2025
DSLD ID 331327
Product type Other Combinations
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), Women (not pregnant or lactating), 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 Co-Q10 & Red Yeast Rice by DC, 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 Vegan Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
2 Vegan Capsule(s)
Servings per container
30
IngredientAmount% DV
Coenzyme Q10120 mg--
BioPerine10 mg--
Red Yeast Rice powder1200 mg--

Other ingredients: Cellulose, Magnesium Stearate, Silica

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.
Precautions

Tamper Evident: Do not use this product if imprinted foil seal under cap is broken or missing.

Keep out of reach of children.

Warning: Not intended for use by pregnant or nursing women. If you are taking any medications, consult your doctor before use.

Avoid this product if you have liver disease. Discontinue use and consult your doctor if any adverse reactions occur including muscle pain or weakness, rash or gastrointestinal discomfort.

Not intended for use by persons under the age of 18.

Formulation

Mfg. in an FDA Registered Facility using Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs)

Conforms to USP <2091> for weight. Meets USP <2040> disintegration for maximum bioavailability.

Gluten free

Promotes a healthy heart and cardiovascular system Helps neutralize cell damaging free radicals

Made in USA

Storage

Keep tightly closed. Store at room temperature: 59 degrees - 86 degrees F (15 degrees to 30 degrees C).

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.

Seals/Symbols

Quali Pure

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Directions: As a dietary supplement, take two (2) veg. capsules daily, preferably with a meal.

General Statements

Was a softgel now a veg. capsule

Is this label outdated? Report a formula or label change and our pharmacy team will review it.

See for yourself

Co-Q10 & Red Yeast Rice by DC label

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

Co-Q10 & Red Yeast Rice label

Label images are published by the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database for the version of this product on file. Always read your actual product label.

View the full label (PDF)
What’s inside

The Ingredients in Co-Q10 & Red Yeast Rice by DC

These are the 3 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size2 Vegan Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule 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.

Coenzyme Q10

Interacts with
198 drugs
120 mg per serving

CoQ10 is a vitamin-like substance your body makes naturally that helps cells produce energy and acts as an antioxidant. It is generally well tolerated...

Coenzyme Q10 monograph & interactions

BioPerine

Interacts with
1,019 drugs
10 mg per serving Form: Black Pepper Fruit Extract

Black pepper is a common kitchen spice that is generally safe in the amounts used in food. Its extract, piperine, is mostly added to supplements to he...

BioPerine monograph & interactions

Red Yeast Rice powder

Interacts with
477 drugs
1200 mg per serving

Red yeast rice contains monacolin K, which is chemically identical to the prescription statin lovastatin, and it can lower LDL ('bad') cholesterol. Be...

Red Yeast Rice powder monograph & interactions

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

Interaction report

Co-Q10 & Red Yeast Rice by DC Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Co-Q10 & Red Yeast Rice?

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
1,304Drugs
1,176 Moderate 128 Minor

Ingredients driving the most interactions

BioPerine 1,019
Red Yeast Rice powder 477
Coenzyme Q10 198

Individual Drug Interactions

The ingredients in Co-Q10 & Red Yeast Rice interact with 1,304 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.

3 of the 3 ingredients in Co-Q10 & Red Yeast Rice interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. BioPerine Red Yeast Rice powder Coenzyme Q10

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Co-Q10 & Red Yeast Rice with known interactions, here are the types of medications they can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

BioPerine17 drug types · 1,019 drugs

Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, black pepper might increase the risk of bleeding when taken with antiplatelet or anticoagulant drugs.
In vitro research shows that piperine, a constituent of black pepper, seems to inhibit platelet aggregation. This has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, black pepper might increase the risk of hypoglycemia when taken with antidiabetes drugs.
Animal research shows that piperine, a constituent of black pepper, can reduce blood glucose levels. Monitor blood glucose levels closely. Dose adjustments might be necessary.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Atorvastatin (Lipitor)

Theoretically, black pepper might increase blood levels of atorvastatin.
Animal research shows that taking piperine, a constituent of black pepper, 35 mg/kg can increase the maximum serum concentration of atorvastatin three-fold. This has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune)

Theoretically, black pepper might increase the effects and side effects of cyclosporine.
In vitro research shows that piperine, a constituent of black pepper, increases the bioavailability of cyclosporine. This has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 2D6 (Cyp2D6) Substrates

