Can You Take Nattokinase With a 40 mg Statin?

Hello, and thanks for reaching out with your question! The good news is that nattokinase is not known to interact with statin medications in a harmful way, and the two are generally considered safe to take together. You can read more about Nattokinase in our supplement ingredient page for it (Nattokinase Drug Interactions, Uses, Side Effects & More | HelloPharmacist).

You didn't mention which statin you take (40 mg is a common dose for atorvastatin, simvastatin, rosuvastatin, and pravastatin, among others), but this holds true across the statin class. Let me walk you through why.

As an FYI, we answered a similar question you can find here: Is Lipitor Safe To Take With Nattokinase? | HelloPharmacist

Why These Two Don't Interact

Nattokinase is an enzyme extracted from natto, a traditional Japanese food made from fermented soybeans. It's most often marketed for cardiovascular health because it has fibrinolytic activity and it is thought to work by breaking down fibrin, a protein involved in blood clot formation, which gives it mild blood-thinning effects.

Statins work through a completely different mechanism. They lower cholesterol by inhibiting an enzyme in the liver called HMG-CoA reductase, and they do not meaningfully affect blood clotting.

Since statin meds and nattokinase work in entirely separate ways, there's no expected overlap in their effects and no well-documented evidence of a harmful interaction between them. In fact, nattokinase has been studied in clinical trials alongside statin therapy in patients with cholesterol and artery concerns without notable interaction problems.

Where Caution Is Warranted

The interaction concern with nattokinase applies to medications that affect blood clotting, and it's these interactions you'll find in our database. It interacts with drugs like warfarin, Xarelto (rivaroxaban), Eliquis (apixaban), Plavix (clopidogrel), aspirin, or regular NSAID use. Because nattokinase has its own blood-thinning activity, combining it with these can increase bleeding risk. Statins simply aren't in that group. 

Final Words

Overall, nattokinase and your 40 mg statin are considered safe to take together since they work in completely different ways. As with any new supplement, let your doctor or pharmacist know you're taking it, especially if any of your other medications affect blood clotting or blood pressure so they can keep an eye on the full picture. Thanks again for reaching out, and feel free to contact us if you'd like us to check any other combinations!