Can You Take Monacolin K and Red Yeast Rice Together?

Use extra care with this pair

The short answer

Red Yeast Rice's active compound is monacolin K. Taking both is essentially doubling the statin (lovastatin) dose, which dramatically increases dose-dependent hepatotoxicity risk.

How to arrange timing

Do not combine — this is essentially a double dose of the same compound. Use one or the other, not both. Monitor liver enzymes if using either.

Reference

Reference noted for this combination: Björnsson ES, Clin Liver Dis 2017; Gordon RY et al., Ann Intern Med 2010

Important context

Whether supplements suit you together also depends on dose, product formulation, health conditions, and medication use. Ask a doctor or pharmacist first if you take medication, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have a chronic condition.