Drug interactions
Lovastatin + Red yeast rice
Severity: Major
Lovastatin and Red yeast rice: major interaction.
Last updated
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Red yeast rice contains monacolin K, which is identical to lovastatin, so the combination is therapeutic duplication of the same statin. Total exposure is uncertain and the risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis rises.
What this interaction means in plain words
Lovastatin and Red yeast rice can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.
Lovastatin belongs to Cardiovascular; Red yeast rice belongs to Gastrointestinal Tract.
Why it happens
Additive effect because monacolin K is lovastatin, leading to excess HMG-CoA reductase inhibition and dose-related muscle toxicity.
What to do
Avoid concurrent use and discontinue red yeast rice. Monitor for muscle symptoms and check creatine kinase if they develop.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
- Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
- What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?
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Other interactions of Lovastatin
- Atazanavir + Lovastatin Contraindicated
- Clarithromycin + Lovastatin Contraindicated
- Cobicistat + Lovastatin Contraindicated
- Conivaptan + Lovastatin Contraindicated
- Darunavir + Lovastatin Contraindicated
- Elvitegravir / cobicistat / emtricitabine / tenofovir df + Lovastatin Contraindicated
Other interactions of Red yeast rice
- Red yeast rice + Ritonavir Contraindicated
- Red yeast rice + Saquinavir Contraindicated
- Red yeast rice + Tipranavir Contraindicated
- Atazanavir + Red yeast rice Major
- Atorvastatin + Red yeast rice Major
- Conivaptan + Red yeast rice Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Lovastatin with Red yeast rice?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Lovastatin and Red yeast rice can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. Red yeast rice contains monacolin K, which is identical to lovastatin, so the combination is therapeutic duplication of the same statin. Total exposure is uncertain and the risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis rises.
How serious is the interaction between Lovastatin and Red yeast rice?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid concurrent use and discontinue red yeast rice. Monitor for muscle symptoms and check creatine kinase if they develop.
What other medicines interact with Lovastatin?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Lovastatin with, for example, Atazanavir, Clarithromycin, Cobicistat. The full list is on the Lovastatin page.
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