Interactions on record — worth a quick check against your medications. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

Red Yeast Rice Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by MRM Nutrition

Red Yeast Rice label
See full label image
Capsule Category: Non-nutrient/non-botanical
Most serious interaction: Moderate
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 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: Moderate

Red Yeast Rice is a dietary supplement by MRM Nutrition with 1 active ingredient. Its ingredients are commonly taken for high cholesterol, heart health, metabolic syndrome.Based on those ingredients, 477 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Red Yeast Rice. 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 by MRM Nutrition

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

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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Red Yeast Rice by MRM Nutrition

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 Sep 10, 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 1 of its 1 active ingredient.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

This product contains one active ingredient: red yeast rice, a fermented rice product that naturally contains lovastatin, a compound that works like a statin drug to help manage cholesterol. The capsule itself is made from cellulose (an inactive ingredient that holds the active component).

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 cardiovascular and heart health.
  • We looked for evidence on: Atherosclerosis, Coronary heart disease (CHD), Hypertension, Metabolic syndrome, Myocardial infarction (MI), Stroke — and 3 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: Red Yeast Rice is rated "Possibly Ineffective" for Hypertension.

Red yeast rice is rated possibly effective for managing cholesterol problems related to HIV/AIDS and for helping reduce the risk of heart attack. The evidence base isn't established beyond these uses in our data, so if you're considering it for another reason, that's worth discussing with your doctor or pharmacist.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient 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 1 of the 1 matched ingredient.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 1 of 1.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 1 of 1.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Red yeast rice is generally well tolerated orally, but because it acts like a statin, it carries statin-like risks. Common side effects include abdominal discomfort, diarrhea, dizziness, flatulence, headache, heartburn, muscle pain (myopathy), and nausea.

Rarely, it can cause serious liver damage (hepatotoxicity), severe muscle breakdown (rhabdomyolysis), or—if contaminated—kidney damage. A few people have reported mild skin rashes, hair loss, or nerve tingling in the extremities.

Red yeast rice is rated likely unsafe during pregnancy because of its statin-like effects. We don't have safety data for breastfeeding, so talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you're nursing or planning to become pregnant.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Red Yeast Rice

Meds to double-check

Moderate interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Moderate identified

The most serious documented interaction for these ingredients is Moderate. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 1 of the 1 matched ingredient can interact with medications — Red Yeast Rice.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: immunosuppressants / transplant drugs.
  • For scale: 478 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 taking this product, have your doctor or pharmacist check your medications against cyclosporine, other statins, gemfibrozil, niacin, CYP3A4-inhibiting drugs, and any hepatotoxic (liver-damaging) medications—these all carry Moderate-severity interaction risks with red yeast rice.

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. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

Red yeast Rice might be worth considering if you're managing cholesterol tied to HIV/AIDS or trying to lower heart attack risk and have already talked it over with your healthcare provider. If you take any statin, immunosuppressant, cholesterol-lowering drug, or medication that affects your liver, you'll need to clear it first with your own doctor or pharmacist—the interaction picture is complex.

Pregnant people should avoid it. Run your complete medication list through the interaction checker on this page before starting.

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

Assessment coverage: 1 of 1 active ingredient matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated May 19, 2022.

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, straight from the product label.

Brand MRM Nutrition
Barcode (UPC) 60949255018
Net contents 60 Vegan Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD May 19, 2022
DSLD ID 262917
Product type Non-nutrient/non-botanical
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Vegan, Vegetarian, Adult (18 - 50 Years), Women (not pregnant or lactating), Gluten 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 by MRM Nutrition, 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:
1 Vegan Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 Vegan Capsule(s)
Servings per container
30
UPC/BARCODE
60949255018
IngredientAmount% DV
Red Yeast Rice1200 mg--

Other ingredients: Cellulose Capsule

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

Suggested usage: Take 1 capsule 2 times a day with a meal or as directed by your qualified healthcare provider.

Formulation

Supports Cardiovascular & Heart Health

Monacolin K & Citrinin Free

For adults only.

