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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.
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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.
I began taking Red Yeast Rice, 2 caps of 600 mg daily in March of 09...I was thrilled to learn in Sept of 09 that my cholesterol lowered ...from 213 total to 172, LDL down from 150 to 111..thinking it would get better, I started taking four pills per day, as the bottle says that is the maximum. I never thought that the two medical problems that began this year could be related.
Developed plantar faciitis in left heel around May or June (assumed it was because I run and walk too much, and am sixty-two) and in Oct, developed bladder and rectal pressure, which hasn't been solved. thought it was a UTI, but antibiotics didn't help, and when the pressure moved from the bladder to colon area, and colonoscopy guy said something is pushing in on my colon, I'm just wondering if I caused either of these problems with these meds. the only thing different this year than last was the red yeast rice and soy milk.... relation? I am seeing kidney problems as side effect, so I'm nervous.
I, too, had astounding results from taking Red Yeast Rice for 3 months to lower my elevated lipids. Every muscle in my body developed severe, constant aching which subsided within 10 days of discontinuing the supplement. I felt like a brand new person in a pain-free body and am relieved the pain was not permanent and there was no damage.
I also developed a persistent pain in the lower left quadrant of my abdomen for which I have scheduled an ultrasound. I am hoping this condition is separate and unrelated to the Red Yeast Rice therapy. There has to be another way to treat high cholesterol for those individuals who require more than diet and lifestyle approaches to correct their condition.
I also am on red rice yeast and suffer from muscle pain in my leg which my Doctor has diagnosed as trochanteric bursitis.
My Doctor says he doesn`t believe it`s caused from the red rice yeast but I disagree. I`m 53 and am have worked out for most of my life. There`s really no reason for this pain considering my active life. I`m going to try to add cq10 to see if it helps. Considering these forums I`ve been reading there`s a common option that muscle pain is not uncommon when taking red rice yeast.
How about a professional opinion/comment? . . ..
I too have similar problems with statins, and (including) red rice yeast.
Any comments from a pharmacist and/or physician???... greatly appreciated
I have been taking red yeast rice for about 2 1/2 years. My cholesterol dropped dramatically. I began to develop muscle ache and joint pain in my legs and hips. I went off of the red yeast rice for about 2 months and the pain remained so I assumed it was not responsible and went back on it with flush-less niacin and COQ10, as my cholesterol had gone right back up when I stopped. Now my pain has become debilitating and constant.
I was on celebrex which really helped but began to have burning in my stomach which scared me, so I stopped it. My pain has become even worse and is affecting my job and my ability to exercise. Now I'm wondering if it might be the red yeast rice. I've been to so many doctors and have no idea where this pain is coming from. I have been active my whole life and at 59 I feel like I'm headed toward a battle with chronic pain in my lower extremities. Doctors don't seem to want to admit red yeast rice or statins are the culprit. Any help??!!
This song is my true experience with angina, which is caused by clogged arteries which is why we take statins (lipitor)and red yeast rice.
My story is to inspire natural healing, and I was fortunate to find the answer. The entire remedy is to have a descending calcium score. Both Oprah and Sanjay Gupta c.n.n. dr. oz.have recommended knowing and lowering your calcium score. Ask your doctor, also go online, for accurate and complete story, before trying it.
THE HEALTHY HEART SONG
My doctor told me I was plugged, my arteries lined with plaque.
I need to change my ways today or have a heart attack,
eat more fish and drink more wine and do more exercise,
for then you will extend your life, to tell more truths than lies.
The doctor ordered me some drugs to take each day for sure.
There is no guarantee of cure, except to make me poor.
For everywhere both far and near, the rich and poor will die.
Of heart attack and stroke and in their graves they’ll lie.
Along came Linus Pauling with his saving protocol.
He said to drink more orange juice, with a little alcohol.
The truth that you must know to keep your arteries clear.
Is not as simple as his words, you must not harbor fear.
The cure to keep you healthy, is more than vitamin C,
Amino acids, niacin, and anti-oxidant teas.
Along with fearsome exercise and cleansing of your gut.
Remove your mind from prejudice, think thoughts not from your butt.
It’s been 2 years, since my doctor said my heart is full of fat.
With Linus Pauling’s protocol, each day I firmly sat.
My cardio said I should know my calcium score, so he scanned my heart.
If its under 10 he won’t see me no more.
The pain is gone, my chest is clear, my pressure’s nice and low.
When I climb a hill I chug along, my legs just seem to flow.
My doctor checked my score, he dropped his jaw in awe.
A zero faced him squarely, thats exactly what he saw.
yipee yiyay yipee yipee yiyoo learn linus paulings protocol.