uneamie
08-06-2006, 08:48 PM
I have been taking "Red Yeast Rice" tablets for about 4 months now...(1200mgs). I also take a C0Q10 supplement which is recommended if you are taking any statins. The red yeast rice did bring my numbers way down but unfortunately I have muscle pains in my legs ever since taking this. They say that these pills are a "natural statin" and that one can get similar side affects as taking the perscribed statins.
My question here is....has anyone else gotten side effects from taking "red yeast rice" tablets? I have decide to cut the pills in half and take them every other day to see what happens.
My question here is....has anyone else gotten side effects from taking "red yeast rice" tablets? I have decide to cut the pills in half and take them every other day to see what happens.
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mmvic
08-07-2006, 01:07 AM
I've taken 1200 mg increasing to 2400 mg of Red Yeast Rice a day for more than one year with no issues or side effects noted. I also take 50 mg CQ10 and other vitamins plus policosanol. Dropped my cholesterol over 80 points. :)
Rig9300
08-07-2006, 09:49 AM
I have taken RRY for over 5 years with very good results and no side effects. This was the full dose of 2400mg. Then my Dr. convinced me my numbers needed to be lower and prescribed Lipotor at 10 mg. I stopped the RRY and began the Lipitor. After 6 mos my numbers were the exact same as when I was on RRY, so my doc. Increased the Lipitor dose to 20 mg. I did not what to go to 20 mg of Lipitor (because of the potential for problems at higher dosages), so instead I combined 1200 mg RRY and 10 mg Lipitor. The results were excellent, a 45 point drop down to 173 TC. This worked well for the next year. Then I started to experience strange tingles in my left hand and arm. I stopped Lipitor 3 months ago and went back to RRY. Some improvement was noted. Two weeks ago I stopped the RRY and my strange arm symptoms are now much improved.
So, it is possible to have side effects. In my case I think the combination caused the overload condition and resulten nerve issues. RRY is a weak statin and you need to monitor yourself closely. But it is effective and much more easy on the body.
So, it is possible to have side effects. In my case I think the combination caused the overload condition and resulten nerve issues. RRY is a weak statin and you need to monitor yourself closely. But it is effective and much more easy on the body.
uneamie
08-07-2006, 12:37 PM
Thank you both for your input.
I really don't want to take the prescribed statins...my doctor was almost insistant but I convinced him otherwise. He then noted on my records that I refused the drug....(does not want to be responsible for my heart attack should that occur). I think I will take my chances since my numbers came way down and I am still in the slow process of lossing weight which also helps to lower the numbers. They are just a little bit over the standard for those with diabetes which I have, so I think I am good for now.
Hopefully lowering my dose of RYR will not effect my numbers.
Thanks again.
I really don't want to take the prescribed statins...my doctor was almost insistant but I convinced him otherwise. He then noted on my records that I refused the drug....(does not want to be responsible for my heart attack should that occur). I think I will take my chances since my numbers came way down and I am still in the slow process of lossing weight which also helps to lower the numbers. They are just a little bit over the standard for those with diabetes which I have, so I think I am good for now.
Hopefully lowering my dose of RYR will not effect my numbers.
Thanks again.
mmvic
08-07-2006, 03:00 PM
Rig, instead of Lipitor why didn't you just increase dose of RYR? Also, I found if you spread the dose out over the day: breakfast , dinner, bedtime, RYR is much more effective. This is soemthing that's difficult to do with regular statins.
catbear18
08-07-2006, 03:47 PM
Hi ok what brand do you guys use? At what dose should be started?
thanks:eek:
thanks:eek:
Rig9300
08-07-2006, 03:53 PM
That may have been the best approach. At times I would take a fifth capsule, bringing the total to 3000mg per day. My doc presented a good argument for the switch and I decided to give it a try. Also, it was more cost effective since my insurance paid for the Lipitor. Concerning the spread dose, I took 1800mg RRY in the evening and 600 at breakfast. The RRY manufacture rep told me that since the body makes most of its chol at night that this would give the best result. It does make sense to me that the body would tolerate better the spread Vs peaked dose method.
mmvic
08-07-2006, 10:25 PM
I get my RYR from Walmart. It's about $14 for 120. I also have used Source Natural but the Walmart is more cost effective and just as good. I like it this way since I don't have any of this showing on health records regardless of minor cost difference versus insurance.
