Major interaction on record — check this product against your medications before combining. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

Red Yeast Rice 600 mg Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Windmill

Red Yeast Rice 600 mg label
See full label image
Tablet Or Pill Category: Botanical With Nutrients
Most serious interaction: Major
Clinical methodology reviewed by · Updated Sep 16, 2026 · Label data from the NIH DSLD
What is this page for?

First and foremost: checking Red Yeast Rice 600 mg against your medications. The heart of this page is the interaction checker and the full interaction report — how this product’s ingredients may interact with prescription and over-the-counter medicines you may be taking.

Around that, we add a pharmacist’s high-level view of the product as a whole — what’s inside, the evidence for its stated use, how transparent the label is, and what safety data exists — so you can see the full picture in one place. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases and the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist — not medical advice — and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy

The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Major

Red Yeast Rice 600 mg is a dietary supplement by Windmill with 2 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for bone health and osteoporosis prevention, dietary calcium deficiency, heartburn relief (calcium carbonate antacids).Based on those ingredients, 601 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated major. The ingredients most likely to interact are Red Yeast Rice, Powder, Calcium. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

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Check Your Meds Against Red Yeast Rice 600 mg by Windmill

Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with Red Yeast Rice 600 mg by Windmill — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.

Pharmacist-reviewed data Checks every ingredient Answer in seconds
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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Red Yeast Rice 600 mg by Windmill

Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

Generated from HelloPharmacist’s pharmacist-curated databases and editorial rules · Last generated Jul 11, 2026

What’s inside

Full disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Full

Every active ingredient lists its own amount on the label.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 2 of its 2 active ingredients.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

This product contains 2 active ingredients. Calcium supports bone health, kidney function, and stomach comfort — the facts show it's likely effective for osteoporosis and proven effective for kidney failure, high potassium levels, and upset stomach.

Red yeast rice powder is a fermented food that contains naturally occurring lovastatin, a statin-like compound; the evidence rates it possibly effective for lowering cholesterol in people with HIV and for reducing heart attack risk. The tablet also holds several inactive ingredients (fillers and binders) including dicalcium phosphate, microcrystalline cellulose, and magnesium stearate.

Does it work?

Moderate evidence
Evidence for Intended Use · database check
By FDA rules, dietary supplements can’t claim to treat, cure, or prevent disease — so labels speak in careful marketing language. We discern each product’s intended use from its name, label claims, and label statements, then grade the clinical evidence for that use. How these ratings are computed
Moderate

Some clinical evidence supports this product's ingredients for its stated purpose, but it isn't conclusive.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: supports healthy cholesterol levels.
  • We looked for evidence on: Atherosclerosis, Cardiovascular disease (CVD), Coronary heart disease (CHD), Dyslipidemia, Heart failure, HIV/AIDS-related dyslipidemia — and 4 related terms.
  • The strongest evidence on file: Red Yeast Rice is rated "Possibly Effective" for HIV/AIDS-related dyslipidemia (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Red Yeast Rice is rated "Possibly Effective" for Myocardial infarction (MI).
  • Also on file: Calcium is rated "Possibly Ineffective" for Obesity.

Calcium in this product is likely effective for osteoporosis and proven effective for bone health during kidney failure, for lowering dangerous levels of potassium in the blood, and for easing indigestion and stomach upset. Red yeast rice powder shows possibly effective evidence for lowering cholesterol in people with HIV and for reducing heart attack risk, though the evidence is not conclusive.

Beyond these uses, the data we hold doesn't establish effectiveness for other conditions.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Calcium Red Yeast Rice

How safe is it?

Well-documented data
Safety Information · database check
Well characterized

Adverse-effect, pregnancy, and general safety data are on file for most of these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • We hold adverse-effect (side-effect) data for 2 of the 2 matched ingredients.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 2 of 2.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 2 of 2.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Calcium is generally well tolerated at recommended doses, though high amounts can cause problems. Common side effects are belching, constipation, diarrhea, gas, and stomach upset.

Rarely, very high doses have been linked to kidney stones and calciphylaxis (a serious calcium deposit condition); some research also suggests that calcium intake above 1,500 mg daily might raise the risk of advanced prostate cancer. Red yeast rice is generally well tolerated but works like a statin and carries statin-like risks: the most common side effects are abdominal discomfort, diarrhea, dizziness, gas, headache, heartburn, muscle pain, and nausea.

