Interactions on record — worth a quick check against your medications. Based on 3 of 4 ingredients. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

Ultimate Red Yeast Rice + CoQ10 with Cholesstrinol HP Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by OptiChoice

Ultimate Red Yeast Rice + CoQ10 with Cholesstrinol HP label
See full label image
Capsule Category: Other Combinations
Most serious interaction: Moderate
Clinical methodology reviewed by · Updated Sep 30, 2026 · Label data from the NIH DSLD
What is this page for?

First and foremost: checking Ultimate Red Yeast Rice + CoQ10 with Cholesstrinol HP 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

Ultimate Red Yeast Rice + CoQ10 with Cholesstrinol HP is a dietary supplement by OptiChoice with 4 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for general antioxidant support, skin and hair care, heart health.Based on those ingredients, 1,132 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Vitamin E, Red Rice Yeast, Coenzyme Q10. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

Jump to a section

Check Your Meds Against Ultimate Red Yeast Rice + CoQ10 with Cholesstrinol HP by OptiChoice

Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with Ultimate Red Yeast Rice + CoQ10 with Cholesstrinol HP by OptiChoice — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.

Pharmacist-reviewed data Checks every ingredient Answer in seconds
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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Ultimate Red Yeast Rice + CoQ10 with Cholesstrinol HP by OptiChoice

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 17, 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.

This product contains 4 active ingredients. Vitamin E is a fat-soluble antioxidant that supports cell health; the product delivers it in a form designed for absorption.

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a compound your body uses to generate energy in cells and acts as an antioxidant. Red Yeast Rice is a fermented rice product that contains lovastatin, a naturally occurring statin-like compound that may help manage cholesterol.

Cholesstrinol HP is included for its potential cholesterol-supporting role, though we hold no detailed interaction data for it. The capsule also contains several inactive ingredients—VESIsorb Microemulsion preconcentrate (a delivery system to enhance absorption), a vegetable-based capsule shell, maltodextrin (a binder), and citrus oil extract.

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 cardiovascular function.
  • We looked for evidence on: Angina, Atherosclerosis, Cardiovascular disease (CVD), Congestive heart failure (CHF), Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery, Coronary heart disease (CHD) — and 4 related terms.
  • The strongest evidence on file: Coenzyme Q10 is rated "Possibly Effective" for Congestive heart failure (CHF) (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Red Yeast Rice is rated "Possibly Ineffective" for Hypertension.
  • Also on file: Vitamin E is rated "Possibly Ineffective" for Angina, Atherosclerosis, Congestive heart failure (CHF).

For vitamin E, the evidence supports its use for vitamin E deficiency and a rare genetic disorder called AVED (ataxia with vitamin E deficiency), where it is rated Effective. It is rated Possibly Effective for Alzheimer disease, beta-thalassemia, G6PD deficiency (a blood disorder), and intracranial hemorrhage, meaning the evidence suggests benefit but is not conclusive.

Coenzyme Q10 is rated Likely Effective for CoQ10 deficiency and Possibly Effective for fibromyalgia, migraine headaches, congestive heart failure, and diabetic nerve damage. Red Yeast Rice is rated Possibly Effective for heart attack prevention and cholesterol management in people with HIV/AIDS-related lipid problems.

We hold no effectiveness data in our system for Cholesstrinol HP.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Vitamin E Coenzyme Q10 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.

Vitamin E is generally well-tolerated at dietary amounts, but high-dose long-term supplements may raise the risk of bleeding, especially in people taking blood thinners or at higher doses. Rare serious effects include bleeding and hemorrhagic stroke.

The safety data advises against high-dose vitamin E in pregnancy; amounts from food and prenatal vitamins are appropriate. While breastfeeding, normal dietary amounts are fine, but avoid high-dose supplements unless your doctor directs it.

Coenzyme Q10 is generally well-tolerated; the most common side effects are mild gastrointestinal symptoms—appetite suppression, diarrhea, heartburn, nausea—occurring in less than 1% of users. There is not enough reliable safety data during pregnancy to recommend it, so avoid it unless your doctor advises otherwise.

