clofibrate and Monascus Interactions

Interactions between clofibrate and Monascus (red yeast rice)

clofibrate and red yeast rice (Major Drug-Drug)

GENERALLY AVOID: Severe myopathy and rhabdomyolysis have been reported during concomitant use of HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors and fibric acid derivatives, especially gemfibrozil. Gemfibrozil has been reported to significantly increase the plasma concentrations of some HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors and/or their active metabolites, including lovastatin, simvastatin, pravastatin, cerivastatin, and rosuvastatin (but not fluvastatin). High levels of HMG-CoA reductase inhibitory activity in plasma is associated with an increased risk of musculoskeletal toxicity. Myopathy manifested as muscle pain and/or weakness associated with grossly elevated creatine kinase exceeding ten times the upper limit of normal has been reported occasionally. Rhabdomyolysis has also occurred rarely, which may be accompanied by acute renal failure secondary to myoglobinuria and may result in death. Other fibrates have not been shown to significantly affect the pharmacokinetics of HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors. However, the use of fibrates alone has also been associated with development of myopathy, thus a pharmacodynamic interaction could conceivably occur.

MANAGEMENT: Concurrent use of fibric acid derivatives and HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors should generally be avoided unless the benefit of further alterations in lipid levels is anticipated to outweigh the potential risks. Addition of fibrates to HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor therapy typically provides little additional reduction in LDL cholesterol, but further reductions of triglycerides and increases in HDL cholesterol may be attained. If the combination is prescribed, a fibrate other than gemfibrozil may be preferable, along with lower initial dosages of the HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor. If gemfibrozil is used, simvastatin and rosuvastatin daily dosage should not exceed 10 mg. Lovastatin labeling recommends that the dosage not exceed 20 mg daily when prescribed with gemfibrozil or other fibrates. All patients treated with HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors and/or fibrates should be advised to promptly report any unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness, particularly if accompanied by malaise or fever. Therapy should be discontinued if creatine kinase is markedly elevated in the absence of strenuous exercise or if myopathy is otherwise suspected or diagnosed. In addition, patients should be closely monitored for hepatotoxicity.