GF (Gluten free) Non GMO Project Verified nongmoproject.org

Certified Vegan Vegan.org

Heart Health

Contains no added milk, egg, peanut, tree nut, fish, shellfish, soy, wheat, gluten or yeast ingredients.

Precautions

Warning: Do not use if you are pregnant, may become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.

Consult physician if taking medication (especially statins), have a medical condition including a history of statin-intolerance, liver disease, or are under 18.

Consult physician if taking medication (especially statins), have a medical condition including a history of statin-intolerance, liver disease, or are under 18.

If muscle complaints occur, discontinue use and consult a physician.

FDA Disclaimer Statement

This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

General Statements

Made from recycled materials

Seals/Symbols

Certified Vegan Vegan.org Non GMO Project Verified nongmoproject.org

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 by MRM Nutrition label

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

Red Yeast Rice 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 by MRM Nutrition

This is the 1 active ingredient this product is made of. Select it to open its full monograph.

Serving size1 Vegan Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container30 Amounts shown are per serving.

Red Yeast Rice

Interacts with
477 drugs
1200 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 monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Cellulose Capsule. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Red Yeast Rice by MRM Nutrition Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Red Yeast Rice?

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
477Drugs
477 Moderate

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Red Yeast Rice 477

Individual Drug Interactions

The ingredients in Red Yeast Rice interact with 477 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.

1 of the 1 ingredient in Red Yeast Rice interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Red Yeast Rice

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

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

Red Yeast Rice6 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 full monograph & interactions
The maker

Brand information

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

MRM Nutrition

See all MRM Nutrition products
Name
MRM
Street Address
2665 Vista Pacific Dr
City
Oceanside
State
CA
ZipCode
92056
Phone Number
1-800-948-6296
Web Address
www.mrmnutrition.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Red Yeast Rice by MRM Nutrition: Common Questions

Does Red Yeast Rice by MRM Nutrition interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Red Yeast Rice has a known interaction with 477 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Red Yeast Rice contains a single active ingredient, and that one ingredient can interact with many different medications on its own. We check it against each medication and show the mechanism 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 actually lower cholesterol?
Yes—it's rated possibly effective for managing cholesterol problems tied to HIV/AIDS and for reducing heart attack risk. Its effectiveness for other uses isn't established in our data, so check with your doctor if you have a different goal in mind.
What are the main side effects I should watch for?
Most commonly, people experience abdominal discomfort, diarrhea, dizziness, flatulence, headache, heartburn, muscle pain, or nausea. Rarely, it can cause liver damage, severe muscle breakdown, or—if contaminated—kidney harm. A small number of people have reported skin rash, hair loss, or nerve tingling.
Is red yeast rice safe to take while pregnant?
No—it's rated likely unsafe during pregnancy because of its statin-like effects. If you're pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, talk with your doctor or pharmacist before taking it.
Can I take red yeast rice if I'm already on a statin?
No—taking them together may cause harmful levels of statin to build up in your body. You must check with your doctor or pharmacist first; they can advise whether it's safe for you or recommend an alternative.
Why does product quality matter with red yeast rice?
Red yeast rice contains varying levels of lovastatin depending on how it's made, and contaminated batches have been linked to kidney damage. This means the dose and safety profile can differ between products, so consistency and source matter.
What is lovastatin and why does it matter in red yeast rice?
Lovastatin is a statin drug—a cholesterol-lowering medicine. Red yeast rice naturally contains it, which is why the supplement works like a prescription statin and carries similar risks, including muscle damage and liver problems when combined with certain drugs.

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

Not sure if Red Yeast Rice is safe with your meds?

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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 label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Red Yeast Rice’s Ingredients

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

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'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 50 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.