Safety while breastfeeding has not been well studied, so check with your doctor. Red Yeast Rice works like a statin and carries similar risks; it is rated Likely Unsafe in pregnancy and should be avoided.

Its statin-like effects and variable product quality mean careful use is needed. Rare serious effects include liver damage and rhabdomyolysis.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Vitamin E Coenzyme Q10 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 — Red Yeast Rice, Coenzyme Q10, Vitamin E.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs; immunosuppressants / transplant drugs; cancer treatments.
  • For scale: 1,133 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: blood thinners or antiplatelet drugs (Moderate risk of bleeding), other statins for cholesterol (Moderate risk of dangerously high lovastatin levels), cyclosporine (Moderate risk of muscle damage), chemotherapy drugs like cyclophosphamide or doxorubicin (Moderate risk they may work less well), gemfibrozil or high-dose niacin (Moderate risk of severe muscle breakdown), drugs that inhibit liver enzyme CYP3A4, or any medication that harms the liver (Moderate risk of additional liver damage). Blood pressure medications may have additive effects (Minor).

We could not check Cholesstrinol HP for interactions.

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 product may be worth considering if you're looking to support cholesterol health and cellular energy, but it is not appropriate for everyone. You should be especially careful if you take blood thinners, other statins, cyclosporine, chemotherapy, or medications that affect your liver or blood pressure.

Because of red yeast rice's statin-like activity, it is not safe in pregnancy. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist before starting—bring a list of your medications so they can check for interactions with your specific regimen.

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

Assessment coverage: 3 of 4 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated May 22, 2020.

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 Ultimate Red Yeast Rice + CoQ10 with Cholesstrinol HP, straight from the product label.

Brand OptiChoice
Net contents 120 Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD May 22, 2020
DSLD ID 217050
Product type Other Combinations
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), Women (not pregnant or lactating)
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 Ultimate Red Yeast Rice + CoQ10 with Cholesstrinol HP by OptiChoice, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
2 Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
4 Capsule(s)
Servings per container
60
IngredientAmount% DV
Vitamin E5 IU17%
Coenzyme Q1050 mg--
Cholesstrinol HP150 mg--
Red Rice Yeast1200 mg--

Other ingredients: VESIsorb Microemulsion preconcentrate, Vegetable Capsule, Maltodextrin, Citrus Oil extract

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.
General Statements

Patented, award winning heart health formula

Z. Xian-Liu et al. relative bioavailability comparison of different coenzyme Q10 formulations with a novel delivery system (CoQsource). Alternative therapies in health & medicine 15(2) 2009, 42-46.

700 mg

Formula

Ultimate Red Yeast Rice is a synergistic 3-in-1 formula that utilizes the patented VESIsorb colloidal droplet system for superior absorption and bioavailability. Each biologically active ingredient has been carefully selected to work together in this patented formula for maximum heart health benefits.

VESIsorb is green technology.

VESIsorb

Formulation

Coenzyme Q10 supports antioxidant activity and cardiovascular function. Organic Red Yeast Rice's naturally derived extract has been used for centuries in eastern medicine for promoting heart health properties. Cholesstrinol, a patented combination of PMF-source citrus polymethoxylated flavones & TocoSource palm tocotrienols, has been clinically proven to support the body's ability to balance healthy cholesterol levels naturally.

6x better absorption

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.

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested use: Take 2-4 capsules daily, preferably after the evening meal, or as directed by your health care professional or pharmacist.

Storage

Storage: Keep tightly closed in a cool, dry place in the original container. Do not expose to excessive heat.

Precautions

Keep out of the reach of children.

Caution: Do not use if seal is broken.

Do not use if you are pregnant, may become pregnant, or are breast feeding, because using this product may harm the fetus. Individuals with liver disease or those currently taking any medications should consult with a health practitioner prior to use.

