Red Yeast Rice: Uses, Benefits, Risks, and Safety
Red yeast rice is a dietary supplement containing naturally occurring statin-like compounds that may lower cholesterol. It is sometimes used for high cholesterol, but supplement strengths and monacolin K content can vary widely between products.
Red yeast rice may help lower cholesterol, but it can cause serious side effects and interact with medicines. Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using it, especially if you take other cholesterol medicines or have liver or muscle problems.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- unclassified
- RxNorm
- 1364101
- Generic
- Red Yeast Rice
- Class
- unclassified
- Brands
- —
- Availability
- otc
- Pregnancy
- X
- Lactation
- unsafe
- Half-life (h)
- 2
- Onset (min)
- 0
- Duration (h)
- 0
- Routes
- oral
- Forms
- capsule, tablet, powder, softgel
- Regions
- United States, Canada, European Union, China, Japan, Australia, South Korea
- Monitoring
- liver function tests, lipid profile, creatine kinase
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 25, 2026. · Read our editorial policy