MONDAY, June 15, 2009 (Health.com) — A statin can be a lifesaver if you’re at risk of heart disease, but some people who take the cholesterol-lowering drugs—up to 20%, by some estimates—have to stop because of muscle pain, the most common side effect. (Nearly 30 million people filled a statin prescription in 2005, according to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. Statins include popular drugs such as Crestor, Lipitor, and Zocor.)
Now a new study suggests that an over-the-counter dietary supplement sold at pharmacies and health-food stores may be a workable alternative for people who have statin-related muscle pain. It seems that when combined with diet and lifestyle changes, red yeast rice supplements can lower LDL, or bad cholesterol, levels by more than 20% without a substantial risk of muscle pain (also known as myalgia), according to a study published Monday in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
“For some people, especially if they’ve had muscle aching, taking red yeast rice and making lifestyle changes can work as well as a statin,” says lead study author David Becker, MD, a cardiologist in private practice at Chestnut Hill Cardiology in Pennsylvania.
Although these and other results are promising (in a previous study led by Dr. Becker, a combination of red yeast rice and fish oil outperformed simvastatin, the generic version of Zocor), people with high cholesterol shouldn’t race to the vitamin store just yet. Red yeast rice is “not a panacea for all people with statin-association myalgias,” Dr. Becker cautions. In some patients, the supplements may cause a recurrence of muscle pain, or other serious muscle problems that are more difficult to detect.
Plus, consumers who buy red yeast rice off the shelf don’t necessarily know what they’re getting. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate dietary supplements, and the contents and potency of red yeast rice pills have been shown to vary widely among manufacturers. Some pills might even be dangerous: A 2008 analysis of red yeast rice products conducted by a supplement-industry watchdog group found a potentially toxic ingredient in 4 of out 10 brands—one was the store brand of a major pharmacy chain.
Next page: What is red yeast rice?
Comments (19)
Cardiologists in the State of Vermont do prescribe red rice yeast to lower cholesterol. I actually have a friend taking it with good results.
I’ve been using Red Yeast Rice for over 7 years.
The different doctors I’ve had (I’ve moved many times) are always very frustrated with me as I continuously show that I keep so called safe levels of cholesterol/triglycerides without using prescription drugs, this is after lab. test results about every 3-4 months AND occasionally NOT taking anything (allowing the cholestrol levels to rise) so that the Red Yeast “proves” itself ! I’ve done this many times to convince myself(& doctors) of the effectiveness of Red Yeast Rice !!
Follow up addendum to previous comment.
I consider (based on my own observations as well as professional research I’ve read) that “safe” cholesterol levels are most probably around 230 & NOT below 200….always allowing for variations in each individuals different body systems. Bearing in mind that most heart attck deaths show LOW cholesterol(below 200) at time of death,this is a personal observation, I am not a doctor or connected to medical activities.
How much do you take and which brand is the best brand? How does it mix with other drugs like Wellbutrin and Klonopin?
Thanks!
My doctor recommends it.
I wonder if drinking grapefruit juice along with red yeast rice would be a good thing. GF juice is said to increase the effect of the statin drugs.
Does Red Rice yeast lower your tryglicerides?
@floyd
what type(brand) do you use?
floyd impresses me with his remarks and clear scientific logic. but the question on exactly where to get the effective pills, and the dosage, are highly relevant – and so far not answered. come on floyd..
Need contact/ info/ samples
Since I have muscle pain with LODALES ( one of the simvastatin drug like Zocol) 8 yrs ago. I decided to turn to something natural and have started taken red rice yeast until today without any side effect. And my cholesterol has drop significantly.
I’ve been on Semvstatin 20/mg day for a few years. However, I am alway tired and feel emotionally numb.
Anyone experience this on statins? I’ve been thinking of trying red yeast rice but someone told me it can cause the same mood change.
Make sure you buy a high quality red rice yeast. Take 300 mg in the AM and 300 mg in the PM
I started taking red rice yeast to lower my cholesterol about 4 weeks ago. My cousin gave it to me and swore by it. My total cholesterol was 211, but after just 4 weeks of taking red rice yeast (and not every day because I would forget), my total cholesterol tested at 192 (which will make my Doc really happy). I was going to change how I ate, but haven’t gotten to that step yet. And the only mood change I could see was that I was happier. For me the stuff really worked. I took the recommended dose on the label and just bought it off the shelf at my local “Mart” or pharmacy store in the natural herb section. I think I got 2 bottles (60 day supply) for about $10.90 (buy one get one free).
Just had a check up. Total cholesterol 243 & triglyc 176. My doctor prescribed red yeast rice at 2.4 grams / day. I am a woman, 5′8″, 192 lbs, 44 y.o. Hope this helps.
What about taking red yeast rice along with a lower dose of Zocor? I have inherited high cholesterol and started with 10 mg of Zocor 18 years ago. Later my dr increased it to 20, then to 40. When he suggested increasing to 80 about 6 years ago, I started taking fish oil and garlic and have avoided increasing the zocor. Now I’m wondering if I can cut the zocor back to 20 and take red yeast rice. My dr. says he doesn’t know, but, as usual, doesn’t react with horror at what I want to try. Anyone tried this combination? I am a 68 yr old female, 5′7, 170 lbs. Kim
Just got back the doctors – after taking ryr and fish oil for 56 months cholseterol 30 points lower.
Blood pressure lower as well.
sorry not 56 months 6 months.
Just atarted red yeast rice and I’m taking 1200mg and it seems to make me a little dizzy so not sure if it’s working yet hope it does.