Red yeast rice is a supplement made from the yeast grown on rice. It contains compounds called monacolins, which inhibit the synthesis of cholesterol, helping to lower high cholesterol levels. It has been used as a treatment for high cholesterol and works similarly to statin medications, but might not be appropriate for everyone. If you are taking statins for your high cholesterol and want to use red yeast rice, talk with your doctor about whether this is safe for you to take, and how to safely switch to this supplement.
Step 1
Talk to your health care professional about whether it is safe for you to stop taking your statin drugs and tell her you are interested in using red yeast rice to help control your cholesterol levels. Do not stop taking your prescription medication without your doctor's approval, and follow any directions your doctor might have about how to taper your dosage, if necessary.
Step 2
Take 600 mg of red yeast rice extract supplements twice a day, suggests the University of Maryland Medical Center. Studies on the safety of long-term use have not been performed, so only use this supplement for up to 12 weeks.
Step 3
Take a CoQ10 supplement, if your physician thinks it is a good idea. The University of Maryland explains that red yeast rice can lower natural levels of CoQ10 in the body, which can lead to fatigue, muscle pain and muscle damage. If you take a CoQ10 supplement with red yeast rice, it is typically taken at night, at a dosage of 150 to 200 mg, says the University of Maryland.
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