← Return to Statins

Discussion
merrychristmas avatar

Statins

Heart Rhythm Conditions | Last Active: Aug 15 5:42pm | Replies (22)

Comment receiving replies
Profile picture for missy245 @missy245

If you take Red Yeast Rice, you are taking a statin. It would be safer to switch statins until you find one you tolerate.

Red Yeast rice contains monacolin K, which is structurally identical to lovastatin/Mevacor/Altocor/. Sideffects from Red Yeast Rice would be identical to Lovastatin.
And, since it is a supplement, it is not regulated by the FDA so you really don't know the dose. Consumer lab has tested the various brands of red yeast rice and the amount of the statin varies from brand to brand.
Since you tolerate Red Yeast Rice, it seems to me that you would tolerate Lovastatin.
Some of the same rules that apply to prescription statins, also apply to Red Yeast Rice.
You should not eat grapefruit or St Johns wart when taking Red Yeast Rice.

Jump to this post


Replies to "If you take Red Yeast Rice, you are taking a statin. It would be safer to..."

You are correct; Red Yeast Rice is a "unregulated" statin, OTC. I take CVS brand, 1200 mg which is about half of the recommended dose on the bottle. My latest lipid profile was perfect. I have no side effects at all. My cardiologist has no problems with what I am taking. I also take a garlic tablet once a day. I would never tell anyone what to do for their condition, but this works for me.