Rig, I understand about the body making most of the cholesterol at night but a spread dose at each meal and bedtime seemed to make sense and really dropped my numbers. It should also be safer fro side effects. I take one capsule at breakfast with vitamins and policosanol, one cap at dinner and two at night with another policosanol. With diet, this brought my cholesterol from 260 to 160's and HDL from 60 to 70 (along with excercise).:)
Rig, I understand about the body making most of the cholesterol at night but a spread dose at each meal and bedtime seemed to make sense and really dropped my numbers. It should also be safer fro side effects. I take one capsule at breakfast with vitamins and policosanol, one cap at dinner and two at night with another policosanol. With diet, this brought my cholesterol from 260 to 160's and HDL from 60 to 70 (along with excercise).:)
edkal
08-08-2006, 04:48 AM
I have leg problems in the form of pain from the buttocks,thigh, and calves. I was on Lipitor for over a year but have been on every ***** drug as they came on the market in the last 30 years. My problems started over a year ago in the form of Polymaligia, a muscle disorder confirmed by a simple blood test. Prednisone was prescribed. Was on it for over 2 years. Currently my blood test showed my Sed Rate normal, but I stll have the weakness in my legs. My knees want to buckle. Now again on Pred. at the rate of 5 mg per day. This eases the weakness so I can go about my daily tasks.
My Dr. told me he will not give me any ***** Drugs, so I take it as permenent muscle damage from Lipitor. While on the Lip. I had swollen hands day I and day out, plus irregular heart beat, gas, pain in all my joints, bloating,and memory loss.
Since going off Lip. my hands are normal, heartbeat normal, gas almost gone, ( some is normal ) and I sleep like a log.
I am now taking Beta Sitosterol 120 mg. 2 tabs 2 time a day, 2 red yeast rice twice a day, Niacin 2 caps twice a day and, 2 caps of Garlic twice a day.
This seems to keep my lipids down to where my Dr. says it's ok. I got the same numbers from Lip. except I am now on an all natural intake to control my Chlos.
I am interested to know the extent of your pain in your legs.
My Dr. told me he will not give me any ***** Drugs, so I take it as permenent muscle damage from Lipitor. While on the Lip. I had swollen hands day I and day out, plus irregular heart beat, gas, pain in all my joints, bloating,and memory loss.
Since going off Lip. my hands are normal, heartbeat normal, gas almost gone, ( some is normal ) and I sleep like a log.
I am now taking Beta Sitosterol 120 mg. 2 tabs 2 time a day, 2 red yeast rice twice a day, Niacin 2 caps twice a day and, 2 caps of Garlic twice a day.
This seems to keep my lipids down to where my Dr. says it's ok. I got the same numbers from Lip. except I am now on an all natural intake to control my Chlos.
I am interested to know the extent of your pain in your legs.
Rig9300
08-08-2006, 09:42 AM
edkal
As I stated in my previous correspondence, I believe RRY is effective and well tolerated by the body. I suspect most people have a statin tolerance limit and so long as you remain below it all is fine. However, once you exceed the limit and develop classic symptoms, the statin tolerance limit becomes lower. This is what seems to have happened to me. You may now be sensitive to even the mild RRY station. You may want to take a total statin break and give your body time to recover. Concerning your leg pain, if you discontinue RRY for a week or two, you can attempt to correlate the pain level and see if there is any sensitivity.
As I stated in my previous correspondence, I believe RRY is effective and well tolerated by the body. I suspect most people have a statin tolerance limit and so long as you remain below it all is fine. However, once you exceed the limit and develop classic symptoms, the statin tolerance limit becomes lower. This is what seems to have happened to me. You may now be sensitive to even the mild RRY station. You may want to take a total statin break and give your body time to recover. Concerning your leg pain, if you discontinue RRY for a week or two, you can attempt to correlate the pain level and see if there is any sensitivity.
uneamie
08-08-2006, 11:38 AM
I have leg problems in the form of pain from the buttocks,thigh, and calves. I was on Lipitor for over a year but have been on every ***** drug as they came on the market in the last 30 years. My problems started over a year ago in the form of Polymaligia, a muscle disorder confirmed by a simple blood test. Since going off Lip. my hands are normal, heartbeat normal, gas almost gone, ( some is normal ) and I sleep like a log.
I am interested to know the extent of your pain in your legs.I don't believe my leg pain is from RRY.
My leg pain is concentrated in my upper thighs and knees. It is a dull ache that is usually more noticable at night. I am not on my feet any more than usual so that is why I atributed it to the RYR tablets. I am currantly lowering the dosage and taking it every other day to see if the leg pain eases up. If it does then I will know it was the RYR. If it does not then there is something else going on and I will have to have it checked out further. I watched my mother die a long slow and painful death from "ataxia" that causes totally inability to use ones muscles leaving one almost paralyzed. Since we never found out if my mother's condition is heritary I am very very concerned about anything to do with my muscles.
