Risks of Red Yeast Rice Consumption - Potential Issues and Effects

Are there any risks of red yeast rice consumption or usage?

Red yeast rice is a nutritional supplement that is often used as a natural health treatment method for lowering cholesterol. Although it can be very beneficial in lowering levels without resorting to medication, are there any risks associated with using it?

There are some mild as well as some moderate risks associated with using red yeast rice. Some of the milder symptoms include indigestion, heartburn, headaches, bloating, gas, dizziness, as well as joint and muscle pain. Most of these potential side effects do not present any major problems and will go away on their own after you have been taking the red yeast rice for awhile.

However, more serious side effects and risks of red yeast rice can include damage to the peripheral nerves and liver inflammation.

Red yeast rice should be considered in the same light as statin drugs. Therefore, a lot of the risks that are associated with these medications can also be associated with the risks of red yeast rice.

It is possible, for instance, that like other statin drugs, red yeast rice can cause myopathy. Symptoms of myopathy are elevated levels of creatine kinase, muscle pain, and weakness. Taking niacin supplements along with red yeast rice may increase the risk of myopathy. Another potential side effect of using statin drugs is the interference of the body's ability to create CoQ10.

Other statin drugs should not be taken at the same time as red yeast rice, as this can increase the risk of side effects. Some common statin drugs include Lipitor, Pravachol, and Mevacor.

Other medications that should not be taken with red yeast rice are drugs in the fibrate family, such as Tricor, Lopid, and Atromid-S. These are also used to help lower cholesterol levels. When used alongside red yeast rice, the effects of these medications might be increased.

Very rarely, as part of the risks of red yeast rice, rhabdomyolysis can occur. This is a breakdown of muscle tissue that can eventually lead to kidney failure. If you are using red yeast rice and notice any tenderness, muscle pain, or weakness, then it should be reported to a physician immediately.

Antifungal agents like Diflucan, Nizoral, and Sporanox can interact with stain drugs and increase the risk of developing rhabdomyolysis. Other drugs that can increase the risk factor are Cyclosporine medications.

If you have certain medical conditions, such as hepatitis, liver failure, cirrhosis, or any allergies to preservatives, foods, or dyes, then you should talk to your physician before taking any red yeast rice. It is especially important not to take it if you have any problems concerning your liver, as serious complications can arise.

You should also avoid using red yeast rice if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, since it is unclear how the risks of red yeast rice might affect the developing baby. In most cases, it appears that the risks outweigh the benefits, although more studies need to be conducted in this area.

If you have had any problems with taking any statins in the past, then chances are good that you will experience the same problems if you take red yeast rice. In addition, check with your healthcare provider if you are on any other medications, simply for the fact that most statins interact with a lot of different types of medications in a negative way.

There could be additional risks of red yeast rice consumption or usage that are as yet unknown. Although it is a natural substance, it should be treated as a medication and therefore should be used wisely. If you have any medical condition that could react adversely with it, then talking to a medical professional would probably be in your best interest.

Having read about the potential dangers and risks of red yeast rice, you can learn more about this substance by reading the other related red yeast rice articles and pages.

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