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What should I discuss with my healthcare provide before taking red yeast rice (Red Yeast Rice)?

Do not take red yeast rice if you are allergic to it, or if you have a history of liver disease.

Before taking red yeast rice, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, herbalist, or other healthcare provider. You may not be able to use this product if you have:

• asthma;
• kidney disease;
• a serious infection, disease, or medical condition;
• if you are pregnant;
• if you have recently had surgery or an organ transplant; or
• if you drink more than 2 alcoholic beverages per day.

Some cholesterol-lowering medications can cause a condition that results in the breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue, leading to kidney failure. Call a doctor at once if you have unexplained muscle pain or tenderness, muscle weakness, fever or flu symptoms, and dark colored urine.

It is not known whether red yeast rice passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this product without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Do not give any herbal/health supplement to a child without the advice of a doctor.

How should I take red yeast rice (Red Yeast Rice)?

When considering the use of herbal supplements, seek the advice of your doctor. You may also consider consulting a practitioner who is trained in the use of herbal/health supplements.

If you choose to use red yeast rice, use it as directed on the package or as directed by your doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider. Do not use more of this product than is recommended on the label.

Red yeast rice is available in a capsule formulation.

Other forms of red yeast rice may also be available, such as tablets, teas, tinctures, and topical forms. Do not use many different forms of red yeast rice together at the same time, unless you healthcare provider instructs you to. Using different forms together may increase your risk of an overdose of red yeast rice.

Red yeast rice should be taken with food to reduce stomach upset.

Store red yeast rice in a sealed container as directed on the product label, away from moisture, heat, and light.

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