Brand IP Statement(s)

Vcaps is a trademark of Capsugel, a division of Pfizer, Inc. Cholesstrinol is a trademark of SOURCEONE GLOBAL PARTNERS. VESIsorb and CoQsource are registered trademarks of SOURCEONE GLOBAL PARTNERS. For more information, please visit www.source-1-global.com

Seals/Symbols

Vcaps (vegetarian)

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

See for yourself

Ultimate Red Yeast Rice + CoQ10 with Cholesstrinol HP by OptiChoice label

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

Ultimate Red Yeast Rice + CoQ10 with Cholesstrinol HP 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 Ultimate Red Yeast Rice + CoQ10 with Cholesstrinol HP by OptiChoice

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

Serving size2 Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container60 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.

Vitamin E

Interacts with
766 drugs
5 IU per serving Form: D-Alpha-Tocopherol Acetate

Vitamin E is an essential fat-soluble vitamin and antioxidant that most people get in adequate amounts from a normal diet. Supplements can help correc...

Vitamin E monograph & interactions

Coenzyme Q10

Interacts with
198 drugs
50 mg per serving Form: Ubiquinone

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

Coenzyme Q10 monograph & interactions

Cholesstrinol HP

150 mg per serving Form: PMF-source Citrus Flavones, TocoSource Palm Tocotrienols

Red Rice Yeast

Interacts with
478 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 Rice Yeast monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: VESIsorb Microemulsion preconcentrate, Vegetable Capsule, Maltodextrin, Citrus Oil extract. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Ultimate Red Yeast Rice + CoQ10 with Cholesstrinol HP by OptiChoice Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Ultimate Red Yeast Rice + CoQ10 with Cholesstrinol HP?

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
1,132Drugs
1,002 Moderate 130 Minor

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Vitamin E 766
Red Rice Yeast 478
Coenzyme Q10 198

Individual Drug Interactions

The ingredients in Ultimate Red Yeast Rice + CoQ10 with Cholesstrinol HP interact with 1,132 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.

3 of the 4 ingredients in Ultimate Red Yeast Rice + CoQ10 with Cholesstrinol HP interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Vitamin E Red Rice Yeast Coenzyme Q10

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Ultimate Red Yeast Rice + CoQ10 with Cholesstrinol HP 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.

Vitamin E8 drug types · 766 drugs

Alkylating Agents

Theoretically, antioxidant effects of vitamin E might reduce the effectiveness of alkylating agents.
There's concern that antioxidants could reduce the activity of chemotherapy drugs which generate free radicals, such as cyclophosphamide, chlorambucil, carmustine, busulfan, and thiotepa. However, some researchers theorize that antioxidants might make chemotherapy more effective by reducing oxidative stress that might interfere with apoptosis (cell death) of cancer cells. More evidence is needed to determine what effect, if any, antioxidants such as vitamin E have on chemotherapy. Advise patients to consult their oncologist before using vitamin E supplements, especially in high doses.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Concomitant use of vitamin E and anticoagulant or antiplatelet agents might increase the risk of bleeding.
Vitamin E seems to inhibit of platelet aggregation and antagonize the effects of vitamin K-dependent clotting factors. These effects appear to be dose-dependent, and are probably only likely to be clinically significant with doses of at least 800 units daily. Mixed tocopherols, such as those found in food, might have a greater antiplatelet effect than alpha-tocopherol. RRR alpha-tocopherol (natural vitamin E) 1000 IU daily antagonizes vitamin K-dependent clotting factors. Advise patients to avoid high doses of vitamin E, especially in people with low vitamin K intake or other risk factors for bleeding.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Antitumor Antibiotics

Theoretically, antioxidant effects of vitamin E might reduce the effectiveness of antitumor antibiotics.
There's concern that antioxidants could reduce the activity of antitumor antibiotic drugs such as doxorubicin, which generate free radicals. However, some researchers theorize that antioxidants might make chemotherapy more effective by reducing oxidative stress that might interfere with apoptosis (cell death) of cancer cells. More evidence is needed to determine what effect, if any, antioxidants such as vitamin E have on chemotherapy involving antitumor antibiotics. Advise patients to consult their oncologist before using vitamin E supplements, especially in high doses.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune)

A specific form of vitamin E might increase absorption and levels of cyclosporine.
There is some evidence that one specific formulation of vitamin E (D-alpha-tocopheryl-polyethylene glycol-1000 succinate, TPGS, tocophersolan, Liqui-E) might increase absorption of cyclosporine. This vitamin E formulation forms micelles which seems to increase absorption of cyclosporine by 40% to 72% in some patients. However, this interaction is unlikely to occur with the usual forms of vitamin E.