Red Yeast Rice 50 references
  1. Hebel SK, ed. Drug Facts and Comparisons. 52nd ed. St. Louis: Facts and Comparisons, 1998.
  2. Heber D, Yip I, Ashley JM, et al. Cholesterol-lowering effects of a proprietary Chinese red-yeast-rice dietary supplement. Am J Clin Nutr 1999;69:231-6. PubMed
  3. Wang J, Lu A, Chi J. Multicenter clinical trial of the serum lipid-lowering effects of a monascus purpureus (red yeast) rice preparation from traditional Chinese medicine. Cur Ther Res 1997;58:964-78. DOI
  4. Wigger-Alberti W, Bauer A, Hipler UC, Elsner P. Anaphylaxis due to Monascus purpureus-fermented rice (red yeast rice). Allergy 1999;54:1330-1.
  5. Prasad GV, Wong T, Meliton G, Bhaloo S. Rhabdomyolysis due to red yeast rice (Monascus purpureus) in a renal transplant recipient. Transplantation 2002;74:1200-1. PubMed
  6. Heber D, Lembertas A, Lu QY, et al. An analysis of nine proprietary Chinese red yeast rice dietary supplements: implications of variability in chemical profile and contents. J Altern Complement Med 2001;7:133-9. PubMed
  7. Mueller PS. Symptomatic myopathy due to red yeast rice. Ann Intern Med 2006;145:474-5. PubMed
  8. Roselle H, Ekatan A, Tzeng J, et al. Symptomatic hepatitis associated with the use of herbal red yeast rice. Ann Intern Med 2008;149:516-7. PubMed
  9. Lapi F, Gallo E, Bernasconi S, et al. Myopathies associated with red yeast rice and liquorice: spontaneous reports from the Italian Surveillance System of Natural Health Products. Br J Clin Pharmacol 2008;66:572-74. PubMed
  10. Becker DJ, Gordon RY, Halbert SC, et al. Red yeast rice for dyslipidemia in statin-intolerant patients: A randomized trial. Ann Intern Med 2009;150:830-9. PubMed
  11. Halbert SC, French B, Gordon RY, et al. Tolerability of red yeast rice (2,400 mg twice daily) versus pravastatin (20 mg twice daily) in patients with previous statin intolerance. Am J Cardiol 2010;105:198-204. PubMed
  12. Gordon RY, Cooperman T, Obermeyer W, Becker DJ. Marked variability of monacolin levels in commercial red yeast rice products: buyer beware! Arch Intern Med 2010;170:1722-7. PubMed
  13. Karl M, Rubenstein M, Rudnick C, Brejda J. A multicenter study of nutraceutical drinks for cholesterol (evaluating effectiveness and tolerability). J Clin Lipidology 2012;6:150-158. PubMed
  14. Huang, J., Frohlich, J., and Ignaszewski, A. P. The impact of dietary changes and dietary supplements on lipid profile. Can J Cardiol 2011;27(4):488-505. PubMed
  15. Grieco, A., Miele, L., Pompili, M., Biolato, M., Vecchio, F. M., Grattagliano, I., and Gasbarrini, G. Acute hepatitis caused by a natural lipid-lowering product: when "alternative" medicine is no "alternative" at all. J Hepatol 2009;50(6):1273-1277. PubMed
  16. Smith, D. J. and Olive, K. E. Chinese red rice-induced myopathy. South.Med J 2003;96(12):1265-1267. PubMed
  17. Liu, B. H., Wu, T. S., Su, M. C., Chung, C. P., and Yu, F. Y. Evaluation of citrinin occurrence and cytotoxicity in Monascus fermentation products. J Agric.Food Chem. 1-12-2005;53(1):170-175.
  18. Lin, C. C., Li, T. C., and Lai, M. M. Efficacy and safety of Monascus purpureus Went rice in subjects with hyperlipidemia. Eur J Endocrinol 2005;153(5):679-686. PubMed
  19. Zhao, S. P., Lu, Z. L., Du, B. M., Chen, Z., Wu, Y. F., Yu, X. H., Zhao, Y. C., Liu, L., Ye, H. J., and Wu, Z. H. Xuezhikang, an extract of cholestin, reduces cardiovascular events in type 2 diabetes patients with coronary heart disease: subgroup analysis