Rarely, it has caused liver damage or rhabdomyolysis (severe muscle breakdown), likely tied to its lovastatin content. Red yeast rice is unsafe in pregnancy because of its statin-like activity; data on breastfeeding safety is lacking, so it should be avoided.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Calcium Red Yeast Rice

Meds to double-check

Major interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Major identified

At least one ingredient has a documented Major-severity interaction. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 2 of the 2 matched ingredients can interact with medications — Calcium, Red Yeast Rice.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Major.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: immunosuppressants / transplant drugs; heart-rhythm medications; lithium.
  • For scale: 602 individual medications appear in the full list. A big number alone doesn't make a product dangerous — what matters is whether YOUR medication is on it, so run yours through the interaction checker on this page.

Before starting this product, check with your pharmacist if you take any HIV medications (especially dolutegravir, elvitegravir, or raltegravir), the antibiotic ceftriaxone by IV, thyroid medication (levothyroxine), heart drugs (diltiazem or sotalol), other statins, gemfibrozil, cyclosporine, high-dose niacin, or any drug that damages the liver or inhibits the CYP3A4 enzyme. Calcium and red yeast rice can interfere with how well these work or raise the risk of serious side effects.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with some supporting evidence for its stated purpose. Major medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

Windmill's Red Yeast Rice is worth considering if you're managing cholesterol or seeking calcium support and don't take any of the medications listed above. If you're on any HIV drugs, antibiotics, heart medications, thyroid drugs, or other statins, talk to your pharmacist before adding this product — the interactions are real and can reduce how well your drugs work or raise your risk of side effects.

Pregnant women and those breastfeeding should skip it.

Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI

Assessment coverage: 2 of 2 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Sep 25, 2025.

This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed

At a glance

General information

Key facts about Red Yeast Rice 600 mg, straight from the product label.

Brand Windmill
Barcode (UPC) 035046004576
Net contents 60 Tablet(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Sep 25, 2025
DSLD ID 333576
Product type Botanical With Nutrients
Supplement form Tablet Or Pill
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Vegan, Vegetarian, Adult (18 - 50 Years), Women (not pregnant or lactating), Gluten Free, Dairy Free
From the label
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.

Supplement Facts

The label details for Red Yeast Rice 600 mg by Windmill, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
2 Tablet(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
2 Tablet(s)
Servings per container
30
UPC/BARCODE
035046004576
IngredientAmount% DV
Calcium300 mg23%
Red Yeast Rice, Powder600 mg--

Other ingredients: Dicalcium Phosphate, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Croscarmellose Sodium, Stearic Acid, Silica, Magnesium Stearate, Water, Hypromellose, Glycerin, Carnauba Wax, Talc

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

Label statements
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Directions: Take 2 tablets daily with food as a dietary supplement or as directed by a healthcare professional.

Precautions

Keep out of reach of children.

Do not purchase if seal is broken.

Warning: Do not use if you are pregnant, can become pregnant, or are nursing.

Do not use if you are under 21 years of age. Do not use if you are at risk or have a history of liver disease, have active liver disease or consume more than 2 alcoholic beverages a day. Do not use if you are an organ transplant recipient, have a physical disorder, have a serious disease, have recently undergone surgery, or have an infection. Natural ingredients in this product have been associated with rare but serious side effects including diseases of the liver and skeletal muscle.

Do not use if you are under 21 years of age.

As with any dietary supplement, check with your physician if you are taking any medication or are under a physician's supervision for any condition.

Note: Immediately discontinue the use of this product if you develop flu-like symptoms, muscle pain or tenderness.

Storage

Protect from heat, light & moisture. Store in a cool, dry place.

Seals/Symbols

Made in the U.S.A. from globally sourced ingredients.

FDA Disclaimer Statement

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Brand IP Statement(s)

Windmill Family Owned Since 1972

Formulation

Inflammation Supports healthy cholesterol levels

No sugar, wheat, soy, milk, artificial colors, flavors or preservatives Non GMO - Gluten free - Vegan

Non GMO - Gluten free - Vegan

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Is this label outdated? Report a formula or label change and our pharmacy team will review it.

