Also listed as: Angkak; Beni-koji; Hong Qu;
Hung-chu; Monascus; Red Koji; Red Leaven; Red Rice; Xue Zhi Kang;
Zhitai
Cholesterol-Lowering Medications
Red yeast rice should not be taken with cholesterol-lowering (statin)
medications known as HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (such as atorvastatin,
lovastatin, fluvastatin, simvastatin, pravastatin, cerivastatin), because it may
enhance the effect of these medications, thereby increasing the risk of liver
damage.
Grapefruit Juice
When grapefruit or grapefruit juice is taken with HMG-CoA reductase
inhibitors such as atorvastatin, cerivastatin, fluvastatin, lovastatin,
pravastatin, and simvastatin, they enhance the effects of the medications and
cause a significant increase in blood levels of these synthetic drugs, leading
to a greater chance of side effects and liver damage. Because red yeast rice
appears to act in much the same way as these cholesterol-lowering drugs, it
would be wise to avoid drinking grapefruit juice or eating grapefruit or
grapefruit products such as marmalade while taking red yeast rice.
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to any person or property as a matter of product liability, negligence, or
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currently marketed or in investigative use. This material is not intended as a
guide to self-medication. The reader is advised to discuss the information
provided here with a doctor, pharmacist, nurse, or other authorized healthcare
practitioner and to check product information (including package inserts)
regarding dosage, precautions, warnings, interactions, and contraindications
before administering any drug, herb, or supplement discussed
herein.