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Dietary supplement

Red Yeast Rice CoQ-10 Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Solaray

Red Yeast Rice CoQ-10 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 CoQ-10 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 CoQ-10 is a dietary supplement by Solaray with 3 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for heart health, statin-related muscle aches, migraine prevention.Based on those ingredients, 846 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Niacin, Red Yeast Rice Extract, Coenzyme Q-10. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

Jump to a section

Check Your Meds Against Red Yeast Rice CoQ-10 by Solaray

Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with Red Yeast Rice CoQ-10 by Solaray — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.

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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Red Yeast Rice CoQ-10 by Solaray

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 3 active ingredients. Coenzyme Q-10 (also called ubiquinone) is a compound your cells use to make energy and protect themselves from oxidative damage.

Niacin is a B vitamin that your body needs for energy metabolism and can help manage cholesterol levels at higher doses. Red yeast rice extract is a fermented rice product that contains small amounts of lovastatin, a statin-like compound.

The product also contains inactive ingredients: cellulose, rice flour, silica, and magnesium stearate. These are fillers and binders used to form and hold together the capsule.

Does it work?

Moderate 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
Moderate

Some clinical evidence supports this product's ingredients for its stated purpose, but it isn't conclusive.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: Heart health and cholesterol support.
  • We looked for evidence on: Cardiovascular disease (CVD), Coronary heart disease (CHD), Hyperlipidemia, Hypertension, Atherosclerosis, Angina — and 4 related terms.
  • The strongest evidence on file: Niacin is rated "Possibly Effective" for HIV/AIDS-related dyslipidemia (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Niacin is rated "Possibly Effective" for Metabolic syndrome.
  • Also on file: Red Yeast Rice is rated "Possibly Effective" for HIV/AIDS-related dyslipidemia, Myocardial infarction (MI).

Coenzyme Q-10 is likely effective for treating coenzyme Q-10 deficiency and possibly effective for fibromyalgia, migraine headache, heart failure, and diabetic nerve pain. Niacin is likely effective for pellagra (a deficiency disease) and possibly effective for improving cholesterol profiles in people with HIV/AIDS and for metabolic syndrome.

Red yeast rice extract is possibly effective for improving cholesterol levels in people with HIV/AIDS and possibly effective after a heart attack, though product quality varies widely because lovastatin content is not standardized across brands.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Coenzyme Q10 Niacin 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 Q-10 is generally well tolerated. The most common side effects are mild gastrointestinal issues—appetite suppression, diarrhea, upset stomach, heartburn, nausea, or vomiting—occurring in less than 1% of patients.

Headache, dizziness, and insomnia have been reported rarely. Skin itching and allergic rash are uncommon.

There isn't enough reliable data to know whether CoQ-10 is safe in pregnancy, so it's best to avoid it unless your doctor advises otherwise. Safety while breastfeeding has not been well studied, so check with your doctor.

Niacin in normal dietary amounts is safe, but high-dose supplements (above what's in food) cause flushing in up to 70% of patients and can damage the liver with long-term use, especially in sustained-release form. Gastrointestinal upset, vision changes, myopathy (muscle damage), and low platelet counts are rare but serious risks.

High-dose niacin is likely unsafe in pregnancy; however, the amounts found in food and standard prenatal vitamins are fine. Normal dietary intake is safe while breastfeeding, but high-dose supplements should be avoided unless directed by a doctor.

Red yeast rice seems well tolerated but works like a statin drug and carries similar risks. Common side effects include abdominal discomfort, diarrhea, dizziness, gas, headache, heartburn, muscle pain, and nausea.

Liver damage and muscle breakdown (rhabdomyolysis) are rare but serious. Product quality varies—some batches may be contaminated with harmful substances.

Red yeast rice is likely unsafe in pregnancy due to its statin-like effects. Safety while breastfeeding is not established, so avoid it unless your doctor advises otherwise.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Coenzyme Q10 Niacin 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 — Niacin, 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.
  • For scale: 847 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 you take this product, double-check any blood thinners (anticoagulants) like warfarin, blood-pressure medications, liver-damaging drugs, cholesterol-lowering statins or fibrates, diabetes medications, gout drugs like allopurinol or probenecid, bile acid sequestrants, or medications metabolized by the CYP3A4 liver enzyme (including cyclosporine). The niacin and red yeast rice combination raises muscle-damage risk when paired with niacin or statins.

