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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Linear Mode
