Safety of Ankascin
Red Yeast Rices Long-term use of statins, or of red yeast rice containing monacolin K, produces toxic side effects on the liver, kidneys, and skeletal muscle. These side effects are worsened by interactions with drugs that increase the biological activity of statins (see Table 1)2. Toxicity is a major reason why patients discontinue statin therapy, which in the absence of a suitable replacement leaves these patients at a high risk of heart attacks or strokes. Ankascin red yeast rice is statin-free, and has no reported side effects. Evidence for this safety comes from clinical trials, in which patients receiving Ankascin