If you're unsure whether your drugs interact, use the checker on this page.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

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

This triple-ingredient product is designed to support heart health and cholesterol management, but it comes with real interaction risks—especially the combination of red yeast rice with niacin. If you take a blood thinner like warfarin, a statin or other cholesterol drug, a blood-pressure medication, a diabetes drug, or medications that affect your liver, you need to check your specific medications with our search tool before you start.

Talk to your pharmacist or doctor before adding this to your routine.

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 Aug 22, 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 Red Yeast Rice CoQ-10, straight from the product label.

Brand Solaray
Barcode (UPC) 076280121551
Net contents 90 VegCap(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Aug 22, 2025
DSLD ID 338556
Product type Other Combinations
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses Nutrient, 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 Red Yeast Rice CoQ-10 by Solaray, 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 VegCap(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 VegCap(s)
Servings per container
90
UPC/BARCODE
076280121551
IngredientAmount% DV
Coenzyme Q-1030 mg--
Niacin50 mg313%
Red Yeast Rice Extract600 mg--

Other ingredients: Cellulose, Rice Flour, Silica, Magnesium Stearate

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.
Brand IP Statement(s)

Solaray Est. 1973 A Brighter Way 1973

Formulation

Citrinin-free Citrinin-free indicates no more than 1 ppm was detectable.

Discussion: Solaray Red Yeast Rice with CoQ-10 is intended to provide nutritive support.

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Seals/Symbols

Lab Verified

General Statements

Since 1973, we've scoured the globe for the highest-quality ingredients, connecting you with the most efficacious supplements that help you live brighter and embrace the moments that matter most.

Comments or Questions: 800-538-5888 www.solaray.com 100% PCR Bottles

Precautions

Warning: Do not use if safety seal is broken or missing. Keep your licensed health care practitioner informed when using this product.

Keep out of reach of children. This product in not to be used by anyone under 20 years of age.

California Residents Only Warning: Reproductive Harm - www.P65Warnings.ca.gov

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Directions: Use only as directed. Take 1 VegCap twice daily with a meal or glass of water.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place.

FDA Disclaimer Statement

These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

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

See for yourself

Red Yeast Rice CoQ-10 by Solaray label

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

Red Yeast Rice CoQ-10 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 CoQ-10 by Solaray

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

Serving size1 VegCap(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container90 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 Q-10

Interacts with
198 drugs
30 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 Q-10 monograph & interactions

Niacin

Interacts with
727 drugs
50 mg per serving Form: Inositol Hexanicotinate, Vitamin B3

Niacin (vitamin B3) is an essential nutrient your body needs for energy and metabolism, and deficiency is uncommon in most developed countries. Prescr...

Niacin monograph & interactions

Red Yeast Rice Extract

Interacts with
477 drugs
600 mg per serving Form: Monascus purpureus Extract

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 Extract monograph & interactions

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

Interaction report

Red Yeast Rice CoQ-10 by Solaray Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Red Yeast Rice CoQ-10?

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
846Drugs
846 Moderate

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Niacin 727
Red Yeast Rice Extract 477
Coenzyme Q-10 198

Individual Drug Interactions

The ingredients in Red Yeast Rice CoQ-10 interact with 846 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.

3 of the 3 ingredients in Red Yeast Rice CoQ-10 interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Niacin Red Yeast Rice Extract Coenzyme Q-10

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Red Yeast Rice CoQ-10 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.

Niacin15 drug types · 727 drugs

Alcohol (Ethanol)

Concomitant use of alcohol and niacin might increase the risk of flushing and hepatotoxicity.
Alcohol can exacerbate the flushing and pruritus associated with niacin. Large doses of niacin might also exacerbate liver dysfunction associated with chronic alcohol use. A case report describes delirium and lactic acidosis in a patient taking niacin 3 grams daily who ingested 1 liter of wine. Advise patients to avoid large amounts of alcohol while taking niacin.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Allopurinol (Zyloprim)

Theoretically, niacin might antagonize the therapeutic effects of uricosurics such as allopurinol.
Large doses of niacin can reduce urinary excretion of uric acid, potentially resulting in hyperuricemia. Doses of uricosurics such as allopurinol might need to be increased to maintain control of gout in patients who start taking niacin. People who have frequent attacks of gout despite uricosuric therapy should avoid niacin.

