Super Strength Red Yeast Rice 2500 mg Ingredients & Drug Interactions
What is this page for?
First and foremost: checking Super Strength Red Yeast Rice 2500 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
Super Strength Red Yeast Rice 2500 mg is a dietary supplement by Simply Supplements 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.
Check Your Meds Against Super Strength Red Yeast Rice 2500 mg by Simply Supplements
Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with Super Strength Red Yeast Rice 2500 mg by Simply Supplements — 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 Super Strength Red Yeast Rice 2500 mg by Simply Supplements
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 is a single active ingredient: red yeast rice at 2500 mg per capsule. Red yeast rice is a fermented product that naturally contains monacolin K, a compound chemically identical to the prescription statin drug lovastatin.
The product also contains three inactive ingredients (silica, magnesium stearate, and the vegetarian capsule material) that serve as binders and fillers.
Does it work?
Moderate evidence
Red yeast rice has been studied for cholesterol and heart health. The data we hold shows it's possibly effective for HIV/AIDS-related high cholesterol (dyslipidemia) and possibly effective for heart attack prevention.
Evidence for broader use in everyday high cholesterol isn't established in our records.
How safe is it?
Well-documented data
Red yeast rice is generally well tolerated, but because it works like a statin drug, it carries similar risks. The most common side effects are abdominal discomfort, diarrhea, dizziness, headache, heartburn, and nausea.
Rare but serious effects include muscle breakdown (rhabdomyolysis), liver damage, and nerve damage — cases of peripheral neuropathy have been reported. Product quality varies between brands, which can affect both safety and lovastatin content.
During pregnancy, red yeast rice is likely unsafe because of its statin-like effects on cholesterol, which your body needs for fetal development. There isn't enough safety data to recommend it while breastfeeding — talk with your doctor or pharmacist before use.
Meds to double-check
Moderate interaction found
Before taking this product, double-check with your pharmacist if you take statins (atorvastatin, simvastatin, pravastatin, rosuvastatin, lovastatin), cyclosporine, gemfibrozil, niacin at high doses, or any CYP3A4 inhibitor medications. All of these carry documented Moderate-risk interactions with the lovastatin in red yeast rice.
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 works like a prescription statin, so it's not interchangeable with them and requires the same caution around liver health and muscle safety. If you have high cholesterol, take any statins, or use immunosuppressants or certain cholesterol medications, check with your pharmacist before starting this.
Pregnant or breastfeeding? Talk to your doctor 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 Mar 24, 2017.
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 Super Strength Red Yeast Rice 2500 mg, straight from the product label.
| Brand | Simply Supplements |
|---|---|
| Barcode (UPC) | 5060208419337 |
| Net contents | 120 Capsule(s) |
| Market status | On market |
| Date entered into DSLD | Mar 24, 2017 |
| DSLD ID | 71167 |
| Product type | Non-nutrient/non-botanical |
| Supplement form | Capsule |
| Dietary claims / uses | All Other |
| Intended target group(s) | Vegetarian, Adult (18 - 50 Years) |
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 Super Strength Red Yeast Rice 2500 mg by Simply Supplements, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.
Supplement Facts
| Ingredient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Red Yeast Rice | 2500 mg | -- |
| Monacolin K | 10 mg | -- |
Other ingredients: Silica, Magnesium Stearate, HPMC Vegetarian Capsule
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.
General Statements
Supporting normal blood cholesterol levels
Product Information Red Yeast Rice active content contributes to the maintenance of normal blood cholesterol levels.
Image is for illustration purposes only.
EasyGest capsules ~ Easy to swallow ~ Easy to absorb ~ Easy to digest ~ No product odour ~ No bad taste
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PriceMatch guarantee! If you buy from us and then see the same product cheaper elsewhere we will refund the difference plus 10%!
Seals/Symbols
Quality Assured
V Vegetarian
Formula
Simply Supplements formulation is standardised to provide 10mg of Monacolin K, the dosage approved by the European Commission for its contribution to cholesterol control.
Red Yeast Rice 2500mg 2500mg per 4 capsules
Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions
Suggested Daily Intake Take four capsules daily as a food supplement or as directed by a healthcare professional.
