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What are the Different Policosanol Side Effects?

C. K. Lanz
C. K. Lanz

Policosanol side effects can be divided into three categories: mild, serious, and allergic reactions. Mild policosanol side effects such as nausea, dizziness, and headaches do not normally last very long and can pass once the body adapts to the supplement. Individuals who experience allergic reactions or serious policosanol side effects like internal bleeding or black stool should discontinue taking the supplement and seek medical attention. People who are interested in trying policosanol can consult with a medical professional prior to starting a regimen.

Policosanol is a nutritional supplement, but side effects are still associated with its use. It is possibly safe when the daily dose ranges from 10 to 80 milligrams for a maximum of two years. The probability and severity of policosanol side effects depend on several factors like age and general health. Little is known about the effect of policosanol on pregnant women and nursing mothers.

Policosanol can be made from sugar cane.
Policosanol can be made from sugar cane.

Most policosanol side effects are generally mild and of short duration. The most common in this category are headaches, nausea, and dizziness. Policosanol can cause a variety of digestion problems like upset stomach, diarrhea, and excessive hunger, especially when starting a regimen for the first time or a new dose.

Some individuals may experience an allergic reaction to policosanol. A skin rash, hives, and difficulty breathing or swallowing are all signs of such a reaction to this supplement. A person who is allergic to policosanol can also suffer face and throat swelling and should seek medical attention as quickly as possible.

Breaking out in hives can be an allergic reaction to policosanol.
Breaking out in hives can be an allergic reaction to policosanol.

A minority of people can develop serious side effects as a result of taking policosanol. Black stool and internal bleeding are possible policosanol side effects. Policosanol may also cause some individuals to vomit blood or experience changes in vision or weakness in the arms and legs. If these side effects occur, the policosanol regimen should be discontinued.

Some patients who take policosanol undergo headaches and other mild side effects that dissipate quickly.
Some patients who take policosanol undergo headaches and other mild side effects that dissipate quickly.

This supplement is a chemical made from Cuban sugar cane. In the United States, policosanol is typically made from wheat germ, beeswax, and yams, among other sources. It is used to treat a variety of conditions, including high cholesterol and poor circulation. The medical community is divided, but some researchers and medical practitioners believe that policosanol helps decrease the liver’s cholesterol production while increasing the breakdown of low-density lipoprotein.

Nausea is one possible side effect of taking policosanol.
Nausea is one possible side effect of taking policosanol.

It may also help decrease the stickiness of platelets and thus reduce the risk of blood clots. As a result, anticoagulant and antiplatelet medications are likely to interact with policosanol. Those who take policosanol with a drug that slows blood clotting risk bleeding and bruising. Such medications include aspirin, ibuprofen, and heparin. Policosanol should not be taken prior to a scheduled surgery.

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    • Policosanol can be made from sugar cane.
      Policosanol can be made from sugar cane.
    • Breaking out in hives can be an allergic reaction to policosanol.
      By: Jürgen Fälchle
      Breaking out in hives can be an allergic reaction to policosanol.
    • Some patients who take policosanol undergo headaches and other mild side effects that dissipate quickly.
      By: memo
      Some patients who take policosanol undergo headaches and other mild side effects that dissipate quickly.
    • Nausea is one possible side effect of taking policosanol.
      By: Alliance
      Nausea is one possible side effect of taking policosanol.
    • Diarrhea is one possible side effect of policosanol.
      By: JPagetRFphotos
      Diarrhea is one possible side effect of policosanol.