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Dietary supplement

Red Yeast Rice Complex Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Vitamin World

Red Yeast Rice Complex 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 Red Yeast Rice Complex 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

Red Yeast Rice Complex is a dietary supplement by Vitamin World with 4 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, 1,174 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Garlic, Red Yeast Rice powder, 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 Red Yeast Rice Complex by Vitamin World

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

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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Red Yeast Rice Complex 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 10, 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 4 of its 4 active ingredients.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

Red Yeast Rice Complex contains 4 active ingredients. Policosanol is a plant-derived compound studied for cholesterol and blood pressure support.

Garlic is included for its potential cardiovascular and metabolic benefits. Red yeast rice powder is a fermented rice product that naturally contains lovastatin, a statin-type compound.

Plant sterols are cholesterol-like compounds from plants believed to help lower cholesterol absorption. The capsules also contain inactive ingredients: gelatin, vegetable magnesium stearate, and silica.

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: High cholesterol and heart health support.
  • We looked for evidence on: Hypercholesterolemia, Familial hypercholesterolemia, Cardiovascular disease (CVD), Coronary heart disease (CHD), Atherosclerosis, Hypertension — and 4 related terms.
  • The strongest evidence on file: Policosanol is rated "Likely Effective" for Intermittent claudication (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Plant Sterols is rated "Likely Effective" for Familial hypercholesterolemia, Hypercholesterolemia.
  • Also on file: Garlic is rated "Possibly Effective" for Atherosclerosis, Hypertension.

Policosanol is likely effective for intermittent claudication (leg pain with walking), but evidence for coronary heart disease and familial high cholesterol is insufficient. Garlic is possibly effective for periodontitis (gum disease), nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and atherosclerosis.

Red yeast rice is possibly effective for HIV-related high cholesterol and heart attack prevention, though quality and lovastatin content vary widely between products. Plant sterols are likely effective for high cholesterol and possibly effective for heart disease; they're also likely effective for familial high cholesterol.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Policosanol Garlic Red Yeast Rice Plant Sterols

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 4 of the 4 matched ingredients.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 3 of 4.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 4 of 4.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Policosanol is generally well tolerated in studies, but real-world benefit is uncertain and quality varies between products. Common side effects are uncommon but may include headache, dizziness, sleep problems, upset stomach, skin rash, or weight loss.

Policosanol should be avoided in pregnancy and while breastfeeding due to insufficient safety data. Garlic is generally safe in food amounts but supplement doses may cause stomach upset, flatulence, body odor, and malodorous breath; it may also increase bleeding risk.

Food amounts are likely safe during pregnancy and lactation, but concentrated supplement doses are not well studied. Red yeast rice works like a statin and carries similar risks: it can cause muscle pain, liver damage, or in rare cases muscle breakdown (rhabdomyolysis).

Common side effects include abdominal discomfort, diarrhea, headache, and nausea. Red yeast rice is likely unsafe in pregnancy and should be avoided while breastfeeding.

Plant sterols are generally well tolerated at typical amounts for most adults; safety of concentrated supplements during pregnancy and breastfeeding is not well studied.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Policosanol Garlic Red Yeast Rice Plant Sterols

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 4 matched ingredients can interact with medications — Policosanol, Garlic, Red Yeast Rice.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs; immunosuppressants / transplant drugs; diabetes medications.
  • For scale: 1,175 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 this product, double-check with your doctor or pharmacist if you take any statins (atorvastatin, simvastatin, lovastatin), blood pressure medications (beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, ACE inhibitors), blood thinners or antiplatelet drugs (warfarin, aspirin, clopidogrel), diabetes medications, gemfibrozil, cyclosporine, niacin, or any drug that inhibits CYP3A4 or CYP2E1 liver enzymes. The red yeast rice content poses particular risk with statins and liver-toxic drugs; policosanol and garlic raise concerns with blood pressure and bleeding medications.

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.

This product may appeal to people seeking natural support for cholesterol and cardiovascular health, but it carries real drug-interaction risks — especially if you take statins, blood pressure medications, blood thinners, diabetes drugs, or liver medications. Because red yeast rice acts like a prescription statin and policosanol and garlic both affect blood pressure and bleeding, you need to check with your own doctor or pharmacist before starting it, particularly if you're on any chronic medications.