Precautions
Important Information If you are taking any prescription medication, you have a medical condition or you have specific concerns about the suitability of our products, always consult your GP or Pharmacist prior to taking supplements.
Do not exceed stated dose.
Keep away from children at all times.
Do not use if seal is broken.
Pregnant or lactating women should consult a doctor before using this product.
Food Supplement: This product should not be used as a substitute for a varied diet.
Storage
Store in a cool dry place.
Formulation
Suitable for vegetarians.
General
S774
Is this label outdated? Report a formula or label change and our pharmacy team will review it.
Super Strength Red Yeast Rice 2500 mg by Simply Supplements 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 Super Strength Red Yeast Rice 2500 mg by Simply Supplements
This is the 1 active ingredient this product is made of. Select it to open its full monograph.
Serving size4 Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Amounts shown are per serving.
Red Yeast Rice
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 monograph & interactionsOther (inactive) ingredients: Silica, Magnesium Stearate, HPMC Vegetarian Capsule. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.
Super Strength Red Yeast Rice 2500 mg by Simply Supplements Drug Interactions
HelloPharmacist Interaction Report
Simply Supplements Super Strength Red Yeast Rice 2500 mg contains monacolin K, a compound with statin-like activity that interacts with a significant number of medications.
The most serious concern is with other statin drugs (cholesterol medications like atorvastatin, simvastatin, pravastatin) — combining red yeast rice with them could increase your risk of muscle breakdown and liver damage.
Read the full breakdown — every affected drug type, severity by severity
You'll also need to avoid this product if you take cyclosporine (an immunosuppressant), gemfibrozil (a cholesterol medication), high-dose niacin, or CYP3A4 inhibitors (a class of drugs that slows how your body metabolizes lovastatin from the supplement). Each of these combinations carries a Moderate risk of muscle injury or dangerously high lovastatin levels.
Liver-damaging medications are another concern — red yeast rice may add to that risk.
Altogether, these interactions span 459 individual medications. Before you start this supplement, use the medication checker on this page to look up anything you take regularly.
Check your own medications below · Editorial policy · How we use AI
Want to check YOUR meds against Super Strength Red Yeast Rice 2500 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 checkerIngredients driving the most interactions
Individual Drug Interactions
The ingredients in Super Strength Red Yeast Rice 2500 mg interact with 477 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.
1 of the 1 ingredient in Super Strength Red Yeast Rice 2500 mg interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Red Yeast Rice
6-mercaptopurinePurinethol
How 6-mercaptopurine interacts with Super Strength Red Yeast Rice 2500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Monacolin KHepatotoxic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use might increase the risk of liver damage.
Read the full Monacolin K + 6-mercaptopurine interactionAbacavir Sulfate, Dolutegravir, LamivudineTriumeq
How Abacavir Sulfate, Dolutegravir, Lamivudine interacts with Super Strength Red Yeast Rice 2500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Monacolin KHepatotoxic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use might increase the risk of liver damage.
Read the full Monacolin K + Abacavir Sulfate, Dolutegravir, Lamivudine interactionAbacavir, LamivudineEpzicom
How Abacavir, Lamivudine interacts with Super Strength Red Yeast Rice 2500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Monacolin KHepatotoxic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use might increase the risk of liver damage.
Read the full Monacolin K + Abacavir, Lamivudine interactionAbametapirXeglyze
How Abametapir interacts with Super Strength Red Yeast Rice 2500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Monacolin KCytochrome 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 Monacolin K + Abametapir interactionAbiraterone
How Abiraterone interacts with Super Strength Red Yeast Rice 2500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Monacolin KCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Inhibitors, Hepatotoxic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, drugs that inhibit the CYP3A4 enzymes might increase levels of lovastatin from red yeast rice.
Read the full Monacolin K + Abiraterone interactionAbiraterone AcetateYonsa, Zytiga
How Abiraterone Acetate interacts with Super Strength Red Yeast Rice 2500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Monacolin KHepatotoxic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use might increase the risk of liver damage.
Read the full Monacolin K + Abiraterone Acetate interactionAcarboseGlucobay, Prandase, Precose
How Acarbose interacts with Super Strength Red Yeast Rice 2500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Monacolin KHepatotoxic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use might increase the risk of liver damage.
