When taking a statin drug like Lipitor or Crestor, are there supplements I should avoid or take?

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Pitavastatin-Supplement Interaction?

Written by Amy Malec — Medically reviewed and edited by Tod Cooperman, M.D.

Updated August 29, 2024 ⓘ

Statin Interactions With Supplements -- close-up of statin medication box and tablets

Answer:

Numerous statin drugs including atorvastatin (Lipitor), fluvastatin (Lescol), lovastatin (Mevacor), pitavastatin (Livalo), pravastatin (Pravachol), rosuvastatin (Crestor), and simvastatin (Zocor) are taken to help lower cholesterol levels. Some, but not all, of these cholesterol-lowering statin drugs can be affected by taking supplements and/or can affect your ability to absorb certain vitamins and minerals.

Sign in as a member to learn how the following supplements or foods may affect, or be affected, by statins: berberine, CoQ10, curcumin (from turmeric), grapefruit juice, green tea, magnesium, niacin, red yeast rice, quercetin, soy isoflavones, St. John's wort, Tribulus terrestris, vitamin D, and vitamin K.

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