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

Assessment coverage: 4 of 4 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated May 24, 2013.

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 Red Yeast Rice Complex, straight from the product label.

Brand Vitamin World
Barcode (UPC) 76643367123
Net contents 60 Rapid Release Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD May 24, 2013
DSLD ID 21098
Product type Other Combinations
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses Nutrient, All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Sugar 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 Red Yeast Rice Complex 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:
3 Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
3 Capsule(s)
Servings per container
20
UPC/BARCODE
76643367123
IngredientAmount% DV
Policosanol20 mg--
Garlic500 mg--
Red Yeast Rice powder1200 mg--
Plant Sterols500 mg--

Other ingredients: Gelatin, Vegetable 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

WARNING: Do not use if you are pregnant, may become pregnant or are breastfeeding because using this product may cause birth defects. If you are taking any medications, planning any medical procedure or have any medical condition, 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. Keep out of reach of children.

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

Storage

Store at room temperature.

Brand IP Statement(s)

(C) 2012 Vitamin World, Inc.

General

PROD. #36712 B36776 00A

FDA Statement of Identity

DIETARY SUPPLEMENT

Seals/Symbols

Get healthy.

QA QUALITY ASSURED

Formula

with Policosanol, Plant Sterols & Garlic

Three capsules contain 1,200 milligrams of Red Yeast Rice powder from the botanical Monascus purpureus. This formula also contains garlic, policosanol and plant sterols.

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

DIRECTIONS: For adults, take three (3) capsules daily with a meal. It is recommended that you also take a Coenzyme Q-10 supplement when using this product.

General Statements

Red Yeast Rice has been a part of the traditional Chinese diet for centuries.

Garlic is traditionally used to support heart health, while policosanol supports healthy blood flow.*

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!

FDA Disclaimer Statement

*This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Formulation

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

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

See for yourself

Red Yeast Rice Complex by Vitamin World label

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

Red Yeast Rice Complex 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 Red Yeast Rice Complex by Vitamin World

These are the 4 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size3 Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container20 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

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

Garlic

Interacts with
989 drugs
500 mg per serving

Garlic is a common food and supplement that may modestly help with blood pressure and cholesterol, though the evidence is mixed and effects are usuall...

Garlic 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

Plant Sterols

No known
interactions
500 mg per serving Form: Beta-Sitosterol

Plant sterols (and their close relatives, plant stanols) are natural compounds found in plants that can modestly lower LDL ('bad') cholesterol when ta...

Plant Sterols monograph & interactions

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

Interaction report

Red Yeast Rice Complex by Vitamin World Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Red Yeast Rice 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
1,174Drugs
1,174 Moderate

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Garlic 989
Red Yeast Rice powder 477
Policosanol 242

Individual Drug Interactions

The ingredients in Red Yeast Rice Complex interact with 1,174 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.

3 of the 4 ingredients in Red Yeast Rice Complex interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Garlic Red Yeast Rice powder Policosanol

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Red Yeast Rice Complex 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.

Garlic12 drug types · 989 drugs

Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Garlic may have antiplatelet effects and may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Raw garlic and a variety of garlic extracts have antiplatelet activity and can increase prothrombin time.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, taking garlic with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
Clinical research suggests that garlic and garlic extract lower blood glucose levels in healthy and diabetic individuals.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Antihypertensive Drugs

Theoretically, taking garlic with antihypertensive drugs might increase the risk of hypotension.
In human research, both garlic and garlic extracts have blood pressure-lowering effects.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Atazanavir (Reyataz)

Theoretically, garlic might decrease levels and effects of atazanavir.
In a case report, a patient consuming six stir-fried garlic cloves three times weekly developed suboptimal atazanavir levels and increases in HIV viral load. While the exact cause of this interaction is unclear, there is speculation that garlic might decrease the intestinal absorption of atazanavir or increase its metabolism by inducing cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4). Until more is known, advise patients not to consume large amounts of garlic while taking atazanavir.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 2E1 (Cyp2E1) Substrates

Garlic might increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2E1.
Clinical research suggests garlic oil can inhibit the activity of CYP2E1 by 39%. Use garlic oil cautiously in patients taking drugs metabolized by these enzymes.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Cytochrome P450 3A4 (Cyp3A4) Substrates