Likelihood Probable Evidence C
Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, niacin may have additive effects when used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Several cases of clotting factor synthesis deficiency and coagulopathy have been reported in patients taking sustained-release niacin. Also, thrombocytopenia has been reported in patients treated with niacin or niacin plus lovastatin.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antidiabetes Drugs

Niacin can increase blood glucose levels and may diminish the effects of antidiabetes drugs.
Niacin impairs glucose tolerance in a dose-dependent manner, probably by causing or aggravating insulin resistance and increasing hepatic production of glucose. In diabetes patients, niacin 4.5 grams daily for 5 weeks can increase plasma glucose by an average of 16% and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) by 21%. However, lower doses of 1.5 grams daily or less appear to have minimal effects on blood glucose. In some patients, glucose levels increase when niacin is started, but then return to baseline when a stable dose is reached. Up to 35% of patients with diabetes may need adjustments in hypoglycemic therapy when niacin is added.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Antihypertensive Drugs

Theoretically, niacin may increase the risk of hypotension when used with antihypertensive drugs.
The vasodilating effects of niacin can cause hypotension. Furthermore, some clinical evidence suggests that a one-hour infusion of niacin can reduce systolic, diastolic, and mean blood pressure in hypertensive patients. This effect is not observed in normotensive patients.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Bile Acid Sequestrants

Bile acid sequestrants can bind niacin and decrease absorption. Separate administration by 4-6 hours to avoid an interaction.
In vitro studies show that colestipol (Colestid) binds about 98% of available niacin and cholestyramine (Questran) binds 10% to 30%.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Gemfibrozil (Lopid)

Theoretically, concomitant use of niacin and gemfibrozil might increase the risk of myopathy in some patients.
A case of myopathy from concomitant use of niacin and gemfibrozil has been reported. Niacin alone has also been associated with cases of myopathy. Using gemfibrozil with niacin might further increase the risk of developing myopathy.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Hepatotoxic Drugs

Theoretically, concomitant use of niacin and hepatotoxic drugs might increase the risk of hepatotoxicity.
Niacin has been associated with cases of liver toxicity, especially when used in pharmacologic doses. Sustained-release niacin preparations appear to be associated with a higher risk of hepatotoxicity than immediate-release niacin.

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

Theoretically, concomitant use of niacin and statins might increase the risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis in some patients.
Some case reports have raised concerns that niacin might increase the risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis when combined with statins. However, a significantly increased risk of myopathy has not been demonstrated in clinical trials, including those using an FDA-approved combination of lovastatin and niacin (Advicor).

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Probenecid (Benemid)

Theoretically, niacin might antagonize the therapeutic effects of uricosurics such as probenecid.
Large doses of niacin reduce urinary excretion of uric acid, potentially causing hyperuricemia. Doses of uricosurics such as probenecid might need to be increased to maintain control of gout in patients who start taking niacin. People who have frequent attacks of gout despite uricosuric therapy should avoid niacin.

Likelihood Probable Evidence C
Sulfinpyrazone (Anturane)

Theoretically, niacin might antagonize the therapeutic effects of uricosurics such as sulfinpyrazone.
Large doses of niacin reduce urinary excretion of uric acid, potentially causing hyperuricemia. Doses of uricosurics such as sulfinpyrazone might need to be increased to maintain control of gout in patients who start taking niacin. People who have frequent attacks of gout despite uricosuric therapy should avoid niacin.

