The safety and efficacy of Policosanol has been demonstrated in several studies on animals and humans. Rats given mega-doses of Policosanol of up to 1724 times what a human would take showed no signs of toxicity.[19] Monkeys and dogs have also been given high doses of policosanol long-term without toxicity.[20] No cancer has ever resulted in rodents given large amounts for extended periods or time, nor does policosanol appear to interfere with drug metabolism.

The most frequently reported side effects are weight loss (1.8% of patients treated), polyuria (frequent or excessive urination occurred in 0.7% of patients), and headache (0.6%).[21] Rare but possible side effects also include insomnia, polyphagia (an excessive desire to eat), nervousness, somnolence, dizziness, excitability, hypotension, hypertension, pruritus, skin rash, nausea, epigastric pain, diarrhea and constipation.