@skd4953 Red yeast rice is not a natural option. It contains a compound called monacolin K, which is identical to lovastatin. You're essentially taking a statin with red yeast rice. The difference is that it's completely unregulated, and you have no idea how much you're getting. I don't recommend it.

Best plan is to talk to the doctor. Sometimes a different dose and/or a different statin does the trick.

@skd4953

As you research you will learn updated information from a recent Mayo Clinic Cardiovascular Continuing Medical Education podcast. You will hear what providers are hearing.

-Mayo Clinic Statin Myopathy
https://cardiovascularcmemayoclinic.podbean.com/e/statin-myopathy/
Also, another discussion you may want to browse if you haven’t already.
- How long do side effects from statins last once you stop taking them?
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/how-long-do-side-effects-from-statins-last-once-you-stop-taking-them/
I would love to hear what you think after reviewing the podcast!

@skd4953 , I’d check with your doctor about stopping a statin. They may recommend the safest way to do it. My doctor told me that immediately stopping a statin creates a high risk period for cardiovascular events. I’d ask about tapering.