Likelihood Probable Evidence C
Thyroid Hormone

Theoretically, niacin might antagonize the therapeutic effects of thyroid hormones.
Clinical research and case reports suggests that taking niacin can reduce serum levels of thyroxine-binding globulin by up to 25% and moderately reduce levels of thyroxine (T4). Patients taking thyroid hormone for hypothyroidism might need dose adjustments when using niacin.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Transdermal Nicotine (Nicoderm)

Theoretically, concomitant use of niacin and transdermal nicotine might increase the risk of flushing and dizziness.
Niacin and nicotine can both cause flushing and dizziness.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Warfarin (Coumadin)

There is limited evidence that niacin may increase the anticoagulant effects of warfarin.
In a case report, a patient on warfarin developed an elevated international normalized ratio (INR) of 3.9 after taking niacin for two weeks. The patient's INR was previously stable, ranging between 2 and 3 in recent months, and no other medication changes were identified. The elevated INR returned to therapeutic range within 4 days following the discontinuation of niacin.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Aspirin

Large doses of aspirin might alter the clearance of niacin.
Aspirin is often used with niacin to reduce niacin-induced flushing. Doses of 80-975 mg aspirin have been used, but 325 mg appears to be optimal. Aspirin also seems to reduce the clearance of niacin by competing for glycine conjugation. Taking aspirin 1 gram seems to reduce niacin clearance by 45%. This is probably a dose-related effect and not clinically significant with the more common aspirin dose of 325 mg.

Likelihood Likely Evidence B
Niacin full monograph & interactions

Red Yeast Rice Extract6 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 Extract full monograph & interactions

Coenzyme Q-103 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 Q-10 full monograph & interactions
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Red Yeast Rice CoQ-10, from the product label.

Solaray

See all Solaray products
Name
Solaray
City
Salt Lake City
State
UT
ZipCode
84101
Phone Number
800-538-5888
Web Address
www.solaray.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Red Yeast Rice CoQ-10 by Solaray: Common Questions

Does Red Yeast Rice CoQ-10 by Solaray interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Red Yeast Rice CoQ-10 has a known interaction with 846 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 CoQ-10 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 interfere with my warfarin or other blood thinner?
Coenzyme Q-10 has vitamin K-like effects that could decrease how well warfarin works. There have been a few reported cases of warfarin becoming less effective in people also taking CoQ-10. Check your exact medication with us before starting, and let your doctor know if you decide to take this product—you may need your blood thinner dose adjusted.
Can I take this if I'm on a statin?
This product contains red yeast rice, which includes lovastatin—itself a statin drug. Taking it with another statin could raise your muscle-damage risk. Additionally, the niacin in this product combined with statins also increases that risk. Do not take this without checking with your pharmacist or doctor first.
Is it safe to take this while pregnant or breastfeeding?
Red yeast rice is likely unsafe during pregnancy because of its statin-like effects. CoQ-10 doesn't have enough safety data in pregnancy—avoid it unless your doctor says otherwise. Niacin in normal food amounts is fine in pregnancy, but high-dose supplements are not. For breastfeeding, safety data is limited for all three ingredients; check with your doctor before use.
What are the most common side effects?
The most common are mild: upset stomach, diarrhea, nausea, heartburn, headache, and dizziness. CoQ-10 and red yeast rice cause these in a small number of people, while niacin commonly causes flushing (up to 7 out of 10 people may experience it at higher doses).
Does this product actually work for cholesterol or heart health?
Red yeast rice is possibly effective for cholesterol management and after a heart attack, though product quality varies and lovastatin content is not standardized. CoQ-10 is possibly effective for heart failure. Niacin is possibly effective for certain cholesterol problems. The evidence for these uses is not as strong as for prescription medications, so discuss your specific health goals with your doctor.
What if I take a diabetes medication?
Niacin can raise blood sugar and reduce how well diabetes drugs work, especially at higher doses. This could make your blood sugar harder to control. Talk to your doctor before starting, as you may need a dose adjustment.

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 CoQ-10 label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Red Yeast Rice CoQ-10’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

Niacin

Interacts with 727 drugs

Niacin (vitamin B3) is an essential nutrient your body needs for energy and metabolism, and deficiency is uncommon in most developed countries. Prescription-strength niacin has been used to...

Read the full Niacin 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

Red Yeast Rice CoQ-10'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 156 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
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See these in context on the Red Yeast Rice 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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