  20. Lu, Z., Kou, W., Du, B., Wu, Y., Zhao, S., Brusco, O. A., Morgan, J. M., Capuzzi, D. M., and Li, S. Effect of Xuezhikang, an extract from red yeast Chinese rice, on coronary events in a Chinese population with previous myocardial infarction. Am J Cardiol PubMed
  21. Li, J. J., Lu, Z. L., Kou, W. R., Chen, Z., Wu, Y. F., Yu, X. H., and Zhao, Y. C. Beneficial impact of Xuezhikang on cardiovascular events and mortality in elderly hypertensive patients with previous myocardial infarction from the China Coronary Secondary
  22. Li, J. J., Lu, Z. L., Kou, W. R., Chen, Z., Wu, Y. F., Yu, X. H., and Zhao, Y. C. Impact of Xuezhikang on coronary events in hypertensive patients with previous myocardial infarction from the China Coronary Secondary Prevention Study (CCSPS). Ann Med 2010 PubMed
  23. Li, J. J., Lu, Z. L., Kou, W. R., Chen, Z., Wu, Y. F., Yu, X. H., and Zhao, Y. C. Long-term effects of Xuezhikang on blood pressure in hypertensive patients with previous myocardial infarction: data from the Chinese Coronary Secondary Prevention Study (CC
  24. Liu, Z. L., Liu, J. P., Zhang, A. L., Wu, Q., Ruan, Y., Lewith, G., and Visconte, D. Chinese herbal medicines for hypercholesterolemia. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2011;(7):CD008305. PubMed
  25. Chagas, G. M., Kluppel, M. L., Campello, Ade P., Buchi, Dde F., and de Oliveira, M. B. Alterations induced by citrinin in cultured kidney cells. Cell Struct.Funct. 1994;19(2):103-108. PubMed
  26. Krejci, M. E., Bretz, N. S., and Koechel, D. A. Citrinin produces acute adverse changes in renal function and ultrastructure in pentobarbital-anesthetized dogs without concomitant reductions in [potassium] plasma. Toxicology 1-8-1996;106(1-3):167-177. PubMed
  27. Blanc PJ, Laussac JP, Le Bars J, et al. Characterization of monascidin A from Monascus as citrinin. Int J Food Microbiol. 1995;27(2-3):201-213. PubMed
  28. Lu, Z. L., Xu, S., and Kou, W. R. The clinical observation of treatment of hyperlipidemia with different dose of Xuezhikang. National Symposium of Clinical Therapies for Cardiovascular Diseases 1995;1997:53-57.
  29. Bonovich, K., Colfer, H., Petoskey, M. I., and et al. A multi-center, self-controlled study of cholestin in subjects with elevated cholesterol. Journal of Investigative Medicine 1999;47(2):54A.
  30. Pisciotta, L., Boscarini, M., and Corio, R. Studi clinici su Normolip5, integratore alimentare per il controllo del colesterolo. Medicina Naturale 2004;68-70.
  31. Barrat E, Zaïr Y, Sirvent P, et al. Effect on LDL-cholesterol of a large dose of a dietary supplement with plant extracts in subjects with untreated moderate hypercholesterolaemia: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Eur J Nutr. 2013;52( PubMed
  32. Kumari S, Sherriff JM, Spooner D, Beckett R. Peripheral neuropathy induced by red yeast rice in a patient with a known small bowel gastrointestinal tumour. BMJ Case Rep. 2013;2013. PubMed
  33. Mazzanti G, Moro PA, Raschi E, Da Cas R, Menniti-Ippolito F. Adverse reactions to dietary supplements containing red yeast rice: assessment of cases from the Italian surveillance system. Br J Clin Pharmacol 2017;83(4):894-908. PubMed
  34. Gerards MC, Terlou RJ, Yu H, Koks CH, Gerdes VE. Traditional Chinese lipid-lowering agent red yeast rice results in significant LDL reduction but safety is uncertain - a systematic review and meta-analysis. Atherosclerosis. 2015;240(2):415-23. doi: 10.101 PubMed