Theoretically, black pepper might increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2D6.
In vitro research suggests that some constituents of black pepper inhibit CYP2D6. This has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 3A4 (Cyp3A4) Substrates

Theoretically, black pepper might increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
In vitro research and pharmacokinetic simulation data suggest that piperine, a constituent of black pepper, as well as the pepper fruit seem to inhibit CYP3A4. This has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Lithium

Theoretically, black pepper might increase blood levels of lithium due to its diuretic effects. The dose of lithium might need to be reduced.
Black pepper is thought to have diuretic properties.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Nevirapine (Viramune)

Black pepper might increase blood levels of nevirapine.
Clinical research shows that piperine, a constituent of black pepper, increases the plasma concentration of nevirapine. However, no adverse effects were observed in this study.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
P-Glycoprotein Substrates

Theoretically, black pepper might increase levels of P-glycoprotein substrates.
In vitro research shows that piperine, a constituent of black pepper, seems to inhibit P-glycoprotein.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Pentobarbital (Nembutal)

Theoretically, black pepper might increase the sedative effects of pentobarbital.
Animal research shows that piperine, a constituent of black pepper, increases pentobarbital-induced sleeping time.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Phenytoin (Dilantin)

Black pepper might increase blood levels of phenytoin.
Clinical research shows that piperine, a constituent of black pepper, seems to increase absorption, slow elimination, and increase levels of phenytoin. Taking a single dose of black pepper 1 gram along with phenytoin seems to double the serum concentration of phenytoin. Consuming a soup with black pepper providing piperine 44 mg/200 mL of soup along with phenytoin also seems to increase phenytoin levels when compared with consuming the same soup without black pepper.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Propranolol (Inderal)

Black pepper might increase blood levels of propranolol.
Clinical research shows that piperine, a constituent of black pepper, seems to increase absorption and slow elimination of propranolol.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Rifampin (Rifadin)

Black pepper might increase blood levels of rifampin.
Clinical research shows that piperine, a constituent of black pepper, seems to increase absorption and serum levels of rifampin.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Theophylline

Black pepper might increase blood levels of theophylline.
Clinical research shows that piperine, a constituent of black pepper, seems to increase absorption and slow elimination of theophylline.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Amoxicillin (Amoxil, Trimox)

Theoretically, black pepper might increase the effects and side effects of amoxicillin.
Animal research shows that taking piperine, a constituent of black pepper, with amoxicillin increases plasma levels of amoxicillin. This has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Carbamazepine (Tegretol)

Theoretically, black pepper might increase blood levels of carbamazepine, potentially increasing the effects and side effects of carbamazepine.
One clinical study in patients taking carbamazepine 300 mg or 500 mg twice daily shows that taking a single 20 mg dose of purified piperine, a constituent of black pepper, increases carbamazepine levels. Piperine may increase carbamazepine absorption by increasing blood flow to the GI tract, increasing the surface area of the small intestine, or inhibiting cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) in the gut wall. Absorption was significantly increased by 7-10 mcg/mL/hour. The time to eliminate carbamazepine was also increased by 4-8 hours. Although carbamazepine levels were increased, this did not appear to increase side effects. In vitro research also shows that piperine can increase carbamazepine levels by 11% in a time-dependent manner.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Cytochrome P450 1A2 (Cyp1A2) Substrates

Theoretically, black pepper might decrease levels and clinical effects of drugs metabolized by CYP1A2.
In vitro research suggests that black pepper induces CYP1A2. This has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
BioPerine full monograph & interactions

Red Yeast Rice powder6 drug types · 477 drugs

Cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune)

Theoretically, taking red yeast rice in combination with cyclosporine might increase the risk of myopathy.
Red yeast rice contains varying levels of the statin drug lovastatin. Cyclosporine has been reported to increase plasma levels of lovastatin by 5- to 20-fold, resulting in reports of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 3A4 (Cyp3A4) Inhibitors

Theoretically, drugs that inhibit the CYP3A4 enzymes might increase levels of lovastatin from red yeast rice.
Red yeast rice contains varying levels of the statin drug lovastatin, which is metabolized by CYP3A4. Combining red yeast rice with CYP3A4 inhibitors might increase serum levels of lovastatin from red yeast rice.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Gemfibrozil (Lopid)