Theoretically, garlic products containing allicin might induce intestinal CYP3A4 and inhibit hepatic CYP3A4. This may increase or decrease levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
Some human research suggests that garlic may induce INTESTINAL CYP3A4, reducing levels of drugs metabolized by this enzyme. This is primarily based on a study showing that taking a specific allicin-containing garlic product (GarliPure Maximum Allicin Formula, Natrol Inc.) twice daily for 3 days reduces saquinavir levels by approximately 50%. It is speculated that the allicin constituent induced CYP3A4 in the gut mucosa. Another study shows that giving docetaxel intravenously, bypassing the CYP3A4 enzymes in the gut mucosa, along with the same specific garlic product for 12 consecutive days, does not affect docetaxel levels. Conversely, there is concern that garlic may inhibit HEPATIC CYP3A4. In a single case report, increased tacrolimus levels and liver injury occurred in a liver transplant patient after taking a specific garlic supplement (Garlicin Cardio, Nature's Way) at up to three times the manufacturer recommended dose for 7 days. Several other studies have evaluated the impact of other garlic formulations on CYP3A4 substrates and have found no effect. Most of the products in these studies provided little or no allicin.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Isoniazid

Theoretically, garlic might decrease levels of isoniazid.
Animal research suggests that an aqueous extract of garlic reduces isoniazid levels by about 65%. Garlic reduced the maximum concentration (Cmax) and area under the curve (AUC), but not the half-life, of isoniazid. This suggests that garlic extract might inhibit isoniazid absorption across the intestinal mucosa; however, the exact mechanism of this potential interaction is not known.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Protease Inhibitors (Pis)

Theoretically, garlic products containing allicin might decrease levels of PIs.
Protease inhibitors are metabolized by cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) isoenzymes. There is concern that garlic products containing allicin might induce intestinal CYP3A4, reducing plasma levels of protease inhibitors. This is primarily based on a study showing that taking a specific garlic product (GarliPure Maximum Allicin Formula, Natrol Inc.) twice daily for 3 days reduces levels of saquinavir, a PI, by approximately 50%. It is speculated that the allicin constituent induce CYP3A4 in the gut mucosa. Several studies have evaluated the impact of other garlic formulations on CYP3A4 substrates and have found no effect. Most of the products in these studies provided little or no allicin.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Saquinavir (Fortovase, Invirase)

Theoretically, garlic containing allicin might decrease levels of saquinavir.
Saquinavir is a substrate of cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) isoenzymes. There is concern that garlic products containing allicin might induce intestinal CYP3A4 and cause subtherapeutic levels of saquinavir. This is primarily based on a pharmacokinetic study showing that taking a specific garlic product (GarliPure Maximum Allicin Formula, Natrol Inc.) twice daily for 3 days reduces saquinavir levels by approximately 50%. It is speculated that the allicin constituent induces CYP3A4 in the gut mucosa. Several pharmacokinetic studies have evaluated the impact of other garlic formulations on CYP3A4 substrates and have found no effect. Most of the products in these studies provided little or no allicin. Until more is known about this potential interaction, use garlic containing allicin cautiously in patients taking saquinavir.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Sofosbuvir (Sovaldi)

Theoretically, taking garlic with sofosbuvir might decrease its effectiveness.
Animal research in rats shows that giving aged garlic extract 120 mg/kg orally daily for 14 days decreases the area under the concentration time curve (AUC) after a single sofosbuvir dose of 40 mg/kg by 36%, increases the clearance by 63%, and decreases the plasma concentrations at 1 and 8 hours by 35% and 58%, respectively. This interaction is hypothesized to be due to induction of intestinal P-glycoprotein expression by garlic.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Tacrolimus (Prograf)

Theoretically, garlic might increase levels of tacrolimus.
In one case report, a liver transplant patient taking tacrolimus experienced increased tacrolimus levels and liver injury after taking a specific garlic supplement (Garlicin Cardio, Nature's Way) at up to three times the manufacturer recommended dose for 7 days. It is speculated that garlic inhibited hepatic cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4), which increased plasma levels of tacrolimus.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Warfarin (Coumadin)

Theoretically, garlic might increase the risk of bleeding with warfarin.
Raw garlic and a variety of garlic extracts have antiplatelet activity and can increase prothrombin time. In addition, there is a report of two patients who experienced an increase in a previously stabilized international normalized ratio (INR) with concomitant garlic and warfarin use. However, this report has been subsequently debated due to limited clinical information. Other clinical studies have not identified an effect of garlic on INR, warfarin pharmacokinetics, or bleeding risk. More evidence is needed to determine the safety of using garlic with warfarin.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Garlic 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

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 Red Yeast Rice Complex, from the product label.

