What medications can interact with red yeast rice?
Red Yeast Rice and Drug Interactions Niacin. Coenzyme Q-10 or ubiquinone. St. Cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune) Gemfibrozil (Lopid) Acetaminophen (Tylenol) Anticoagulants (blood thinners), including warfarin (Coumadin), clopidogrel (Plavix), and aspirin. Hereof, does red yeast rice interfere with medications? Red yeast contains the statin drug lovastatin. Lovastatin might harm the liver in ...
Are there any side effects from red yeast rice?
Stop using red yeast rice and call your healthcare provider at once if you have:
- unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness;
- fever, unusual tiredness; or
- nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, tiredness, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).
What drugs interact with red yeast rice?
What drugs interact with red yeast rice? Niacin. Coenzyme Q-10 or ubiquinone. St. Cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune) Gemfibrozil (Lopid) Acetaminophen ( Tylenol) Anticoagulants (blood thinners), including warfarin ( Coumadin ), clopidogrel ( Plavix ), and aspirin.
What you should know about red yeast rice side effects?
Yet, like a statin, it can cause several unwanted side effects, including:
- Liver damage
- Muscle damage and pain
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Gas and bloating
Does red yeast rice interact with any medications?
Red yeast rice should not be taken with cholesterol-lowering (statin) medications unless supervised by your doctor, because the supplement may enhance their effect, therefore increasing the risk of liver damage.
How long does it take for red yeast rice to lower cholesterol?
Those who took red yeast rice over a 12 week period had lower levels of total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides (fats in the blood) compared to those taking placebo.
What is the best time to take red yeast rice?
Take the red yeast rice supplement before you go to bed, whether your belly is full or not. Because the body naturally produces more cholesterol at night, you'll wind up benefiting more from the supplement this way.
Can you take red yeast rice and vitamin C?
Interactions between your drugs No interactions were found between red yeast rice and Vitamin C.
What should you not take with red yeast rice?
Possible interactions include:Alcohol. Don't drink alcohol if you are taking red yeast rice. ... Cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune). ... Cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) inhibitors. ... Grapefruit. ... Gemfibrozil (Lopid). ... Hepatotoxic drugs, herbs and supplements. ... Niacin. ... St.More items...
What are the cons of red yeast rice?
Red yeast rice has several potential downsides. The supplements are legally only allowed to contain trace amounts of monacolin K, but some may contain high amounts. Red yeast rice may also have side effects, interact with certain medications, or be contaminated with the mycotoxin citrinin.
Is it OK to take red yeast rice every day?
The review suggests that consuming 3–10 milligrams (mg) of monacolin K daily may have low associated risks. Additionally, it indicates that red yeast rice is a safe and effective way to manage mild to moderate hypercholesterolemia in people with no additional cardiovascular risk factors.
Does red yeast rice affect sleep?
Answer: As discussed in the Red Yeast Rice Supplements Review, red yeast rice could potentially cause difficulty sleeping in some people — although this does not appear to be a commonly reported side-effect.
How long does it take for red yeast rice to start working?
The recommended dose of red yeast rice is 1,200 mg taken orally twice daily with food. In studies, patients started to see a reduction in cholesterol levels at about 12 weeks.
Can I take fish oil and red yeast rice together?
Interactions between your drugs No interactions were found between Fish Oil and red yeast rice.
Can I take probiotics with red yeast rice?
No interactions were found between Probiotic Formula and red yeast rice. However, this does not necessarily mean no interactions exist. Always consult your healthcare provider.
Can you take red yeast rice with other vitamins?
Avoid using red yeast rice together with other herbal/health supplements that can harm your liver, such androstenedione, chaparral, comfrey, DHEA, germander, kava, niacin, pennyroyal oil, and others. Grapefruit may interact with red yeast rice and lead to unwanted side effects. Avoid the use of grapefruit products.
How can I lower my cholesterol in 30 days?
5 Easy Steps to Reduce Cholesterol in 30 DaysSwitch to a Mediterranean Diet. ... Increase Exercise. ... Supplement Fiber. ... Lose Weight. ... Drink Alcohol in Moderation.
Why do you have to take coq10 with red yeast rice?
Red yeast rice extract with coenzyme Q10 supports healthy cholesterol levels and cardiovascular function. Monascus purpureus, red-pigmented yeast grown on rice, is helpful in maintaining optimal cholesterol levels, which has been shown to be one component of maintaining cardiovascular health.
Does red yeast rice act like a statin?
It's true that red yeast rice, which contains monacolin K, a chemical that's identical to the active ingredient in the cholesterol-lowering drug lovastatin (Mevacor), may reduce your LDL (bad) cholesterol and lower your total cholesterol.
Is red rice yeast safer than statins?
But that doesn't mean red yeast rice supplements are safer than prescription statins. They aren't. “Like statins, red yeast rice can cause exactly the same side effects as statins, and that includes muscle, liver, and kidney problems,” Lipman says.
Before Taking This Medicine
You should not use red yeast rice if you are allergic to it, or: 1. if you already take a cholesterol-lowering medication, such as lovastatin, simv...
