Red Yeast Rice … Safety & Interactions
Hong Qu · Semen Oryzae Cum Monasco Fermentatum
Use with caution. Practitioner review recommended before use.
Contraindications
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Active liver disease, prior statin intolerance, or unexplained muscle symptoms
- Concurrent prescription statin use without professional supervision
Cautions
- Modern red yeast rice products can behave like low-dose statin exposure, and potency varies widely across brands and batches.
- Some commercial preparations may also contain citrinin or other fermentation byproducts, so supplement quality matters more here than with ordinary culinary red rice.
- Traditional Hong Qu as a medicinal fermented grain should not be assumed equivalent to standardized or non-standardized capsule products.
Drug Interactions
| Drug Class / Substrate | Mechanism | Severity | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Statins ... possible additive myopathy or liver-enzyme risk | |||
| Cyclosporine or strong CYP3A4 inhibitors ... possible increase in monacolin exposure | |||
| Fibrates or high-dose niacin ... possible increase in muscle-related adverse effects | |||
Pregnancy
Not recommended during pregnancy. Consult a qualified practitioner before any use.
This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using herbal medicines, especially if you take prescription medications.