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When taken by mouth Red yeast rice is POSSIBLY SAFE for most people when taken by mouth for up to 4.5 years.
Red yeast rice contains chemicals that are the same as the prescription drugs called "statins." Therefore, red yeast might also cause side effects similar to statin drugs, such as liver damage and severe muscle pain and muscle damage.
There is also concern about product quality. Many red yeast rice products have been found to have different amounts of the statin-type chemicals. Some products may contain none and others may contain high amounts, which are more likely to cause serious side effects.
Serious allergic reactions can occur after breathing in red yeast rice powder.
Red yeast rice that is not fermented correctly may contain citrinin. Citrinin is a poison that may cause kidney damage.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Red yeast rice is
LIKELY UNSAFE when taken by mouth during pregnancy. Some chemicals in red yeast rice have caused birth defects in animals. Not enough is known about the safety of using red yeast rice during breast-feeding. Don't use during pregnancy or breast-feeding.
Liver problems: Red yeast rice contains chemicals that are the same as the statin drug lovastatin. Lovastatin can cause liver damage. Some research shows that red yeast rice might also cause liver damage to the same degree as lovastatin. However, other research shows that red yeast rice might not cause liver problems and might improve liver function in people with certain liver problems. Because of the mixed results, red yeast rice products should be used cautiously or avoided in people with liver problems.
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