How Should I Take Red Yeast Rice?
Red yeast rice contains an active ingredient called monacolin K, which has the same chemical structure as the active drug in the "statin" cholester...
What Happens If I Miss A Dose?
Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra red yeast rice to make up the missed dose.
What Should I Avoid While Taking Red Yeast Rice?
Avoid drinking alcohol. It may increase your risk of liver damage while you are taking red yeast rice.Avoid using red yeast rice together with othe...
Red Yeast Rice Side Effects
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.A...
What Other Drugs Will Affect Red Yeast Rice?
Do not take red yeast rice without medical advice if you are using a medication to treat any of the following conditions: 1. any type of infection...
What is red yeast rice?
Overview. Red yeast rice is the product of yeast (Monascus purpureus) grown on white rice. The powdered yeast-rice mixture is a dietary staple in Asia and has been used in traditional Chinese medicine. Red yeast rice is also available as an oral supplement. Red yeast rice might contain compounds that appear to lower cholesterol levels.
Is red yeast rice safe?
While the supplement is generally considered safe, it might carry the same potential side effects as statin cholesterol drugs. Red yeast rice might cost less than a statin. However, with a supplement, there's less assurance regarding quality and how much active ingredient is actually in the product. Some red yeast products might contain only small ...
Can grapefruit juice cause myopathy?
Gemfibrozil (Lopid). Taking this cholesterol drug with red yeast rice might increase the risk of myopathy. Hepatotoxic drugs, herbs and supplements.
Can you drink alcohol while taking yeast rice?
Alcohol. Don't drink alcohol if you are taking red yeast rice. The combination might increase the risk of liver damage.
Is red yeast rice an oral supplement?
Red yeast rice is also available as an oral supplement.
Is red yeast rice good for cholesterol?
As an oral supplement, people take red yeast rice for high cholesterol and heart disease.
Does red yeast rice cause myopathy?
Niacin. Taking red yeast rice with high-dose niacin might increase the risk of myopathy.
What is red yeast rice?
Red yeast rice is a product that is made by fermenting red rice with a certain type of yeast. Red yeast rice is also known as Cholestin, Hypocol, Xuezhikang, or Zhitai.
What should I avoid while taking red yeast rice?
Avoid drinking alcohol. It may increase your risk of liver damage while you are taking red yeast rice.
What other drugs will affect red yeast rice?
Do not take red yeast rice without medical advice if you are using a medication to treat any of the following conditions:
How long is red yeast rice good for?
Although not all side effects are known, red yeast rice is thought to be possibly safe when taken as directed for up to 4.5 years.
Does red yeast rice have a drug?
Red yeast rice contains an active ingredient called monacolin K, which has the same chemical structure as the active drug in the "stat in" cholesterol medicine lovastatin (Advicor, Altoprev, Mevacor ). For this reason, red yeast rice supplements may produce the same side effects and drug interactions as statin cholesterol medications produce.
Is red yeast rice good for high blood pressure?
Red yeast rice has also been used as a possibly effective aid in lowering cholesterol and triglyceride levels in people with human immunodeficiency virus ( HIV ). Red yeast rice has been used to treat high blood pressure. However, research has shown that red yeast rice may not be effective in treating this condition.
Is red yeast rice good for cholesterol?
Red yeast rice has been used in alternative medicine as a likely effective aid in reducing levels of "bad" cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein, or LDL) and triglycerides in the blood . Red yeast rice has been used as a possibly effective aid in reducing the risk of heart disease, heart attacks, or death in people with a history of heart attack.
How does it work ?
Red yeast rice supplements are made by growing a certain type of mold on rice in a controlled growing environment to allow high levels of the active ingredients to be formed. These active ingredients are the same as the prescription drugs known as "statins."
How long does yeast rice help with cholesterol?
High levels of cholesterol or other fats ( lipids) in the blood ( hyperlipidemia ). Research shows that taking red yeast rice products for up to 6 months can lower total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein ( LDL or "bad") cholesterol, and triglycerides.
What is the purpose of the CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION?
CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances.
What organ breaks down medications?
Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver.
How long is red yeast rice safe to eat?
When taken by mouth: Red yeast rice is POSSIBLY SAFE for most people when taken for up to 4.5 years.
What is metabolic syndrome?
A grouping of symptoms that increase the risk of diabetes, heart disease, and stroke ( metabolic syndrome ).
What is red yeast rice?
Overview. Red yeast rice is the product of rice fermented with a type of mold. People use red yeast rice as medicine. Red yeast rice is most commonly taken by mouth to lower cholesterol. The active ingredient in red yeast rice is the same as one of the active ingredients in prescription drugs called statins.
What is red yeast rice?
Red yeast rice is made by culturing rice with various strains of the yeast Monascus purpureus. Some preparations of red yeast rice are used in food products in Chinese cuisine, including Peking duck. Others have been sold as dietary supplements to lower blood levels of cholesterol and related lipids. Some red yeast rice products contain substances ...
What is the name of the drug that is used to lower cholesterol?