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

Theoretically, vitamin E might induce metabolism of CYP3A4, possibly reducing the levels CYP3A4 substrates.
Vitamin E appears to bind with the nuclear receptor, pregnane X receptor (PXR), which results in increased expression of CYP3A4. Although the clinical significance of this is not known, use caution when considering concomitant use of vitamin E and other drugs affected by these enzymes.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Selumetinib (Koselugo)

Taking selumetinib with vitamin E can result in a total daily dose of vitamin E that exceeds safe limits and therefore might increase the risk of bleeding.
Selumetinib contains 48-54 IU vitamin E per capsule. The increased risk of bleeding with vitamin E appears to be dose-dependent. Be cautious when using selumetinib in combination with supplemental vitamin E, especially in patients at higher risk of bleed, such as those with chronic conditions and those taking antiplatelet drugs.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Warfarin (Coumadin)

Using vitamin E with warfarin might increase the risk of bleeding.
Due to interference with production of vitamin K-dependent clotting factors, use of more than 400 IU of vitamin E daily with warfarin might increase prothrombin time (PT), INR, and the risk of bleeding,. At a dose of 1000 IU per day, vitamin E can antagonize vitamin K-dependent clotting factors even in people not taking warfarin. Limited clinical evidence suggests that doses up to 1200 IU daily may be used safely by patients taking warfarin, but this may not be applicable in all patient populations.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Niacin

Vitamin E might decrease the beneficial effects of niacin on high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels.
A combination of niacin and simvastatin (Zocor) effectively raises high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels in people with coronary disease and low HDL levels. Clinical research shows that taking a combination of antioxidants (vitamin C, vitamin E, beta-carotene, and selenium) along with niacin and simvastatin (Zocor) attenuates this rise in HDL, specifically the HDL-2 and apolipoprotein A1 fractions, by more than 50%. Vitamin E alone combined with a statin does not seem to decrease HDL levels. It is not known whether the adverse effect on HDL is due to one of the other antioxidants or to the combination. It also is not known whether it will occur in other patient populations.

Likelihood Possible Evidence A
Vitamin E full monograph & interactions

Red Rice Yeast6 drug types · 478 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 Rice Yeast full monograph & interactions

Coenzyme Q103 drug types · 198 drugs

Alkylating Agents

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

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Warfarin (Coumadin)

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

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antihypertensive Drugs

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

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

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Ultimate Red Yeast Rice + CoQ10 with Cholesstrinol HP, from the product label.

OptiChoice

See all OptiChoice products
Name
OptiChoice The Natural Choice for Optimal Health
Street Address
445 E. Illinois ST.
City
Chicago
State
IL
ZipCode
60611
Phone Number
1-800-755-4996
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Ultimate Red Yeast Rice + CoQ10 with Cholesstrinol HP by OptiChoice: Common Questions

