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Q. I took red yeast rice to control my cholesterol. It worked wonders for me. My doctors couldn't believe my perfect readings.
After taking the red yeast rice for eight months, I started having an ache in my leg. I tried taking magnesium, which helped a bit. Then my hip and leg both started aching so I stopped the supplement.
I know red yeast rice is somewhat similar to statin drugs and they can cause muscle pain and arthritis. Since it did such a good job controlling my cholesterol, I would like to use it again. But I do not want to hurt myself. Would CoQ10 be helpful?
A. Many people report disabling pain from statin-type cholesterol-lowering drugs like Crestor, Lipitor or Zocor. This reaction is less common with red yeast rice, but some people experience pain and weakness with the supplement.
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is an essential natural compound that can be depleted from the body by statin-type medications. Taking extra CoQ10 may diminish pain and weakness.
We discuss the science behind red yeast rice for lowering cholesterol and the value of CoQ10 for people taking statin-type drugs in our book, Best Choices From The People’s Pharmacy. It is available in libraries or book stores or on this Web site.
I, too, take Red Yeast Rice, but my doctor suggested I add Zetia (10 mg). Shortly afterwards I developed an ache in my Achiles heel area. It was x-rayed but no problem was found. Now, a couple of months later, the ache has vanished. During the aching period I had difficulty walking and had to 'shuffle' with that foot.
In June of this year (2007) I began taking a cholesterol-lowering drug. Severe leg cramps began on the 4th day after starting the drug. My doctor went on to prescribe 3 other drugs in turn, each one causing the leg and toe cramping.
I then tried red yeast rice with the same side effects. I stopped all cholesterol medication. Since that time, I have developed a sensitivity to the blood pressure medication I had taken for many years. That medication had to be changed. Now, 4 months later, I still have severe leg and toe cramps nightly which are alleviated only by drinking tonic water with quinine before bed. Before the cholesterol medication I had no problems with leg cramps at all.
My cardiologist also prescribed 10 mg Zetia daily to assist the 20 mg Lipitor I was taking every day to keep my cholesterol low. After 5 days, I experienced severe pain in my shoulder. I voluntarily stopped the Zetia and within a day or two the pain vanished.
I too took Lipitor for elevated cholesterol readings and also discovered that I had some veins in my brain that showed up blocked. (I also take BP medicine.) No symptoms early on, but about 5 months later arthritis symptoms appeared on right side (knee, foot, shoulder) to the point that I couldn't walk very far. I stopped taking it and the pain stopped, period. I wait for my next doctor visit.
I have been taking 600 mg of Red Yeast Rice twice daily for about 2 month. I have constant muscle pain in my lower back. It is hard to even get out of bed at night. I see a chiropractor a few times a week. After my labs to check my cholesterol at the end of the month, I will got off of it to see if the RYR is the reason for my pain.
I had tried a very low dose of Crestor, but had leg pain, got scared, and stopped it.
I have been taking 1800 mgs of red yeast rice per day, with much success. However, just recently the muscle pains have developed. Dr. said to stop taking it and see what happens. Statins also gave me worse muscle pains. I'm in a quandary.
PEOPLE'S PHARMACY RESPONSE: SOME PEOPLE ARE ESPECIALLY SENSITIVE TO MUSCLE PAIN FROM STATIN AND MAY ALSO REACT TO RED YEAST RICE.
I just took ONE pill of red yeast rice yesterday, and my muscle pain started up again - I am totally in a quandary - all of the statins I have taken in the past have caused the muscle pain as has zetia and welchol. Just amazing. I am now taking lovaza, flaxseed oil capsules and policosanol to try to get my cholesterol lower.