What is red yeast rice?
Red yeast rice is a nutritional supplement. It has been used in China as a spice and food
coloring. Although claims about the supplement are controversial, some people believe that it
reduces cholesterol in the blood by stopping the body from making cholesterol. The active
ingredient in red yeast rice acts in the same way as a statin drug to lower cholesterol. For
this reason, the FDA has issued a warning
regarding these products.
Red yeast rice should never be taken by pregnant and/or breastfeeding women. Some known side
effects include indigestion, constipation, diarrhea, muscle pain and weakness, and elevated
liver enzymes. Make sure your doctor and pharmacist are aware of all prescription and over the
counter medicines you are taking to prevent any possible drug interactions.
Shop for red
yeast rice products available on Walgreens.com.
If you're looking for more specific answers to specific questions, ask a Walgreens pharmacist here.
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