Red Yeast Rice Side Effects

Although red yeast rice is considered a "natural" product, it can cause side effects. Red yeast rice can cause stomach discomfort, heartburn, gas, and dizziness. Although these side effects are merely bothersome, potentially serious side effects are possible. Contact your healthcare provider right away if you develop side effects of red yeast rice such as signs of liver damage, muscle damage, or allergic reactions.

 

Does Red Yeast Rice Cause Side Effects?

Even though they are "natural" products, red yeast rice supplements are not free of side effects. In fact, some supplements (the ones that are effective at lowering cholesterol) contain lovastatin, a prescription "statin" cholesterol medication. As a result, red yeast rice supplements can cause any of the lovastatin side effects. Red yeast rice can sometimes cause serious side effects as well, especially when taken in higher dosages.
 
(This article covers many, but not all, of the possible side effects with red yeast rice. Your healthcare provider can discuss a more complete list of red yeast rice side effects with you.)
 
 

Bothersome Red Yeast Rice Side Effects

Some red yeast rice side effects are merely bothersome and are not usually dangerous. These side effects include:
 
  • Abdominal discomfort (stomach discomfort)
  • Heartburn or indigestion
  • Gas
  • Dizziness.
 

Serious Side Effects of Red Yeast Rice

Some side effects with red yeast rice, while occurring infrequently, are potentially serious and should be reported immediately to your healthcare provider. These side effects might indicate that you should stop taking red yeast rice. These side effects include but are not limited to:
 
  • Signs of liver damage, such as:
 
    • Yellowing of the whites of the eyes or skin (jaundice)
    • Dark urine
    • Increased liver enzymes
 
  • Signs of muscle damage, such as:
 
    • Muscle aches
    • Weakness
    • Tenderness
    • Pain
 
  • Signs of an allergic reaction, including:
 
    • An unexplained rash
    • Hives
    • Itching
    • Unexplained swelling
    • Wheezing
    • Difficulty breathing or swallowing.
 
Some red yeast rice products may contain citrinin. This is a contaminant produced when red yeast rice is made incorrectly. Citrinin can be toxic to the kidneys.
 
(Red Yeast Rice Side Effects Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;