Safety Profile
Overall safety rating: Generally Safe
Policosanol Side Effects & Safety
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement. Full disclaimer
Potential Side Effects
- Very few side effects reported across all studies
- Mild weight loss (occasionally noted)
- Mild GI symptoms (rare)
- Skin rash (very rare)
Drug & Supplement Interactions
- Anticoagulants/antiplatelets — additive anti-platelet effects may increase bleeding risk
- Statins — theoretical additive cholesterol-lowering; no adverse interactions reported
- Levodopa — one case report of interaction; caution in Parkinson's patients
Maximum Dose
Do not exceed: 40mg/day (tested in Cuban studies without significant adverse effects)
References
- Berthold HK, Unverdorben S, Degenhardt R, Bulitta M, Gouni-Berthold I (2006). Effect of policosanol on lipid levels among patients with hypercholesterolemia or combined hyperlipidemia: a randomized controlled trial. JAMA. DOI PubMed
- Mas R, Castano G, Illnait J, Fernandez L, Fernandez J, Aleman CL, Pontigas V, Lescay M (1999). Effects of policosanol in patients with type II hypercholesterolemia and additional coronary risk factors. Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics. DOI PubMed