Red Yeast Rice Ingredients & Drug Interactions
by XYMOGEN
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
Red Yeast Rice is a dietary supplement by XYMOGEN 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 extract. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.
Check Your Meds Against Red Yeast Rice by XYMOGEN
Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with Red Yeast Rice by XYMOGEN — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.
AI summaries are generated from our interaction database for education only — always confirm with your pharmacist. How we use AI
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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Red Yeast Rice by XYMOGEN
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.
What’s inside
Full disclosure
This product contains one active ingredient: red yeast rice extract. Red yeast rice is a fermented food that naturally contains lovastatin, a statin-class compound your body uses to help manage cholesterol.
Because the lovastatin content varies between batches and suppliers, the strength can differ from one bottle to the next. The inactive ingredients are dicalcium phosphate dihydrate, ascorbyl palmitate, silica, and the capsule itself.
Does it work?
Moderate evidence
Red yeast rice is possibly effective for HIV/AIDS-related cholesterol problems (dyslipidemia) and for heart attack prevention (myocardial infarction). That's the evidence we hold on file—it means some clinical data supports its use for these purposes, but more research would strengthen the case.
For other uses, we don't have effectiveness ratings in our data.
How safe is it?
Well-documented data
Red yeast rice is generally well tolerated, but because it works like a prescription statin, it carries similar risks. Common side effects include abdominal discomfort, diarrhea, dizziness, flatulence, headache, heartburn, and nausea.
Rare but serious effects include muscle damage (rhabdomyolysis), myopathy, and liver damage—particularly linked to its lovastatin content. A small number of people reported skin rash, itching, or hair loss in trials; one case of nerve damage (peripheral neuropathy) was documented after years of use alongside another medication, which resolved after stopping the supplement.
Red yeast rice is likely unsafe during pregnancy because of its statin-like effects. There isn't enough safety data to know whether it's safe during breastfeeding—talk with your doctor or pharmacist for personalized advice.
Product quality varies widely, and contaminated batches have caused kidney damage, so choose a reputable manufacturer.
Meds to double-check
Moderate interaction found
Before taking this product, check with your doctor or pharmacist if you take cyclosporine, other statins, gemfibrozil, high-dose niacin, drugs that inhibit CYP3A4 (liver enzymes), or any medication that can damage the liver. All of these carry a Moderate risk of serious interactions—including muscle breakdown and unsafe lovastatin levels.
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 may help with HIV-related cholesterol issues and heart attack risk, but it works like a statin and carries similar risks—muscle damage, liver problems, and serious medication interactions. If you take cyclosporine, other statins, gemfibrozil, niacin, or hepatotoxic drugs, this isn't for you without a careful conversation with your doctor or pharmacist.
Pregnant or nursing? Talk with your healthcare provider first.
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 Feb 23, 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
General information
Key facts about Red Yeast Rice, straight from the product label.
| Brand | XYMOGEN |
|---|---|
| Barcode (UPC) | 722537511599 |
| Net contents | 60 Vegetarian Capsule(s) |
| Market status | On market |
| Date entered into DSLD | Feb 23, 2022 |
| DSLD ID | 261062 |
| Product type | Non-nutrient/non-botanical |
| Supplement form | Capsule |
| Dietary claims / uses | All Other, Structure/Function |
| Intended target group(s) | Vegetarian, Adult (18 - 50 Years), Women (not pregnant or lactating), Gluten Free, Dairy Free |
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 XYMOGEN, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.
Supplement Facts
| Ingredient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Red Yeast Rice extract | 110 mg | -- |
Other ingredients: Dicalcium Phosphate Dihydrate, Capsule, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Silica
Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.
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.
Formula
Professional use only
Red Yeast Rice features a patented extract produced by fermenting non-GMO rice with Monascus purpureus (red yeast). Extract of red yeast rice helps promote healthy blood lipid and cholesterol levels already within normal range. Red Yeast Rice is ideal for individuals seeking support for cardiovascular health and is third-party tested to confirm monacolin K and citrinin are not detected.
General Statements
Not for resale on third-party websites, including, but not limited to, Amazon and eBay.
Exclusive professional formulas
Scan to learn more!
This package is completely recyclable
Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions
Directions: Take two capsules daily, or use as directed by your healthcare professional.
Precautions
Consult your healthcare professional before use.
Individuals taking medication should discuss potential interactions with their healthcare professional. Not intended for use if you are pregnant or lactating.
Do not use if tamper seal is damaged.
Storage: Keep closed in a cool, dry place out of reach of children.
Formulation
Red Yeast Rice is ideal for individuals seeking support for cardiovascular health and is third-party tested to confirm monacolin K and citrinin are not detected.