See for yourself

Red Yeast Rice 600 mg by Windmill label

The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.

Red Yeast Rice 600 mg label

Label images are published by the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database for the version of this product on file. Always read your actual product label.

View the full label (PDF)
What’s inside

The Ingredients in Red Yeast Rice 600 mg by Windmill

These are the 2 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size2 Tablet(s) Dosage formTablet Or Pill Servings per container30 Amounts shown are per serving.

Most supplement products combine several ingredients, and a medication can interact with the product through any one of them. Each ingredient below shows whether it has known drug interactions.

Calcium

Interacts with
168 drugs
300 mg per serving Form: Dicalcium Phosphate

Calcium is an essential mineral your body needs for strong bones, nerve signaling, and muscle function, and supplements can help fill gaps when diet f...

Calcium monograph & interactions

Red Yeast Rice, Powder

Interacts with
477 drugs
600 mg per serving

Red yeast rice contains monacolin K, which is chemically identical to the prescription statin lovastatin, and it can lower LDL ('bad') cholesterol. Be...

Red Yeast Rice, Powder monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Dicalcium Phosphate, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Croscarmellose Sodium, Stearic Acid, Silica, Magnesium Stearate, Water, Hypromellose, Glycerin, Carnauba Wax, Talc. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Red Yeast Rice 600 mg by Windmill Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Red Yeast Rice 600 mg?

Ask about interactions with your drugs in plain English — “Can I take it with lisinopril?” — and we find you the answer in seconds, ingredient by ingredient.

 Go to the checker
601Drugs
7 Major 578 Moderate 16 Minor

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Red Yeast Rice, Powder 477
Calcium 168

Individual Drug Interactions

The ingredients in Red Yeast Rice 600 mg interact with 601 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.

2 of the 2 ingredients in Red Yeast Rice 600 mg interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Red Yeast Rice, Powder Calcium

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Red Yeast Rice 600 mg with known interactions, here are the types of medications they can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

Red Yeast Rice, Powder6 drug types · 477 drugs

Cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune)

Theoretically, taking red yeast rice in combination with cyclosporine might increase the risk of myopathy.
Red yeast rice contains varying levels of the statin drug lovastatin. Cyclosporine has been reported to increase plasma levels of lovastatin by 5- to 20-fold, resulting in reports of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
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.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Gemfibrozil (Lopid)

Theoretically, taking red yeast rice in combination with gemfibrozil might increase the risk of rhabdomyolysis.
Red yeast rice contains varying levels of the statin drug lovastatin. Gemfibrozil has been reported to increase the risk of rhabdomyolysis when used in combination with lovastatin.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Hepatotoxic Drugs

Theoretically, concomitant use might increase the risk of liver damage.
Red yeast rice contains varying levels of the drug lovastatin. Lovastatin can cause liver damage in some people. Some clinical research suggests that supplements containing red yeast rice might increase liver enzyme levels in some, but not all, participants. Cases of acute hepatitis have been associated with red yeast rice. Combining it with hepatotoxic drugs might further increase this risk.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Hmg-Coa Reductase Inhibitors ("Statins")

Theoretically, taking red yeast rice with other statins might increase the risk of potential adverse effects.
Red yeast rice contains varying levels of the statin drug lovastatin and might result in supratherapeutic levels when used with other statins. Based on evaluation of data from the US Food and Drug Administration's adverse event reporting system (FAERS), it is recommended that red yeast rice products be avoided in people taking prescription statins.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Niacin

Theoretically, taking red yeast rice in combination with high-dose niacin might increase the risk of rhabdomyolysis.
Red yeast rice contains varying levels of the statin drug lovastatin and has been linked to reports of myopathy. Niacin has been reported to increase the risk of rhabdomyolysis when used in combination with lovastatin.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Red Yeast Rice, Powder full monograph & interactions

Calcium18 drug types · 168 drugs

Ceftriaxone (Rocephin)

Co-administration of intravenous calcium and ceftriaxone can result in precipitation of a ceftriaxone-calcium salt in the lungs and kidneys.
Avoid administering intravenous calcium in any form, such as parenteral nutrition or Lactated Ringers, within 48 hours of intravenous ceftriaxone. Case reports in neonates show that administering intravenous ceftriaxone and calcium can result in precipitation of a ceftriaxone-calcium salt in the lungs and kidneys. In several cases, neonates have died as a result of this interaction. So far there are no reports in adults; however, there is still concern that this interaction might occur in adults.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Dolutegravir (Tivicay)