Some red yeast rice products contain substances called monacolins, which are produced by the yeast. Monacolin K is chemically identical to the active ingredient in the cholesterol-lowering drug lovastatin, which is one of the drugs in the category known as statins. These drugs lower blood cholesterol levels by reducing the production of cholesterol by the liver.
What is NCCIH Clearinghouse?
The NCCIH Clearinghouse provides information on NCCIH and complementary and integrative health approaches, including publications and searches of Federal databases of scientific and medical literature. The Clearinghouse does not provide medical advice, treatment recommendations, or referrals to practitioners.
What is the cause of kidney failure in red yeast rice?
Some red yeast rice products contain a contaminant called citrinin, which can cause kidney failure.
What is the ODS?
Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS), National Institutes of Health (NIH) ODS seeks to strengthen knowledge and understanding of dietary supplements by evaluating scientific information, supporting research, sharing research results, and educating the public.
What is the NHLBI?
The NHLBI Health Information Center provides information to health professionals, patients, and the public about heart, lung, and blood diseases and sleep disorders and accepts orders for publications .
Can you tolerate red yeast rice?
Two studies supported by NCCIH have indicated that some people who had been unable to tolerate statin drugs because of side effects (muscle pain or weakness) were able to tolerate red yeast rice.
Severe Interactions
These medications are not usually taken together. Consult your healthcare professional (e.g., doctor or pharmacist) for more in formation.
Serious Interactions
These medications may interact and cause very harmful effects. Consult your healthcare professional (e.g., doctor or pharmacist) for more in formation.
Moderate Interactions
These medications may cause some risk when taken together. Consult your healthcare professional (e.g., doctor or pharmacist) for more in formation.
What is red yeast rice?
Red yeast rice is a type of rice fermented by a bacterium known as Monascus purpureus. In China, it has been used for centuries as dyes, as a food preservative, as flavorings, and in the production of rice wine.
What are the conditions that cause metabolic syndrome?
Some conditions for metabolic syndrome include changes in cholesterol or triglyceride levels, excess body fat, high blood pressure, and high blood sugar.
How long has red yeast been around?
There is some evidence indicating that Red Yeast has been cultivated for over 11,000 years. Due to its health benefits, Red Yeast rice continues gaining popularity and is currently been cultivated in many parts of the world.
What is the cause of heart disease?
Heart disease is a severe disease that distresses millions of people and is projected to account for more than thirty percent of deaths worldwide. High cholesterol – a primary factor of heart conditions – causes the narrowing and hardening of the arteries, increasing the risk of stroke and heart attack.
Why do Chinese use red yeast?
The Chinese have used Red Yeast for hundreds of years for medicinal purposes in dealing with digestion problems, diarrhea, and in boosting blood circulation.
Is red yeast rice safe for heart attack?
Red yeast Rice has been in use for centuries across Asia as a remedy for various health conditions including weight loss, lowering cholesterol levels and reducing the risks of heart attack. While its supplements may offer a lot of health benefits, caution is necessary due to possible interactions and side effects that can occur.
Does red yeast rice lower cholesterol?
Red yeast rice is popularly used as a remedy to lower cholesterol naturally and boost heart health. There is an expected decrease in the side effects, unlike other medications for treating high cholesterol. A review showed that when combined with statin drugs, red yeast rice is effective in lowering levels of total and LDL (bad) cholesterol and blood pressure, and triglycerides.
How Does Red Yeast Rice Lower Cholesterol?
Like a statin, red yeast rice blocks the production of cholesterol, which can effectively lower your total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides. Yet, like a statin, it can cause several unwanted side effects, including:
How much red yeast rice should I take daily?
If you do take red yeast rice for lowering cholesterol, I don’t recommend taking the high doses (generally 1,200 mg daily) that are often recommended. Instead, I suggest taking 600 mg daily, or half the recommended dose, and see if you have any side effects.
What is red yeast rice?
Used extensively in traditional Chinese medicine, red yeast rice is an extract from rice fermented with a special type of yeast called Monascus purpureus. It contains an ingredient called monacolin K, which is the same ingredient used in the cholesterol-lowering medication lovastatin.
What are the side effects of red yeast rice?
Like a statin, red yeast rice blocks the production of cholesterol, which can effectively lower your total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides. Yet, like a statin, it can cause several unwanted side effects, including: 1 Liver damage 2 Muscle damage and pain 3 Headaches 4 Dizziness 5 Gas and bloating
Does bergamot help with cholesterol?
It does a great job of reducing total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol while supporting healthy HDL cholesterol. And while citrus bergamot does contain some flavanones that act like natural statins, it has a much softer side effect profile.
Is red yeast rice the same as statins?
Because red yeast rice is essentially a natural statin, my recommendation is the same as it is for commercial statin drugs. While statins are powerful, and I do recommend them for men with coronary artery disease, I don’t recommend them for general cholesterol lowering or for women. For those groups, the statin side effects outweigh the benefits.
Is bergamot better than rice?
So, I believe it’s a better choice than red yeast rice for cholesterol lowering.