I am interested to know the extent of your pain in your legs.I don't believe my leg pain is from RRY.
My leg pain is concentrated in my upper thighs and knees. It is a dull ache that is usually more noticable at night. I am not on my feet any more than usual so that is why I atributed it to the RYR tablets. I am currantly lowering the dosage and taking it every other day to see if the leg pain eases up. If it does then I will know it was the RYR. If it does not then there is something else going on and I will have to have it checked out further. I watched my mother die a long slow and painful death from "ataxia" that causes totally inability to use ones muscles leaving one almost paralyzed. Since we never found out if my mother's condition is heritary I am very very concerned about anything to do with my muscles.
NHone
08-08-2006, 04:58 PM
Statins of any kind can unmask conditions that the body has been holding in check. (parkinsons, cerebellar ataxia, suseptibality to organophostate poisoning, etc.) Statins can also cause damage to the cerebellum, thus cerebellar ataxia. Each time you start a statin (including zetia)...and have problems, any subsequent medication will be a rechallange. You never completly recover from the problems from the first medication. Each time you restart a different medication (cholesterol lowering) the problems become cumulative. At some point the damage is too great and you body will not recover. Most people think they recover when the stop the medication...this is not true. The body just has enough (room for error) that one thinks they have recovered completely.
uneamie
08-09-2006, 01:15 PM
Statins of any kind can unmask conditions that the body has been holding in check. (parkinsons, cerebellar ataxia, suseptibality to organophostate poisoning, etc.) Statins can also cause damage to the cerebellum, thus cerebellar ataxia. Each time you start a statin (including zetia)...and have problems, any subsequent medication will be a rechallange. You never completly recover from the problems from the first medication. Each time you restart a different medication (cholesterol lowering) the problems become cumulative. At some point the damage is too great and you body will not recover. Most people think they recover when the stop the medication...this is not true. The body just has enough (room for error) that one thinks they have recovered completely.
My mother died from Cerebellar Ataxia so this is why I do not want to take the perscribed statins. However, I am not sure if I am doing my self any favors by taking the RYR tablets either...since it is a "natural statin". That is why I posted my original question.
My mother died from Cerebellar Ataxia so this is why I do not want to take the perscribed statins. However, I am not sure if I am doing my self any favors by taking the RYR tablets either...since it is a "natural statin". That is why I posted my original question.
NHone
08-09-2006, 02:06 PM
I would try other things instead of the RYR, since it is a low dose statin. RYR can cause the same problems as statins. A doctor that we consulted with in CA has had 3 patients with "cerebellar ataxia syndrome" from lipid lowering drugs. Although this is not the heriditary type, the symptoms are the same. The statins caused the damage in the cerebellum. You have seen the effects of cerebellar ataxia, and I wouldn't wish them on anyone. Unfortunately this is my mother's problem also.
AFH
08-09-2006, 03:00 PM
I would try other things instead of the RYR, since it is a low dose statin.
I agree. There are other more natural supplements such as Policosanol, Nattokinase, Sytrinol, Niacin, ect.... none of which are in the statin family.
Good Luck! AFH
I agree. There are other more natural supplements such as Policosanol, Nattokinase, Sytrinol, Niacin, ect.... none of which are in the statin family.
Good Luck! AFH
uneamie
08-09-2006, 11:44 PM
I would try other things instead of the RYR, since it is a low dose statin. RYR can cause the same problems as statins. A doctor that we consulted with in CA has had 3 patients with "cerebellar ataxia syndrome" from lipid lowering drugs. Although this is not the heriditary type, the symptoms are the same. The statins caused the damage in the cerebellum. You have seen the effects of cerebellar ataxia, and I wouldn't wish them on anyone. Unfortunately this is my mother's problem also.
Yes, I have seen the effects of ataxia. My mother went through a living hell. I have decided I will stop taking the RYR. I am wondering if I should wean myself off or just stop all together. I've heard that stopping statins suddenly can raise your numbers higher than before you took the drug so I thought maybe the RYR works the same way. I also think I will get my doctor to order me that blood test for damaged muscle just to see if my leg muscle pain is anything to be concerned about. Thanks for all your input. I appreciate it. :)
Yes, I have seen the effects of ataxia. My mother went through a living hell. I have decided I will stop taking the RYR. I am wondering if I should wean myself off or just stop all together. I've heard that stopping statins suddenly can raise your numbers higher than before you took the drug so I thought maybe the RYR works the same way. I also think I will get my doctor to order me that blood test for damaged muscle just to see if my leg muscle pain is anything to be concerned about. Thanks for all your input. I appreciate it. :)
NHone
08-10-2006, 12:01 AM
Your numbers will probably go up for a while as there is no "road block" causeing your body to malfunction as statins do. Your doctor can do the liver test to test for muscle damage, but that is often inconclusive. You can also get a muscle biopsy done to check for ragged red fibers. This is a better test, but since there are such vast areas to obtain a biopsy (even concentrating on the area that is thought to be damaged), they might take a sample and directly next to it could be the damaged area. Good luck. You need to be taking your Coq10, as the cerebellum is very sensitive to low levels, and low Coq10 in the cerebellum can be the initiating cause of the damage in the cerebellum.