Calcium seems to reduce levels of dolutegravir.
Advise patients to take dolutegravir either 2 hours before or 6 hours after taking calcium supplements. Pharmacokinetic research suggests that taking calcium carbonate 1200 mg concomitantly with dolutegravir 50 mg reduces plasma levels of dolutegravir by almost 40%. Calcium appears to decrease levels of dolutegravir through chelation.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Elvitegravir (Vitekta)

Calcium seems to reduce levels of elvitegravir.
Advise patients to take elvitegravir either 2 hours before or 2 hours after taking calcium supplements. Pharmacokinetic research suggests that taking calcium along with elvitegravir can reduce blood levels of elvitegravir through chelation.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Aluminum

Calcium citrate might increase aluminum absorption and toxicity. Other types of calcium do not increase aluminum absorption.
Calcium citrate can increase the absorption of aluminum when taken with aluminum hydroxide. The increase in aluminum levels may become toxic, particularly in individuals with kidney disease. However, the effect of calcium citrate on aluminum absorption is due to the citrate anion rather than calcium cation. Calcium acetate does not appear to increase aluminum absorption.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Bictegravir/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Alafenamide (Biktarvy)

Calcium might decrease levels of bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide by reducing its absorption when taken in a fasting state.
Advise patients that bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide and calcium can be taken together if taken with food. However, if taken on an empty stomach, bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide should not be taken with, or 2 hours after, calcium containing products.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Bisphosphonates

Calcium reduces the absorption of bisphosphonates.
Advise patients to take bisphosphonates at least 30 minutes before calcium, but preferably at a different time of day. Calcium supplements decrease absorption of bisphosphonates.

Likelihood Probable Evidence C
Calcipotriene (Dovonex)

Taking calcipotriene with calcium might increase the risk for hypercalcemia.
Calcipotriene is a vitamin D analog used topically for psoriasis. It can be absorbed in sufficient amounts to cause systemic effects, including hypercalcemia. Theoretically, combining calcipotriene with calcium supplements might increase the risk of hypercalcemia.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Digoxin (Lanoxin)

Using intravenous calcium with digoxin might increase the risk of fatal cardiac arrhythmias.
Hypercalcemia increases the risk of fatal cardiac arrhythmias with digoxin. However, one retrospective analysis of clinical data suggests that intravenous calcium does not increase the risk of dysrhythmias or mortality in patients receiving digoxin.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Diltiazem (Cardizem, Others)

Theoretically, calcium may reduce the therapeutic effects of diltiazem.
Hypercalcemia can reduce the effectiveness of verapamil in atrial fibrillation. Theoretically, calcium might increase this risk of hypercalcemia and reduce the effectiveness of diltiazem.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Levothyroxine (Synthroid, Others)

Calcium seems to reduce the absorption and effectiveness of levothyroxine.
Advise patients to take levothyroxine and calcium supplements at least 4 hours apart. Calcium reduces levothyroxine absorption, probably by forming insoluble complexes. Calcium carbonate supplements reduce effectiveness of levothyroxine in patients with hypothyroidism.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Lithium

Theoretically, concomitant use of calcium and lithium may increase this risk of hypercalcemia.
Clinical research suggests that long-term use of lithium may cause hypercalcemia in 10% to 60% of patients. Theoretically, concomitant use of lithium and calcium supplements may further increase this risk.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Quinolone Antibiotics

Calcium seems to reduce the absorption of quinolone antibiotics.
Advise patients to take oral quinolones at least 2 hours before or 4-6 hours after calcium supplements or calcium-fortified foods. Taking calcium at the same time as oral quinolones can reduce quinolone absorption. Calcium binds to quinolones in the gut.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Raltegravir (Isentress)

Calcium may reduce levels of raltegravir.
Pharmacokinetic research shows that taking a single dose of calcium carbonate 3000 mg along with raltegravir 400 mg twice daily modestly decreases the mean area under the curve of raltegravir, but the decrease does not necessitate a dose adjustment of raltegravir. However, a case of elevated HIV-1 RNA levels and documented resistance to raltegravir has been reported for a patient taking calcium carbonate 1 gram three times daily plus vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) 400 IU three times daily in combination with raltegravir 400 mg twice daily for 11 months. It is thought that calcium reduced raltegravir levels by chelation, leading to treatment failure.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Sotalol (Betapace)