Read the full Monacolin K + Acarbose interactionAcebutololRhotral, Sectral
How Acebutolol interacts with Super Strength Red Yeast Rice 2500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Monacolin KHepatotoxic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use might increase the risk of liver damage.
Read the full Monacolin K + Acebutolol interactionAcetaminophenChildren's Tylenol, Children's Tylenol Meltaways, Tylenol, Tylenol Ex Strength
How Acetaminophen interacts with Super Strength Red Yeast Rice 2500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Monacolin KHepatotoxic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use might increase the risk of liver damage.
Read the full Monacolin K + Acetaminophen interactionAcetaminophen, AspirinGemnisyn
How Acetaminophen, Aspirin interacts with Super Strength Red Yeast Rice 2500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Monacolin KHepatotoxic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use might increase the risk of liver damage.
Read the full Monacolin K + Acetaminophen, Aspirin interactionAcetaminophen, Aspirin, CaffeineExcedrin, Excedrin Extra Strength, Excedrin Migraine
How Acetaminophen, Aspirin, Caffeine interacts with Super Strength Red Yeast Rice 2500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Monacolin KHepatotoxic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use might increase the risk of liver damage.
Read the full Monacolin K + Acetaminophen, Aspirin, Caffeine interactionAcetaminophen, Brompheniramine, PhenylpropanolamineDimetapp Cold and Flu
How Acetaminophen, Brompheniramine, Phenylpropanolamine interacts with Super Strength Red Yeast Rice 2500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Monacolin KHepatotoxic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use might increase the risk of liver damage.
Read the full Monacolin K + Acetaminophen, Brompheniramine, Phenylpropanolamine interactionAcetaminophen, ButalbitalAxocet, Bancap, Bucet, Butex Forte, Esgic CF, Orbivan CF +5 more
How Acetaminophen, Butalbital interacts with Super Strength Red Yeast Rice 2500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Monacolin KHepatotoxic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use might increase the risk of liver damage.
Read the full Monacolin K + Acetaminophen, Butalbital interactionAcetaminophen, Butalbital, CaffeineEsgic, Esgic Plus, Fiogesic, Fioricet, Repan, Tecnal +1 more
How Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Caffeine interacts with Super Strength Red Yeast Rice 2500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Monacolin KHepatotoxic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use might increase the risk of liver damage.
Read the full Monacolin K + Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Caffeine interactionAcetaminophen, Butalbital, Caffeine, CodeineEsgic with Codeine, Fioricet w/ Codeine
How Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Caffeine, Codeine interacts with Super Strength Red Yeast Rice 2500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Monacolin KHepatotoxic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use might increase the risk of liver damage.
Read the full Monacolin K + Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Caffeine, Codeine interactionAcetaminophen, Butalbital, CodeineBancap w/ Codeine
How Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Codeine interacts with Super Strength Red Yeast Rice 2500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Monacolin KHepatotoxic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use might increase the risk of liver damage.
Read the full Monacolin K + Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Codeine interactionAcetaminophen, Butalbital, Codeine PhosphatePhrenilin #3
How Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Codeine Phosphate interacts with Super Strength Red Yeast Rice 2500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Monacolin KHepatotoxic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use might increase the risk of liver damage.
Read the full Monacolin K + Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Codeine Phosphate interactionAcetaminophen, Caffeine, Chlorpheniramine, Hydrocodone, PhenylephrineHycomine Compound
How Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Chlorpheniramine, Hydrocodone, Phenylephrine interacts with Super Strength Red Yeast Rice 2500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Monacolin KHepatotoxic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use might increase the risk of liver damage.
Read the full Monacolin K + Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Chlorpheniramine, Hydrocodone, Phenylephrine interactionAcetaminophen, Caffeine, CodeineGesic C15, Gesic C30, Gesic C8, Lenoltec 1, Lenoltec 2, Lenoltec 3 +1 more
How Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Codeine interacts with Super Strength Red Yeast Rice 2500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Monacolin KHepatotoxic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use might increase the risk of liver damage.
Read the full Monacolin K + Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Codeine interactionAcetaminophen, Caffeine, Codeine, SalicylamideCodalan No.1, Codalan No.2, Codalan No.3
How Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Codeine, Salicylamide interacts with Super Strength Red Yeast Rice 2500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Monacolin KHepatotoxic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use might increase the risk of liver damage.