Formulated to exclude: Wheat, gluten, soy, animal and dairy products, fish, shellfish, peanuts, tree nuts, egg, ingredients derived from genetically modified organisms (GMOs), artificial colors, artificial sweeteners, and artificial preservatives.
Supports cardiovascular health
Vegetarian caps
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.
Storage
Storage: Keep closed in a cool, dry place out of reach of children.
FDA Statement of Identity
Dietary Supplement
Seals/Symbols
ePV (ePedigree Verification)
Third-party verified GMP compliant
Brand IP Statement(s)
S1. ANKASCIN 568-R is a registered trademark of SunWay Biotech Co., LTD.
Copyright 2020 XYMOGEN
Is this label outdated? Report a formula or label change and our pharmacy team will review it.
Red Yeast Rice by XYMOGEN label
The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.
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)The Ingredients in Red Yeast Rice by XYMOGEN
This is the 1 active ingredient this product is made of. Select it to open its full monograph.
Serving size2 Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container30 Amounts shown are per serving.
Red Yeast Rice extract
Interacts with477 drugs
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 extract monograph & interactionsOther (inactive) ingredients: Dicalcium Phosphate Dihydrate, Capsule, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Silica. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.
Red Yeast Rice by XYMOGEN Drug Interactions
HelloPharmacist Interaction Report
Red Yeast Rice by XYMOGEN interacts with medications through its lovastatin content—a statin drug naturally present in varying amounts.
The most serious concern is with cyclosporine (an immunosuppressant), which can raise lovastatin levels drastically and trigger muscle breakdown (rhabdomyolysis) or muscle damage (myopathy).
Read the full breakdown — every affected drug type, severity by severity
You'll also want to avoid combining red yeast rice with other statins, hepatotoxic drugs (medications that can damage the liver), CYP3A4 inhibitors (drugs your liver uses to process certain medications), gemfibrozil (a cholesterol drug), and high-dose niacin. Each combination carries a Moderate risk of liver damage, muscle breakdown, or unsafe lovastatin levels.
Altogether, these interactions span 478 individual medications. Because red yeast rice's lovastatin content varies from batch to batch, the strength of any interaction can be unpredictable.
Before you start this product, check your exact medications with the search tool on this page, and talk with your doctor or pharmacist about whether it's safe for you.
Check your own medications below · Editorial policy · How we use AI
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 checkerIngredients driving the most interactions
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 extract
Acetaminophen, OxycodonePercocet, Roxicet, Tylox, Xartemis XR
How Acetaminophen, Oxycodone interacts with Red Yeast Rice — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Red Yeast Rice ExtractHepatotoxic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use might increase the risk of liver damage.
Read the full Red Yeast Rice Extract + Acetaminophen, Oxycodone interactionAcetaminophen, Pamabrom, PyrilamineMidol Max Strength PMS, Pamprin, Pamprin ES
How Acetaminophen, Pamabrom, Pyrilamine interacts with Red Yeast Rice — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Red Yeast Rice ExtractHepatotoxic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use might increase the risk of liver damage.
Read the full Red Yeast Rice Extract + Acetaminophen, Pamabrom, Pyrilamine interactionAcetaminophen, PentazocineTalacen
How Acetaminophen, Pentazocine interacts with Red Yeast Rice — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Red Yeast Rice ExtractHepatotoxic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use might increase the risk of liver damage.
Read the full Red Yeast Rice Extract + Acetaminophen, Pentazocine interactionAcetaminophen, Phenylephrine, ChlorpheniramineSuper Cold Tabs
How Acetaminophen, Phenylephrine, Chlorpheniramine interacts with Red Yeast Rice — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Red Yeast Rice ExtractHepatotoxic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use might increase the risk of liver damage.
Read the full Red Yeast Rice Extract + Acetaminophen, Phenylephrine, Chlorpheniramine interactionAcetaminophen, PhenylpropanolamineTetra Caps
How Acetaminophen, Phenylpropanolamine interacts with Red Yeast Rice — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Red Yeast Rice ExtractHepatotoxic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use might increase the risk of liver damage.
Read the full Red Yeast Rice Extract + Acetaminophen, Phenylpropanolamine interactionAcetaminophen, Phenylpropanolamine, PhenyltoloxamineSinubid
How Acetaminophen, Phenylpropanolamine, Phenyltoloxamine interacts with Red Yeast Rice — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Red Yeast Rice ExtractHepatotoxic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use might increase the risk of liver damage.
Read the full Red Yeast Rice Extract + Acetaminophen, Phenylpropanolamine, Phenyltoloxamine interactionAcetaminophen, PhenyltoloxaminePercogesic, Relagesic
How Acetaminophen, Phenyltoloxamine interacts with Red Yeast Rice — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Red Yeast Rice ExtractHepatotoxic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use might increase the risk of liver damage.