Calcium seems to reduce the absorption of sotalol.
Advise patients to separate doses by at least 2 hours before or 4-6 hours after calcium. Calcium appears to reduce the absorption of sotalol, probably by forming insoluble complexes.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Tetracycline Antibiotics

Calcium seems to reduce the absorption of tetracycline antibiotics.
Advise patients to take oral tetracyclines at least 2 hours before, or 4-6 hours after calcium supplements. Taking calcium at the same time as oral tetracyclines can reduce tetracycline absorption. Calcium binds to tetracyclines in the gut.

Likelihood Probable Evidence C
Thiazide Diuretics

Taking calcium along with thiazides might increase the risk of hypercalcemia and renal failure.
Thiazides reduce calcium excretion by the kidneys. Using thiazides along with moderately large amounts of calcium carbonate increases the risk of milk-alkali syndrome (hypercalcemia, metabolic alkalosis, renal failure). Patients may need to have their serum calcium levels and/or parathyroid function monitored regularly.

Likelihood Probable Evidence C
Verapamil (Calan, Others)

Theoretically, calcium may reduce the therapeutic effects of verapamil.
Hypercalcemia can reduce the effectiveness of verapamil in atrial fibrillation. Theoretically, use of calcium supplements may increase this risk of hypercalcemia and reduce the effectiveness of verapamil.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Calcium Channel Blockers

Intravenous calcium may decrease the effects of calcium channel blockers; oral calcium is unlikely to have this effect.
Intravenous calcium is used to decrease the effects of calcium channel blockers in the management of overdose. Intravenous calcium gluconate has been used before intravenous verapamil (Isoptin) to prevent or reduce the hypotensive effects without affecting the antiarrhythmic effects. But there is no evidence that dietary or supplemental calcium when taken orally interacts with calcium channel blockers.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence D
Calcium full monograph & interactions
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Red Yeast Rice 600 mg, from the product label.

Windmill

Name
Windmill Health Products
Street Address
10 Henderson Drive
City
West Caldwell
State
NJ
ZipCode
07006
Web Address
www.windmillvitamins.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Red Yeast Rice 600 mg by Windmill: Common Questions

Does Red Yeast Rice 600 mg by Windmill interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Red Yeast Rice 600 mg has a known interaction with 601 medications, including 7 rated major. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Red Yeast Rice 600 mg contains 2 active ingredients, and an interaction can come from any of them. We check every ingredient, combine the results into one list per medication, and show which ingredient and mechanism is responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
Does red yeast rice really contain a statin drug?
Yes. Red yeast rice is made by fermenting rice with a type of yeast that naturally produces lovastatin, which is the same active ingredient in the prescription statin drug Mevacor. That's why it can lower cholesterol and also why it carries statin-like risks — including muscle pain and liver damage — especially if you combine it with other statins or certain other drugs.
Why can't I take calcium with my thyroid medication?
Calcium binds to levothyroxine in your gut and prevents your body from absorbing it properly, which means the drug doesn't work as well. To avoid this, take your levothyroxine and your calcium at least 4 hours apart — morning and evening, for instance.
Is this safe to take while I'm pregnant?
Calcium in pregnancy is safe at recommended doses and actually important for bone health, but red yeast rice is unsafe during pregnancy because of its statin-like activity. If you're pregnant and looking for calcium support, ask your pharmacist or doctor about a calcium-only supplement instead.
What are the most common side effects?
From calcium, you might notice belching, constipation, diarrhea, gas, or stomach upset. From red yeast rice, common effects include abdominal discomfort, diarrhea, dizziness, gas, headache, heartburn, and muscle aches. Most people experience mild symptoms, but if muscle pain is severe or you notice signs of liver problems (yellowing skin or dark urine), stop and call your doctor.
Can I take this with my other cholesterol medication?
Probably not without checking first. Red yeast rice contains lovastatin, and combining it with other statins can raise the risk of muscle damage and liver problems. Talk to your pharmacist before adding this product if you're on any statin drug.
Does product quality matter with red yeast rice?
Yes. Red yeast rice products vary in their lovastatin content, and some contaminated products have caused kidney damage. That's one reason it's important to tell your pharmacist or doctor you're taking it — so they can monitor you and make sure the product is reliable.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

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Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.