  35. Venhuis BJ, van Hunsel F, van de Koppel S, Keizers PH, Jeurissen SM, De Kaste D. Pharmacologically effective red yeast rice preparations marketed as dietary supplements illustrated by a case report. Drug Test Anal. 2016;8(3-4):315-8. doi: 10.1002/dta.1929 PubMed
  36. Raschi E, Girardi A, Poluzzi E, et al. Adverse events to food supplements containing red yeast rice: comparative analysis of FAERS and CAERS reporting systems. Drug Saf 2018;41(8):745-52. doi: 10.1007/s40264-018-0661-3. PubMed
  37. Mercurio V, Pucci G, Bosso G, et al. A nutraceutical combination reduces left ventricular mass in subjects with metabolic syndrome and left ventricular hypertrophy: A multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Clin Nutr. 2020;39(5):1 PubMed
  38. Prescribing Information. Mevacor (lovastatin). Whitehouse Station, NJ: Merck & Co., Inc., February 2012.
  39. Cicero AFG, Kennedy C, Knezevic T, et al. Efficacy and Safety of Armolipid Plus(®): An Updated PRISMA Compliant Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Clinical Trials. Nutrients 2021;13(2):638. PubMed
  40. Cicero AFG, Bove M, Cincione RI, Fogacci F, Veronesi M. Effect of combined lipid-lowering and antioxidant nutraceutical on plasma lipids, endothelial function, and estimated cardiovascular disease risk in moderately hypercholesterolemic patients: a double
  41. 7-20-21 FDA Drug Safety Communication. FDA requests removal of strongest warning against using cholesterol-lowering statins during pregnancy; still advises most pregnant patients should stop taking statins. Available at: https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-s
  42. García-García MD, Bellido Muñoz F, Cordero Ruiz P, Caunedo Álvarez Á. Drug-induced liver injury associated to red yeast rice. Rev Esp Enferm Dig 2023. PubMed
  43. Santos S, Gomes S, Carvalho I, Bonito I, Carmo C. Rhabdomyolysis Related to Red Yeast Rice Ingestion. Cureus 2023;15(1):e33532. PubMed
  44. Banach M, Norata GD. Rhabdomyolysis or severe acute hepatitis associated with the use of red yeast rice extracts: an update from the adverse event reporting systems. Curr Atheroscler Rep 2023;25(11):879-888. PubMed
  45. Wang YH, Zhang SS, Li HT, Zhi HW, Wu HY. Rhabdomyolysis-induced acute kidney injury after administration of a red yeast rice supplement: A case report. World J Clin Cases 2023;11(23):5547-5553. PubMed
  46. Norata GD, Banach M. The Impact of Red Yeast Rice Extract Use on the Occurrence of Muscle Symptoms and Liver Dysfunction: An Update from the Adverse Event Reporting Systems and Available Meta-Analyses. Nutrients 2024;16(3):444. PubMed
  47. Trogkanis E, Karalexi MA, Sergentanis TN, Kornarou E, Vassilakou T. Safety and Efficacy of the Consumption of the Nutraceutical "Red Yeast Rice Extract" for the Reduction of Hypercholesterolemia in Humans: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Nutrients PubMed
  48. Maiguma M, Kihara M, Hamaguchi M, et al. Successful treatment of acute tubulointerstitial nephritis probably due to Benikoji CholesteHelp(®), a supplement containing red yeast rice. CEN Case Rep 2024. PubMed
  49. Oda K, Murata T, Tanaka F, et al. A case of acute kidney injury and Fanconi syndrome while taking multiple supplements, including Red Yeast Rice Cholesterol Help(®). CEN Case Rep 2024. PubMed
  50. Miyazaki R, Takahashi Y, Kawamura T, Ueda H, Tsuboi N, Yokoo T. Acute kidney tubular injury after ingestion of red yeast rice supplement. Clin Kidney J 2024;17(6):sfae151. PubMed

See these in context on the Red Yeast Rice monograph →

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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