Red Yeast Rice - Tagrisso (Osimertinib Mesylate) Interaction
Herbal: Red Yeast Rice
Also Known As: Monascus purpureus, Cholestin, Hong Qu, Hongqu, Koji Rouge, Mevinolin, Monacolin K, Monascus, Monascus Purpureus Went, Red Koji, Red Rice, Red Rice Yeast, Red Yeast Rice, Red Yeast Rice Extract, Riz Rouge, Rotschimmelreis, XueZhiKang, Xue Zhi Kang, XZK, Zhibituo, Zhitai, Zhi
Drug: Osimertinib Mesylate
Brand names:
Tagrisso
Medical Content Editor Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Last updated
Apr 20, 2025
Interaction Details
Osimertinib Mesylate is classified as belonging to the following category: Cytochrome P450 3A4 (Cyp3A4) Inhibitors
Theoretically, drugs that inhibit the CYP3A4 enzymes might increase levels of lovastatin from red yeast rice.
Red yeast rice contains varying levels of the statin drug lovastatin, which is metabolized by CYP3A4. Combining red yeast rice with CYP3A4 inhibitors might increase serum levels of lovastatin from red yeast rice.
Interaction Rating
Likelihood of Occurrence
PossibleInteraction has been documented in animal or in lab research, or the interaction has been documented in humans but is limited to case reports or conflicting clinical research exists
References
- Prescribing Information. Mevacor (lovastatin). Whitehouse Station, NJ: Merck & Co., Inc., February 2012.
Red Yeast Rice Overview
Red yeast rice is a type of fermented rice produced by the cultivation of a type of yeast called Monascus purpureus. The rice is soaked in water and then allowed to ferment with the yeast for several weeks. During the fermentation process, the rice turns a deep red color and develops a distinctive, slightly sweet, and sour taste.
Red yeast rice has a long history of use in traditional medicine and has been used as a natural remedy for a range of health conditions, including high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and heart disease. Red yeast rice is thought to work by inhibiting the production of cholesterol in the liver and by helping to improve circulation.
Red yeast rice contains a compound known as mevinolin, which is identical to the FDA-approved drug lovastatin.
Osimertinib Mesylate Overview
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Osimertinib is used to help prevent a certain type of non small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) from returning after the tumor(s) has been removed by surgery in adults. It is also used as a first treatment for a certain type of NSCLC that has spread to other parts of the body in adults. Osimertinib is also used to treat certain types of NSCLC that has spread to other parts of the body in adults who could not be treated successfully with other similar chemotherapy medications. Osimertinib is in a class of medications called kinase inhibitors. It works by blocking the action of the abnormal protein that signals cancer cells to multiply. This helps stop or slow the spread of cancer cells and may help shrink tumors.
Red Yeast Rice - More Interactions
Red Yeast Rice interacts with 447 drugs
Interaction Rating Key
These severity listings are for informational use only. Never start, stop or otherwise change your therapy before speaking with your provider.
| Major | The combined use of these agents is strongly discouraged as serious side effects or other negative outcomes could occur. |
| Moderate | Use cautiously under the care of a healthcare professional or avoid this combination. A significant interaction or negative outcome could occur. |
| Minor | Be aware that there is a chance of an interaction. Watch for warning signs of a potential interaction. |
| Unknown | No interactions have been reported or no interaction data is currently available. |
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Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.
DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.
© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC
Drug descriptions are provided by MedlinePlus.
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In addition to being a clinical pharmacist specializing in pharmacotherapy, Dr. Brian Staiger is a registered herbalist through the American Herbalist Guild. He has combined his passion for pharmacy practice with the study of medical ethnobotany to improve patient care. Feel free to reach out about any of your herbal or medication questions!
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