Red Yeast Rice 600 mg label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Red Yeast Rice 600 mg’s Ingredients

Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.

Herb & supplement monograph

Calcium

Interacts with 168 drugs

Calcium is an essential mineral your body needs for strong bones, nerve signaling, and muscle function, and supplements can help fill gaps when diet falls short. Most people do best getting...

Read the full Calcium monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Red Yeast Rice

Interacts with 477 drugs

Red yeast rice contains monacolin K, which is chemically identical to the prescription statin lovastatin, and it can lower LDL ('bad') cholesterol. Because of this, it carries the same risks...

Read the full Red Yeast Rice monograph →
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Red Yeast Rice 600 mg's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.

Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.

The 112 references behind this product’s interaction data

Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

Calcium 62 references
  1. Shils M, Olson A, Shike M. Modern Nutrition in Health and Disease. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Lea and Febiger, 1994.
  2. Hernandez-Avila M, Gonzalez-Cossio T, Hernandez-Avila JE, et al. Dietary calcium supplements to lower blood lead levels in lactating women: a randomized placebo-controlled trial. Epidemiology 2003;14:206-12.. PubMed
  3. Thys-Jacobs S, Ceccarelli S, Bierman A, et al. Calcium supplementation in premenstrual syndrome: a randomized crossover trial. J Gen Intern Med 1989;4:183-9. PubMed
  4. Maton PN, Burton ME. Antacids revisited: a review of their clinical pharmacology and recommended therapeutic use. Drugs 1999;57:855-70.
  5. Clemens JD, Feinstein AR. Calcium carbonate and constipation: a historical review of medical mythopoeia. Gastroenterology 1977;72:957-61. DOI
  6. Saunders D, Sillery J, Chapman R. Effect of calcium carbonate and aluminum hydroxide on human intestinal function. Dig Dis Sci 1988;33:409-13. PubMed
  7. Friedman PA, Bushinsky DA. Diuretic effects on calcium metabolism. Semin Nephrol 1999;19:551-6.
  8. Koo WK, Walters JC, Esterlitz J, et al. Maternal calcium supplementation and fetal bone mineralization. Obstet Gynecol 1999;94:577-82. DOI
  9. Raman L, Rajalakshmi K, Krishnamachari KAVR, et al. Effect of calcium supplementation to undernourished mothers during pregnancy on the bone density of the neonates. Am J Clin Nutr 1978; 31:466-9. DOI
  10. Murry JJ, Healy MD. Drug-mineral interactions: a new responsibility for the hospital dietician. J Am Diet Assoc 1991;91:66-73.
  11. Chan JM, Giovannucci E, Andersson SO, et al. Dairy products, calcium, phosphorous, vitamin D, and risk of prostate cancer. Cancer Causes Control 1998;9:559-66.
  12. Butner LE, Fulco PP, Feldman G, et al. Calcium carbonate-induced hypothyroidism. Ann Intern Med 2000:132:595. PubMed
  13. Schneyer CR. Calcium carbonate and reduction of levothyroxine efficacy. JAMA 1998;279:750. PubMed
  14. Moser LR, Smythe MA, Tisdale JE. The use of calcium salts in the prevention and management of verapamil-induced hypotension. Ann Pharmacother 2000;34:622-9. PubMed
  15. Singh N, Singh PN, Hershman JM. Effect of calcium carbonate on the absorption of levothyroxine. JAMA 2000;283:2822-5. PubMed
  16. Kahela P, Anttila M, Tikkanen R, Sundquist H. Effect of food, food constituents and fluid volume on the bioavailability of sotalol. Acta Pharmacol Toxicol (Copenh) 1979;44:7-12.. PubMed
  17. Pletz MW, Petzold P, Allen A, et al. Effect of calcium carbonate on bioavailability of orally administered gemifloxacin. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2003;47:2158-60.. PubMed
  18. Bar-Or D, Yoel G. Calcium and calciferol antagonize effect of verapamil in atrial fibrillation. Br Med J 1981;282:1585-6.
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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

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