Does Ultimate Red Yeast Rice + CoQ10 with Cholesstrinol HP by OptiChoice interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Ultimate Red Yeast Rice + CoQ10 with Cholesstrinol HP has a known interaction with 1,132 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Ultimate Red Yeast Rice + CoQ10 with Cholesstrinol HP 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 warfarin or another blood thinner?
Not without checking with your doctor first. Both vitamin E and red yeast rice can interfere with blood thinners and increase bleeding risk. Your doctor may need to adjust your dose or monitor you more closely. Do not start or stop this product without talking to them.
What if I already take a statin like atorvastatin or simvastatin?
Do not combine them without your doctor's approval. Red yeast rice contains lovastatin, and adding it to another statin could raise lovastatin to unsafe levels and increase the risk of muscle damage and liver harm. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist before adding this product.
Is this safe to take during pregnancy?
Red yeast rice is rated Likely Unsafe in pregnancy because of its statin-like effects, so you should avoid it. Vitamin E amounts from food and prenatal vitamins are fine, but not high-dose supplements. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about whether this product is right for you.
What side effects might I experience?
Coenzyme Q10 may cause mild gastrointestinal symptoms like heartburn, nausea, or diarrhea in a small number of users. Red yeast rice can cause headache, dizziness, nausea, diarrhea, and heartburn. Vitamin E is generally well-tolerated, though high doses raise bleeding risk. If you experience unusual bleeding, muscle pain, or dark urine, stop and contact your doctor.
Does this product actually lower cholesterol?
Red yeast rice is rated Possibly Effective for cholesterol management in people with HIV/AIDS-related lipid problems, meaning the evidence suggests benefit but isn't definitive. Coenzyme Q10 and vitamin E have not been specifically proven to lower cholesterol in our effectiveness data, though they support cellular and cardiovascular health. Talk with your doctor about your cholesterol goals and whether this is the right choice for you.
Can I take CoQ10 if I'm on blood pressure medication?
Coenzyme Q10 may theoretically have additive effects with blood pressure drugs and could lower your blood pressure further. If you take blood pressure medication, mention this product to your doctor or pharmacist before starting so they can monitor you.

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.

Ultimate Red Yeast Rice + CoQ10 with Cholesstrinol HP label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Ultimate Red Yeast Rice + CoQ10 with Cholesstrinol HP’s Ingredients

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

Herb & supplement monograph

Vitamin E

Interacts with 766 drugs

Vitamin E is an essential fat-soluble vitamin and antioxidant that most people get in adequate amounts from a normal diet. Supplements can help correct a true deficiency, but high-dose vitam...

Read the full Vitamin E monograph → 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

Red Yeast Rice

Interacts with 478 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

Ultimate Red Yeast Rice + CoQ10 with Cholesstrinol HP'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 154 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.

Vitamin E 64 references
  1. Kim JM, White RH. Effect of vitamin E on the anticoagulant response to warfarin. Am J Cardiol 1996;77:545-6. PubMed
  2. Corrigan JJ Jr. The effect of vitamin E on warfarin-induced vitamin K deficiency. Ann N Y Acad Sci 1982;393:361-8. PubMed
  3. Corrigan JJ Jr. Coagulation problems relating to vitamin E. Am J Pediatr Hematol Oncol 1979;1:169-73.
  4. Corrigan JJ Jr, Marcus FI. Coagulopathy associated with vitamin E ingestion. JAMA 1974;230:1300-1. DOI
  5. Labriola D, Livingston R. Possible interactions between dietary antioxidants and chemotherapy. Oncology 1999;13:1003-8.
  6. Chang T, Benet LZ, Hebert MF. The effect of water-soluble vitamin E on cyclosporine pharmacokinetics in healthy volunteers. Clin Pharmacol Ther 1996;59:297-303. PubMed
  7. Pan SH, Lopez RR Jr, Sher LS, et al. Enhanced oral cyclosporine absorption with water-soluble vitamin E early after liver transplantation. Pharmacother 1996;16:59-65. DOI
  8. Anon. Dietary supplementation with n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and vitamin E after myocardial infarction: results of the GISSI-Prevenzione trial. Gruppo Italiano per lo Studio della Soprawivenza nell'Infarto miocardico. Lancet 1999;354:447-55. DOI
  9. Chappell LC, Seed PT, Briley AL, et al. Effect of antioxidants on the occurrence of pre-eclampsia in women at increased risk: a randomised trial. Lancet 1999;354:810-6. DOI
  10. Yusuf S, Dagenais G, Pogue J, et al. Vitamin E supplementation and cardiovascular events in high-risk patients. The heart outcomes prevention evaluation study investigators. N Engl J Med 2000;342:154-60. PubMed
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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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