Reply
Honored Contributor
Posts: 9,514
Registered: ‎06-10-2010

My heart doctor wants me to try this. They have tried everything else.  The most recent was Repatha and I am not able to take it any longer.  He suggested  I try the Red Yeast Rice.   Does anyone here know anyrthing about it?

Honored Contributor
Posts: 14,860
Registered: ‎03-19-2010

It is VERY similar to a Statin, but unregulated and has all the same possible side effects as a statin including muscle loss.  If you can't take a Statin, I don't know that I'd want to be taking Red Yeast Rice.  

New Contributor
Posts: 3
Registered: ‎10-13-2014

I gave used Red Yeast rice for about 10 years to keep my cholesterol in normal range.  It has worked for me.  I use Rescue 1250 Red Yeast Rice - LDL-XQ10. I take 3 per day with my meals. 

Respected Contributor
Posts: 3,823
Registered: ‎08-01-2019

Had never heard of this before- thanks for all the info. 

Valued Contributor
Posts: 642
Registered: ‎11-06-2017

Re: RED YEAST RICE

[ Edited ]

I have taken this for several years per my doctor to lower my cholesterol...It has worked wonders for me..I get mine at Costco...Weider Red Yeast Rice...the pills are kinda big but I don't have a problem with them.

ryr.jpg

Honored Contributor
Posts: 35,947
Registered: ‎03-09-2010

It is a modified form of a statin, which I have refused to take. I am on Zetia, a non statin RX, not as potent as a statin but it works for me. 

Honored Contributor
Posts: 17,759
Registered: ‎03-09-2010

@jubilant,

I did try red yeast rice years ago and when I mentioned it to my doctor, she agreed it would be good to try.

I stopped because just like @Icegoddess, said, it is similar to statin drugs. 

 It actually has the same compound, monacolin k, which is chemically identical to the statin drug lovastatin.

Side effects can be minor or more serious involving muscles, liver, or kidney.

Because red yeast rice is not regulated, the amounts of monacolin k might be inconsistent,

or contaminated with citrinin, a toxic substance.

 

I started taking ginger capsules or garlic capsules. Niacin had too many concerns re side effects, minor and serious.

 

It's hard to find things that help without harm isn't it? Be sure to read always before taking any rx or supplements, vitamins, herbs, homeopathic etc. I always do now because not all drs are knowledgable about supplements and updates on vitamins.  Best of luck to you @jubilant 

"If you walk the footsteps of a stranger, you'll learn things you never knew. Can you sing with all the voices of the mountains? can you paint with all the colors of the wind?"
Honored Contributor
Posts: 9,514
Registered: ‎06-10-2010

Thank you ladies.  I do appreciate all your posts on this.

Honored Contributor
Posts: 8,722
Registered: ‎03-09-2010

My doctor had me take it many years ago to see if it would lower my cholesterol.  It didn't.  I had to go on prescription medication.  Hoping it works for you though!

Esteemed Contributor
Posts: 7,220
Registered: ‎09-08-2010

I tried Red Yeast Rice and had bad side effects. It is like a statin. It's different for everyone. Some can take medications, while others can't. I'm in the latter category.