Read the full Red Yeast Rice Extract + Acetaminophen, Phenyltoloxamine interactionAcetaminophen, Phenyltoloxamine, SalicylamideLobac
How Acetaminophen, Phenyltoloxamine, Salicylamide interacts with Red Yeast Rice — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Red Yeast Rice ExtractHepatotoxic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use might increase the risk of liver damage.
Read the full Red Yeast Rice Extract + Acetaminophen, Phenyltoloxamine, Salicylamide interactionAcetaminophen, PropoxypheneDarvocet-N 100, Darvocet-N 50, E-Lor, Wygesic
How Acetaminophen, Propoxyphene interacts with Red Yeast Rice — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Red Yeast Rice ExtractHepatotoxic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use might increase the risk of liver damage.
Read the full Red Yeast Rice Extract + Acetaminophen, Propoxyphene interactionAcetaminophen, PseudoephedrineChildren's Tylenol Sinus, Dristan N.D., Non-Aspirin Sinus, Ornex, Ornex-Max, Sinutab +5 more
How Acetaminophen, Pseudoephedrine interacts with Red Yeast Rice — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Red Yeast Rice ExtractHepatotoxic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use might increase the risk of liver damage.
Read the full Red Yeast Rice Extract + Acetaminophen, Pseudoephedrine interactionAcetaminophen, Pseudoephedrine, TriprolidineActifed Plus ES
How Acetaminophen, Pseudoephedrine, Triprolidine interacts with Red Yeast Rice — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Red Yeast Rice ExtractHepatotoxic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use might increase the risk of liver damage.
Read the full Red Yeast Rice Extract + Acetaminophen, Pseudoephedrine, Triprolidine interactionAcetohexamideDymelor
How Acetohexamide interacts with Red Yeast Rice — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Red Yeast Rice ExtractHepatotoxic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use might increase the risk of liver damage.
Read the full Red Yeast Rice Extract + Acetohexamide interactionAcitretinSoriatane
How Acitretin interacts with Red Yeast Rice — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Red Yeast Rice ExtractCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Inhibitors Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, drugs that inhibit the CYP3A4 enzymes might increase levels of lovastatin from red yeast rice.
Read the full Red Yeast Rice Extract + Acitretin interactionAdagrasibKrazati
How Adagrasib interacts with Red Yeast Rice — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Red Yeast Rice ExtractHepatotoxic Drugs, Cytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Inhibitors Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use might increase the risk of liver damage.
Read the full Red Yeast Rice Extract + Adagrasib interactionAldesleukinProleukin
How Aldesleukin interacts with Red Yeast Rice — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Red Yeast Rice ExtractHepatotoxic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use might increase the risk of liver damage.
Read the full Red Yeast Rice Extract + Aldesleukin interactionAlectinib HydrochlorideAlecensa
How Alectinib Hydrochloride interacts with Red Yeast Rice — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Red Yeast Rice ExtractHepatotoxic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use might increase the risk of liver damage.
Read the full Red Yeast Rice Extract + Alectinib Hydrochloride interactionAllopurinolCaplenal, Cosuric, Rimapurinol, Zyloprim, Zyloric
How Allopurinol interacts with Red Yeast Rice — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Red Yeast Rice ExtractHepatotoxic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use might increase the risk of liver damage.
Read the full Red Yeast Rice Extract + Allopurinol interactionAlogliptinNesina
How Alogliptin interacts with Red Yeast Rice — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Red Yeast Rice ExtractHepatotoxic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use might increase the risk of liver damage.
Read the full Red Yeast Rice Extract + Alogliptin interactionAlogliptin, PioglitazoneOseni
How Alogliptin, Pioglitazone interacts with Red Yeast Rice — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Red Yeast Rice ExtractHepatotoxic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use might increase the risk of liver damage.
Read the full Red Yeast Rice Extract + Alogliptin, Pioglitazone interactionAmbrisentanLetairis, Volibris
How Ambrisentan interacts with Red Yeast Rice — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Red Yeast Rice ExtractHepatotoxic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use might increase the risk of liver damage.
Read the full Red Yeast Rice Extract + Ambrisentan interactionAminosalicylic AcidPaser
How Aminosalicylic Acid interacts with Red Yeast Rice — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Red Yeast Rice ExtractHepatotoxic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use might increase the risk of liver damage.
Read the full Red Yeast Rice Extract + Aminosalicylic Acid interactionAmiodaroneCordarone, Pacerone
How Amiodarone interacts with Red Yeast Rice — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Red Yeast Rice ExtractHepatotoxic Drugs, Cytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Inhibitors Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use might increase the risk of liver damage.