uneamie
08-10-2006, 10:22 AM
Your numbers will probably go up for a while as there is no "road block" causeing your body to malfunction as statins do. Your doctor can do the liver test to test for muscle damage, but that is often inconclusive. You can also get a muscle biopsy done to check for ragged red fibers. This is a better test, but since there are such vast areas to obtain a biopsy (even concentrating on the area that is thought to be damaged), they might take a sample and directly next to it could be the damaged area. Good luck. You need to be taking your Coq10, as the cerebellum is very sensitive to low levels, and low Coq10 in the cerebellum can be the initiating cause of the damage in the cerebellum.
Thanks! I do take my Coq10. I take 120 mgs twice a day. I was thinking of increasing it to 3x's. Can't hurt as I have never heard of any side effects from it.
Thanks! I do take my Coq10. I take 120 mgs twice a day. I was thinking of increasing it to 3x's. Can't hurt as I have never heard of any side effects from it.
AFH
08-10-2006, 10:52 AM
uneamie,
I'm a victim of the damaging side effects of statin use as I have 'permanent' muscle damage (right side from hip to below knee) and I now walk with a limp. CoQ10 has done wonders for me.
Yes, you should be taking higher doses of CoQ10 / 3 times a day for at least 6 months. Be vigilante and not miss any doses as CoQ10 is a great healer of statin side effects.
CoQ10 - 200mg / 3 times a day for 6 months or longer will benefit you greatly without side effects. It is expensive but worth the money in the long run.
BTW: I don't sell this product but I do know the benfits from my own use.
Good Luck to you! AFH
I'm a victim of the damaging side effects of statin use as I have 'permanent' muscle damage (right side from hip to below knee) and I now walk with a limp. CoQ10 has done wonders for me.
Yes, you should be taking higher doses of CoQ10 / 3 times a day for at least 6 months. Be vigilante and not miss any doses as CoQ10 is a great healer of statin side effects.
CoQ10 - 200mg / 3 times a day for 6 months or longer will benefit you greatly without side effects. It is expensive but worth the money in the long run.
BTW: I don't sell this product but I do know the benfits from my own use.
Good Luck to you! AFH
uneamie
08-10-2006, 06:27 PM
uneamie,
I'm a victim of the damaging side effects of statin use as I have 'permanent' muscle damage (right side from hip to below knee) and I now walk with a limp. CoQ10 has done wonders for me.
Yes, you should be taking higher doses of CoQ10 / 3 times a day for at least 6 months. Be vigilante and not miss any doses as CoQ10 is a great healer of statin side effects.
CoQ10 - 200mg / 3 times a day for 6 months or longer will benefit you greatly without side effects. It is expensive but worth the money in the long run.
BTW: I don't sell this product but I do know the benfits from my own use.
Good Luck to you! AFH
Thanks AFH....I am going to increase the dose. Even if I stop taking the RYR tablets I am going to continue to take the CoQ10.
I'm a victim of the damaging side effects of statin use as I have 'permanent' muscle damage (right side from hip to below knee) and I now walk with a limp. CoQ10 has done wonders for me.
Yes, you should be taking higher doses of CoQ10 / 3 times a day for at least 6 months. Be vigilante and not miss any doses as CoQ10 is a great healer of statin side effects.
CoQ10 - 200mg / 3 times a day for 6 months or longer will benefit you greatly without side effects. It is expensive but worth the money in the long run.
BTW: I don't sell this product but I do know the benfits from my own use.
Good Luck to you! AFH
Thanks AFH....I am going to increase the dose. Even if I stop taking the RYR tablets I am going to continue to take the CoQ10.
AFH
08-10-2006, 08:42 PM
Yes, my advice was to be taken for AFTER you stop taking the RYR.
I still continue to take CoQ10 daily even though 'the damage is done".
AFH
I still continue to take CoQ10 daily even though 'the damage is done".
AFH