gemfibrozil + red yeast rice

Gemfibrozil + red yeast rice is a combination of the fibric acid derivative gemfibrozil and the dietary supplement red yeast rice (specifically the LipoCol Forte brand). Gemfibrozil functions as a PPAR-alpha agonist, primarily used to lower serum triglycerides and increase HDL cholesterol. Red yeast rice is a fermented product of Monascus purpureus that contains monacolin K, which is chemically identical to the statin lovastatin and acts as an HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor to lower LDL cholesterol. This specific combination was the subject of a Phase 1 clinical pharmacokinetic study conducted by National Taiwan University Hospital to evaluate the safety and potential drug-drug interactions between the two agents, as concomitant use of fibrates and statins is known to increase the risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis.

Brand names

LopidLipoCol Forte

Other names

gemfibrozil + Monascus purpureusgemfibrozil + LipoCol