Theoretically, taking red yeast rice in combination with gemfibrozil might increase the risk of rhabdomyolysis.
Red yeast rice contains varying levels of the statin drug lovastatin. Gemfibrozil has been reported to increase the risk of rhabdomyolysis when used in combination with lovastatin.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Hepatotoxic Drugs

Theoretically, concomitant use might increase the risk of liver damage.
Red yeast rice contains varying levels of the drug lovastatin. Lovastatin can cause liver damage in some people. Some clinical research suggests that supplements containing red yeast rice might increase liver enzyme levels in some, but not all, participants. Cases of acute hepatitis have been associated with red yeast rice. Combining it with hepatotoxic drugs might further increase this risk.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Hmg-Coa Reductase Inhibitors ("Statins")

Theoretically, taking red yeast rice with other statins might increase the risk of potential adverse effects.
Red yeast rice contains varying levels of the statin drug lovastatin and might result in supratherapeutic levels when used with other statins. Based on evaluation of data from the US Food and Drug Administration's adverse event reporting system (FAERS), it is recommended that red yeast rice products be avoided in people taking prescription statins.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Niacin

Theoretically, taking red yeast rice in combination with high-dose niacin might increase the risk of rhabdomyolysis.
Red yeast rice contains varying levels of the statin drug lovastatin and has been linked to reports of myopathy. Niacin has been reported to increase the risk of rhabdomyolysis when used in combination with lovastatin.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Red Yeast Rice powder full monograph & interactions

Coenzyme Q103 drug types · 198 drugs

Alkylating Agents

Coenzyme Q10 has antioxidant effects. Theoretically, this may reduce the activity of chemotherapy drugs that generate free radicals.
Theoretically, antioxidants such as coenzyme Q10 might protect tumor cells from chemotherapeutic agents that work by inducing oxidative stress, such as alkylating agents (e.g., cyclophosphamide) and radiation therapy. The clinical importance of this interaction is unknown.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Warfarin (Coumadin)

Coenzyme Q10 is chemically similar to menaquinone and might have vitamin K-like procoagulant effects, which could decrease the effects of warfarin.
Concomitant use of coenzyme Q10 and warfarin might reduce the anticoagulant effects of warfarin. Four cases of decreased warfarin efficacy thought to be due to coenzyme Q10 have been reported. However, there is some preliminary clinical research that suggests coenzyme Q10 might not significantly decrease the effects of warfarin in patients who have a stable INR.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antihypertensive Drugs

Theoretically, coenzyme Q10 might have additive effects with antihypertensive drugs.
Some clinical research shows that coenzyme Q10 can significantly lower blood pressure, although other studies have shown conflicting results.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Coenzyme Q10 full monograph & interactions
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Co-Q10 & Red Yeast Rice, from the product label.

DC

See all DC products
Name
Dee Cee Laboratories, Inc.
Street Address
304 Dee Cee Rd.
City
White House
State
TN
ZipCode
37188
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Co-Q10 & Red Yeast Rice by DC: Common Questions

Does Co-Q10 & Red Yeast Rice by DC interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Co-Q10 & Red Yeast Rice has a known interaction with 1,304 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Co-Q10 & Red Yeast Rice contains 3 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.
Will this product make my cholesterol medication work less well?
If you're taking a statin (like atorvastatin or simvastatin), Red Yeast Rice in this product also acts as a statin, so you'd be doubling up — that raises your risk of muscle damage, not reducing drug effect. You must talk to your pharmacist or doctor before using this with a statin. For warfarin (a blood thinner), CoQ10 in this product may actually reduce how well it works; check with your pharmacist.
What's BioPerine in here and why?
BioPerine is black pepper extract added to boost how well the other ingredients absorb into your body. It's generally well tolerated, but it can raise the blood levels of certain medications — that's why you need to check your drugs.
Can I take this if I'm pregnant?
No. Red Yeast Rice is unsafe during pregnancy because it acts like a statin drug. There's also not enough safety data for CoQ10 in pregnancy. Talk to your doctor or midwife before starting any supplement while pregnant.
Can I breastfeed while taking this?
The safety of Red Yeast Rice while breastfeeding hasn't been established — avoid it. CoQ10 safety while breastfeeding also hasn't been well studied. Check with your doctor or pharmacist for personalized advice.
What side effects does Red Yeast Rice cause?
The most common are stomach upset, diarrhea, dizziness, heartburn, and nausea. Rarely, muscle weakness or damage can occur, especially if you take it with certain other drugs or at high doses. Very rarely, liver damage has been reported.
Is CoQ10 safe for heart patients?
CoQ10 is generally well tolerated and is possibly effective for congestive heart failure. However, if you're on a blood thinner like warfarin, there's a Moderate interaction — CoQ10 may reduce its effect. Check with your pharmacist before starting.

