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Dietary supplement

Policosanol Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Vitamin World

Policosanol label
See full label image
Softgel Capsule Category: Amino Acid/protein
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 Policosanol 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

Policosanol is a dietary supplement by Vitamin World with 1 active ingredient. 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.

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Check Your Meds Against Policosanol by Vitamin World

Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with Policosanol by Vitamin World — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.

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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Policosanol by Vitamin World

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 Sep 3, 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 1 of its 1 active ingredient.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

This product contains one active ingredient: policosanol, a waxy compound derived from plant sources that's used to support cholesterol and circulation health. The remaining ingredients are inactive — soybean oil, gelatin, soy lecithin, vegetable glycerin, and yellow beeswax — which make up the softgel capsule and help deliver the policosanol.

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
Strong

Clinical evidence supports at least one of this product's ingredients for its stated purpose.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: Cholesterol Support.
  • We looked for evidence on: Hypercholesterolemia, Familial hypercholesterolemia, Coronary heart disease (CHD), Intermittent claudication, dyslipidemia, atherosclerosis.
  • The strongest evidence on file: Policosanol is rated "Likely Effective" for Intermittent claudication (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Policosanol is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Coronary heart disease (CHD), Familial hypercholesterolemia.

Policosanol is likely effective for intermittent claudication, a condition where leg pain happens during walking due to poor circulation. For coronary heart disease and familial hypercholesterolemia, the evidence we hold isn't strong enough to rate it one way or the other — the research is still not reliable enough to say whether it works for those uses.

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 studies, though real-world benefit is uncertain and quality varies between products. The most common side effects reported are headache, dizziness (vertigo), sleepiness, irritability, insomnia, upset stomach, rash, itching, weight loss, and painful urination — but these are uncommon, showing up in only a small number of trial participants.

We don't have enough safety information to recommend it during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about whether it's right for you if you're pregnant or nursing.

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.

Before taking policosanol, double-check with your doctor or pharmacist if you take beta-blockers or propranolol (blood pressure drugs) — it can lower your pressure too far. Also flag any blood thinners or antiplatelet drugs, warfarin, diabetes medications, or nitroprusside; policosanol may add to their effects in ways that need monitoring.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with clinical evidence supporting its stated purpose. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

Policosanol may help with leg pain from poor circulation, but it's not proven for heart disease or high cholesterol. The big caution is that it can lower blood pressure and thin your blood — risky if you're on blood pressure drugs, blood thinners, or diabetes medications.

Check your exact prescriptions with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, and let them know if you're pregnant or breastfeeding.

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

Assessment coverage: 1 of 1 active ingredient matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Nov 25, 2011.

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 Policosanol, straight from the product label.

Brand Vitamin World
Barcode (UPC) 766443127574
Net contents 90 Rapid Release Softgel(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Nov 25, 2011
DSLD ID 2099
Product type Amino Acid/protein
Supplement form Softgel Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years)
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 Policosanol by Vitamin World, 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:
1 Softgel(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
2 Softgel(s)
UPC/BARCODE
766443127574
IngredientAmount% DV
Policosanol10 mg--

Other ingredients: Soybean Oil, Gelatin, Soy Lecithin, Vegetable Glycerin, yellow Beeswax

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

DIRECTIONS: For adults, take one (1) to two (2) softgels daily, preferably with meals.

Precautions

Keep out of reach of children.

WARNING: If you are pregnant, nursing or taking any medications, consult your doctor before use.

Discontinue use and consult your doctor if any adverse reactions occur.

Do not use if seal under cap is broken or missing.

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.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place.

General Statements

©2008 Vitamin World, Inc. B12755 03C

Cholesterol Support*

For over 40 years, Vitamin World has pioneered the manufacture of premium nutritional supplements. Our commitment to quality is the highest in our industry. Every product undergoes rigorous analysis for purity, potency, safety and freshness. We guarantee it.

Policosanol is a popular choice for promoting heart and circulatory health.* In addition, Policosanol helps to maintain cholesterol levels that are already within the normal range.*

Promotes Circulatory Health* Supports Heart Health*

Get healthy.

Formulation

No Artificial Color, Flavor or Sweetener, No Preservatives, No Sugar, No Starch, No Milk, No Lactose, No Gluten, No Wheat, No Yeast, No Fish. Sodium Free.

Seals/Symbols

Quality Assured

General

PROD. #12757 B12755 03C

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

See for yourself

Policosanol by Vitamin World label

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

Policosanol 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 Policosanol by Vitamin World

This is the 1 active ingredient this product is made of. Select it to open its full monograph.

Serving size1 Softgel(s) Dosage formSoftgel Capsule Amounts shown are per serving.

Policosanol

Interacts with
242 drugs
10 mg per serving Form: Rice 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

Other (inactive) ingredients: Soybean Oil, Gelatin, Soy Lecithin, Vegetable Glycerin, Yellow Beeswax. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Policosanol by Vitamin World Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Policosanol?

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

Policosanol 242

Individual Drug Interactions

The ingredients in Policosanol interact with 242 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.

1 of the 1 ingredient in Policosanol interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Policosanol

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Policosanol 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
Policosanol full monograph & interactions
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Policosanol, from the product label.

Vitamin World

See all Vitamin World products
Phone Number
1-800-228-4533
Web Address
www.vitaminworld.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Policosanol by Vitamin World: Common Questions

Does Policosanol by Vitamin World interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Policosanol 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?
Policosanol contains a single active ingredient, and that one ingredient can interact with many different medications on its own. We check it against each medication and show the mechanism 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.
What is policosanol, and where does it come from?
Policosanol is a waxy compound from plants used to support cholesterol and circulation. The exact source varies by product, and quality differs between brands — so it's worth knowing what you're buying.
Can I take this if I'm on a blood pressure medication?
Not without checking first. Policosanol can lower blood pressure on its own, and combining it with beta-blockers or similar drugs could drop your pressure too low. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist before you start.
Does policosanol thin the blood?
Research shows policosanol can affect how platelets clump together, which raises your bruising and bleeding risk if you're already on blood thinners or antiplatelet drugs like warfarin. This needs to be checked with your pharmacist or doctor.
Is it safe to take while pregnant or breastfeeding?
There isn't enough safety data to say either way. The guidance is to avoid it during pregnancy and breastfeeding — talk with your doctor or pharmacist about whether it's right for you in those times.
What side effects might I notice?
Most people tolerate it well, but a small number report headache, dizziness, sleep trouble, upset stomach, rash, or weight loss. These are uncommon, but let your pharmacist or doctor know if they happen.
Does it really work for high cholesterol?
The evidence we have isn't strong enough to say. It's likely effective for leg pain from poor circulation, but for heart disease or familial high cholesterol, the research isn't reliable enough yet.

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

Not sure if Policosanol is safe with your meds?

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Ask a pharmacist

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.

Policosanol label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Policosanol’s Ingredients

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

Herb & supplement monograph

Policosanol

Interacts with 242 drugs

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 lower cholesterol. Early studies from Cuba...

Read the full Policosanol monograph →
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Policosanol'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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