Read the full Monacolin K + Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Codeine, Salicylamide interactionAcetaminophen, Caffeine, DihydrocodeineDHC Plus, Panlor DC, Panlor SS
How Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Dihydrocodeine interacts with Super Strength Red Yeast Rice 2500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Monacolin KHepatotoxic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use might increase the risk of liver damage.
Read the full Monacolin K + Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Dihydrocodeine interactionAcetaminophen, Caffeine, IsomethepteneMigralam
How Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Isometheptene interacts with Super Strength Red Yeast Rice 2500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Monacolin KHepatotoxic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use might increase the risk of liver damage.
Read the full Monacolin K + Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Isometheptene interactionAcetaminophen, Caffeine, PyrilamineMidol Max Strength Menstrual
How Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Pyrilamine interacts with Super Strength Red Yeast Rice 2500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Monacolin KHepatotoxic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use might increase the risk of liver damage.
Read the full Monacolin K + Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Pyrilamine interactionAcetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine Maleate, Dextromethorphan HbrVicks Formula 44M Cough, Cold & Flu Relief
How Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine Maleate, Dextromethorphan Hbr interacts with Super Strength Red Yeast Rice 2500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Monacolin KHepatotoxic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use might increase the risk of liver damage.
Read the full Monacolin K + Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine Maleate, Dextromethorphan Hbr interactionAcetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Codeine, PhenylephrineColrex
How Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Codeine, Phenylephrine interacts with Super Strength Red Yeast Rice 2500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Monacolin KHepatotoxic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use might increase the risk of liver damage.
Read the full Monacolin K + Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Codeine, Phenylephrine interactionAcetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, DextromethorphanCoricidin II Extra Strength Cold and Flu
How Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan interacts with Super Strength Red Yeast Rice 2500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Monacolin KHepatotoxic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use might increase the risk of liver damage.
Read the full Monacolin K + Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan interactionAcetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan HydrobromideCoricidin HBP Maximum Strength Flu
How Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan Hydrobromide interacts with Super Strength Red Yeast Rice 2500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Monacolin KHepatotoxic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use might increase the risk of liver damage.
Read the full Monacolin K + Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan Hydrobromide interactionAcetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan, PhenylpropanolamineMulti Symptom Cold Relief
How Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan, Phenylpropanolamine interacts with Super Strength Red Yeast Rice 2500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Monacolin KHepatotoxic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use might increase the risk of liver damage.
Read the full Monacolin K + Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan, Phenylpropanolamine interactionAcetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan, PseudoephedrineChildren's Tylenol Cold Plus Cough, Tylenol Cold Ex Strength
How Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan, Pseudoephedrine interacts with Super Strength Red Yeast Rice 2500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Monacolin KHepatotoxic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use might increase the risk of liver damage.
Read the full Monacolin K + Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan, Pseudoephedrine interactionAcetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Guaifenesin, Phenylephrine, SalicylamideRhinogesic GG
How Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Guaifenesin, Phenylephrine, Salicylamide interacts with Super Strength Red Yeast Rice 2500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Monacolin KHepatotoxic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use might increase the risk of liver damage.
Read the full Monacolin K + Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Guaifenesin, Phenylephrine, Salicylamide interactionEach ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects
For each ingredient in Super Strength Red Yeast Rice 2500 mg 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
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 Super Strength Red Yeast Rice 2500 mg, from the product label.
Simply Supplements
See all Simply Supplements products- Name
- Simply Supplements
- Street Address
- PO Box 1330
- City
- Peterborough
- ZipCode
- PE2 2PW
- Phone Number
- 0800 988 0292
Super Strength Red Yeast Rice 2500 mg by Simply Supplements: Common Questions
Does Super Strength Red Yeast Rice 2500 mg by Simply Supplements interact with any medications?
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Where does this information come from?
Is red yeast rice the same as a statin drug?
Can I take this if I'm already on a statin?
What are the most common side effects?
Can I take this while pregnant or breastfeeding?
Does the amount of lovastatin vary between brands?
Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy
Not sure if Super Strength Red Yeast Rice 2500 mg 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 Super Strength Red Yeast Rice 2500 mg’s Ingredients
Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.
Sources & How We Checked
Super Strength Red Yeast Rice 2500 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.
- 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
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