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

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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.

Co-Q10 & Red Yeast Rice label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Co-Q10 & Red Yeast Rice’s Ingredients

Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.

Herb & supplement monograph

Coenzyme Q10

Interacts with 198 drugs

CoQ10 is a vitamin-like substance your body makes naturally that helps cells produce energy and acts as an antioxidant. It is generally well tolerated and is most studied for heart condition...

Read the full Coenzyme Q10 monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Black Pepper

Interacts with 1,019 drugs

Black pepper is a common kitchen spice that is generally safe in the amounts used in food. Its extract, piperine, is mostly added to supplements to help the body absorb other ingredients (li...

Read the full Black Pepper monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Red Yeast Rice

Interacts with 477 drugs

Red yeast rice contains monacolin K, which is chemically identical to the prescription statin lovastatin, and it can lower LDL ('bad') cholesterol. Because of this, it carries the same risks...

Read the full Red Yeast Rice monograph →
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Co-Q10 & Red Yeast Rice'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 119 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.

Coenzyme Q10 40 references
  1. Kamikawa T, Kobayashi A, Yamashita T, et al. Effects of coenzyme Q10 on exercise tolerance in chronic stable angina pectoris. Am J Cardiol 1985;56:247-51. PubMed
  2. Langsjoen P, Willis R, Folkers K. Treatment of essential hypertension with coenzyme Q10. Mol Aspects Med 1994;S265-72. PubMed
  3. Spigset O. Reduced effect of warfarin caused by ubidecarenone. Lancet 1994;334:1372-3. PubMed
  4. Singh RB, Niaz MA, Rastogi SS, et al. Effect of hydrosoluble coenzyme Q10 on blood pressures and insulin resistance in hypertensive patients with coronary artery disease. J Hum Hypertens 1999;13:203-8. PubMed
  5. Portakal O, Ozkaya O, Erden Inal M, et al. Coenzyme Q10 concentrations and antioxidant status in tissues of breast cancer patients. Clin Biochem 2000;33:279-84. PubMed
  6. Lund EL, Quistorff B, Spang-Thomsen M, Kristjansen PE. Effect of radiation therapy on small-cell lung cancer is reduced by ubiquinone intake. Folia Microbiol (Praha) 1998;43:505-6. PubMed
  7. Langsjoen PH, Langsjoen PH, Folkers K. Long-term efficacy and safety of coenzyme Q10 therapy for idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy. Am J Cardiol 1990;65:521-3. PubMed
  8. Heck AM, DeWitt BA, Lukes AL. Potential interactions between alternative therapies and warfarin. Am J Health Syst Pharm 2000;57:1221-7. DOI
  9. Landbo C, Almdal TP. [Interaction between warfarin and coenzyme Q10]. Ugeskr Laeger 1998;160:3226-7.
  10. Baggio E, Gandini R, Plauncher AC, et al. Italian multicenter study on the safety and efficacy of coenzyme Q10 as adjunctive therapy in heart failure. CoQ10 Drug Surveillance Investigators. Mol Aspects Med 1994;15 Suppl:S287-94. PubMed
  11. Burke BE, Neuenschwander R, Olson RD. Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of coenzyme Q10 in isolated systolic hypertension. South Med J 2001;94:1112-7. PubMed
  12. The Huntington Study Group. A randomized, placebo-controlled trial of coenzyme Q10 and remacemide in Huntington's disease. Neurology 2001;57:397-404.
  13. Hodgson JM, Watts GF, Playford DA, et al. Coenzyme Q10 improves blood pressure and glycaemic control: a controlled trial in subjects with type 2 diabetes. Eur J Clin Nutr 2002;56:1137-42. PubMed
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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.

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