Nowadays, many people are very concerned about their cholesterol levels, aren't they? So, whether they hear from a friend or see it on the Internet, they are tempted to use various supplements. In this way, you may have heard the name "Red Yeast Rice". Some say that this is good for lowering cholesterol. What is it really? How safe is it to use? Let's talk about everything clearly.
Simply put, what is red yeast rice?
Red yeast rice is a product made by fermenting rice with a special type of yeast (`Monascus purpureus`). It gets its special properties from the chemical compounds produced during this process.
The most important thing is that the naturally occurring chemical in it, called `Monacolin K` , is exactly the same as the chemical in the `lovastatin` drug that doctors prescribe to lower cholesterol. This means that when you take red yeast rice, it's like you're actually taking a low dose of a `statin` drug.
But remember, this is not a prescription drug, but a dietary supplement . Therefore, the amount of `Monacolin K` in this product may vary from one company to another. Also, there is no strict regulation regarding its quality.
Before using this, you should tell your doctor about these things.
If you are considering using red yeast rice, be sure to inform your doctor if you have any of the following conditions:
- If you are a regular drinker .
- If you have kidney disease .
- If you have liver disease .
- If you often have muscle pain or weakness .
- If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.
- If you are a breastfeeding mother .
- If you have had an allergic reaction to red yeast rice, lovastatin or other statin medications, other supplements, or foods.
- If you have any other health problems .
How to use it? And what to do if you take too much?
This supplement is usually taken orally with a glass of water. Always follow the instructions on the package or as directed by your doctor. Never take more than the recommended dose.
This is not recommended for children, so take special care with it.
Overdose
If you think you have taken too much of this, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital , or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital. This is something that has been prescribed for you only, do not share it with others.
Interactions with medications
Red yeast rice is not just a supplement. It can cause serious side effects when taken with certain medications. Because it has the same action as a `statin` drug.
| Type of medicine / substance | Description |
|---|---|
| Do not take these with anything. | |
| Antibiotics like `Clarithromycin`, `Erythromycin` | The risk of liver and muscle damage is very high. |
| Grapefruit juice | Red yeast rice dangerously raises levels in the body. |
| Protease inhibitors for HIV infection | Serious side effects may occur. |
| Antifungals (itraconazole, ketoconazole) | The risk of liver and muscle damage is very high. |
| Other medications for cholesterol | Do not take with statins or fibrates without medical advice. |
| Interactions may also occur with these - talk to your doctor | |
| Alcohol | Increases liver damage. |
| Cyclosporine, Amiodarone, Verapamil, Diltiazem | There is an increased risk of muscle damage when taken with these. |
| `Warfarin` (a blood thinner) | The risk of bleeding can be modified. |
This list is not complete, so tell your doctor about all medications, supplements, and herbs you take.
Things to be careful about when using
If you are taking red yeast rice, see your doctor regularly for checkups. You may need to have blood tests (liver function tests) to check if your liver function is working properly.
Most importantly: If you experience unexplained muscle pain, stiffness, or weakness, especially if it's accompanied by fever and extreme fatigue, tell your doctor right away. This could be a serious sign of muscle damage.
If you are being treated with antibiotics or antifungals for another infection, you may need to stop taking red yeast rice during that treatment. Ask your doctor for advice.
What are the side effects?
Like any medication, red yeast rice can cause side effects.
| Type of side effect | Symptoms |
|---|---|
| Serious side effects that should be reported to the doctor immediately | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Liver injury | Pain in the upper right abdomen, loss of appetite, nausea, yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark yellow/brown urine, unusual fatigue. |
| Muscle injury | Unusual weakness or fatigue, muscle pain, dark yellow/brown urine, decreased urine output. |
| Common symptoms that should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Common side effects | Dizziness , gas, headache, heartburn. |
This list does not include all possible side effects. If you experience anything unusual, talk to your doctor.
Take-Home Message
- Red yeast rice is an unregulated dietary supplement, not a prescription drug.
- Because it contains a chemical similar to cholesterol-lowering 'statin' drugs, it can cause similar side effects and interactions as a drug .
- Never start using red yeast rice without talking to your doctor , especially if you are taking other medications or have other medical conditions.
- Pregnant or breastfeeding mothers should completely avoid using this.
- If you experience unexplained muscle pain, seek medical advice immediately, as it could be a serious sign.
💬 අදහස් (0)
තවමත් කිසිදු අදහසක් පළ කර නොමැත. ඔබේ අදහස පළමු වරට මෙහි එක් කරන්න.
ඔබේ අදහස එක් කරන්න