Vitamin World

See all Vitamin World products
Name
Vitamin World, Inc.
City
Ronkonkoma
State
NY
ZipCode
11779
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Red Yeast Rice Complex by Vitamin World: Common Questions

Does Red Yeast Rice Complex by Vitamin World interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Red Yeast Rice Complex has a known interaction with 1,174 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Red Yeast Rice Complex contains 4 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.
Can I take this if I'm on a statin for cholesterol?
No — do not take this product with prescription statins. Red yeast rice in this formula contains the statin drug lovastatin, and combining it with another statin could dangerously raise lovastatin levels and increase your risk of muscle breakdown or liver damage. Talk to your doctor before using it.
Can I take this if I'm on blood pressure medication?
Possibly, but you need to check first. Both policosanol and garlic in this product can lower blood pressure, so taking them with your blood pressure drug could cause your pressure to drop too low. Your doctor or pharmacist needs to review your specific medication and may need to adjust your dose.
What are the most common side effects?
The most common side effects are generally mild: upset stomach, flatulence, headache, diarrhea, and body odor or malodorous breath from the garlic. Some people report dizziness, insomnia, or skin rash. Serious side effects like muscle pain or liver problems are rare but possible, especially at higher doses or with certain drug combinations.
Can I take this while pregnant or breastfeeding?
No. Policosanol and red yeast rice should be avoided in pregnancy and breastfeeding due to insufficient safety data; red yeast rice is considered likely unsafe in pregnancy because it acts like a statin drug. Garlic in food amounts is likely safe, but supplement doses are not well studied during these times. Talk to your doctor.
Does this actually lower cholesterol?
Red yeast rice is possibly effective for certain types of high cholesterol, and plant sterols are likely effective at lowering cholesterol. Policosanol is likely effective for intermittent claudication but evidence for cholesterol is less clear. That said, the lovastatin in red yeast rice varies widely between products, so results are unpredictable.
What is red yeast rice, and why does it matter?
Red yeast rice is fermented rice that naturally contains lovastatin, a prescription statin drug. Because it contains an actual drug, it carries statin-like risks — muscle pain, liver damage, and dangerous interactions with other statins and certain medications. That's why this product needs careful checking before use.

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.

Red Yeast Rice Complex label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Red Yeast Rice Complex’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 → Herb & supplement monograph

Garlic

Interacts with 989 drugs

Garlic is a common food and supplement that may modestly help with blood pressure and cholesterol, though the evidence is mixed and effects are usually small. It is generally safe in food am...

Read the full Garlic 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 → Herb & supplement monograph

Plant Sterols

Plant sterols (and their close relatives, plant stanols) are natural compounds found in plants that can modestly lower LDL ('bad') cholesterol when taken regularly in adequate amounts, usual...

Read the full Plant Sterols monograph →
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Red Yeast Rice 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 222 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.
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See these in context on the Policosanol monograph →

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Red Yeast Rice 50 references
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Plant Sterols 3 references
  1. Guardamagna, O., Abello, F., Baracco, V., Federici, G., Bertucci, P., Mozzi, A., Mannucci, L., Gnasso, A., and Cortese, C. Primary hyperlipidemias in children: effect of plant sterol supplementation on plasma lipids and markers of cholesterol synthesis a
  2. Haque Hussain SS, Weir J, Roberts N. Severe dermatitis secondary to plant sterol supplements. Clin Exp Dermatol. 2009 Oct;34(7):e276-7. PubMed
  3. Xue P, Wang Y, Chen Y, et al. A Case of Peripheral Precocious Puberty May Be Caused by a Diet Containing Phytosterols in a 20-Month-Old Boy. Horm Res Paediatr 2022;95(5):484-491. PubMed

See these in context on the Plant Sterols monograph →

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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.

© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC

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