Read the full Red Yeast Rice Extract + Amiodarone interactionAmoxicillinAmix, Amoram, Amoxident, Amoxil Capsules, Amoxil Injection, Galenamox +3 more
How Amoxicillin interacts with Red Yeast Rice — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Red Yeast Rice ExtractHepatotoxic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use might increase the risk of liver damage.
Read the full Red Yeast Rice Extract + Amoxicillin interactionAmoxicillin VeterinaryBiomox
How Amoxicillin Veterinary interacts with Red Yeast Rice — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Red Yeast Rice ExtractHepatotoxic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use might increase the risk of liver damage.
Read the full Red Yeast Rice Extract + Amoxicillin Veterinary interactionAmoxicillin, Clavulanate PotassiumAugmentin, Augmentin '125/31 SF', Augmentin '250/62 SF', Augmentin XR, Augmentin-Duo 400/57, Clavulin
How Amoxicillin, Clavulanate Potassium interacts with Red Yeast Rice — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Red Yeast Rice ExtractHepatotoxic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use might increase the risk of liver damage.
Read the full Red Yeast Rice Extract + Amoxicillin, Clavulanate Potassium interactionAmoxicillin, Omeprazole Magnesium, RifabutinTalicia
How Amoxicillin, Omeprazole Magnesium, Rifabutin interacts with Red Yeast Rice — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Red Yeast Rice ExtractHepatotoxic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use might increase the risk of liver damage.
Read the full Red Yeast Rice Extract + Amoxicillin, Omeprazole Magnesium, Rifabutin interactionAmphotericin, TetracyclineMysteclin-F
How Amphotericin, Tetracycline interacts with Red Yeast Rice — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Red Yeast Rice ExtractHepatotoxic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use might increase the risk of liver damage.
Read the full Red Yeast Rice Extract + Amphotericin, Tetracycline interactionAmprenavirAgenerase
How Amprenavir interacts with Red Yeast Rice — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Red Yeast Rice ExtractCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Inhibitors Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, drugs that inhibit the CYP3A4 enzymes might increase levels of lovastatin from red yeast rice.
Read the full Red Yeast Rice Extract + Amprenavir interactionAnidulafunginEraxis
How Anidulafungin interacts with Red Yeast Rice — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Red Yeast Rice ExtractHepatotoxic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use might increase the risk of liver damage.
Read the full Red Yeast Rice Extract + Anidulafungin interactionAntidiabetes, Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4 (dpp-iv) InhibitorGlyxambi
How Antidiabetes, Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4 (dpp-iv) Inhibitor interacts with Red Yeast Rice — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Red Yeast Rice ExtractCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Inhibitors Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, drugs that inhibit the CYP3A4 enzymes might increase levels of lovastatin from red yeast rice.
Read the full Red Yeast Rice Extract + Antidiabetes, Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4 (dpp-iv) Inhibitor interactionEach 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 Rice extract
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Brand information
Manufacturer and brand details for Red Yeast Rice, from the product label.
XYMOGEN
See all XYMOGEN products- Name
- XYMOGEN Exclusive Professional Formulas
- Street Address
- 6900 Kingspointe Pkwy.
- City
- Orlando
- State
- FL
- ZipCode
- 32819
- Phone Number
- 800-647-6100
- Web Address
- www.xymogen.com
Red Yeast Rice by XYMOGEN: Common Questions
Does Red Yeast Rice by XYMOGEN interact with any medications?
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Where does this information come from?
Is red yeast rice safe if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
What are the most common side effects?
Why does this product interact with so many medications?
Does it work for cholesterol?
Can I just switch to red yeast rice if I'm already on a statin?
Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy
Not sure if Red Yeast Rice is safe with your meds?
Our pharmacists answer your medication & supplement questions — free.
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.
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.
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.
- NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD) — The official product label on file for this supplement.
- Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center) — Evidence-graded clinical reference behind the ingredient interaction data.
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
- Hebel SK, ed. Drug Facts and Comparisons. 52nd ed. St. Louis: Facts and Comparisons, 1998.
- 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
- 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
- Wigger-Alberti W, Bauer A, Hipler UC, Elsner P. Anaphylaxis due to Monascus purpureus-fermented rice (red yeast rice). Allergy 1999;54:1330-1.
- 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
- 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
- Mueller PS. Symptomatic myopathy due to red yeast rice. Ann Intern Med 2006;145:474-5. PubMed
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- Smith, D. J. and Olive, K. E. Chinese red rice-induced myopathy. South.Med J 2003;96(12):1265-1267. PubMed
- 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.
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