Drug Interactions between red yeast rice and Sprycel

Grapefruit juice can significantly increase the blood levels of red yeast rice. This can increase the risk of side effects such as liver damage and a rare but serious condition called rhabdomyolysis that involves the breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue. In some cases, rhabdomyolysis can cause kidney damage and even death. You should avoid the consumption of grapefruit or grapefruit juice during treatment with red yeast rice. Drinking green tea or taking green tea extracts may also increase the blood levels of red yeast rice in some patients. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns. It may be advisable to avoid excessive consumption of green tea and green tea products while on red yeast rice. Let your doctor know immediately if you have unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness during treatment, especially if these symptoms are accompanied by fever or dark colored urine. You should also seek immediate medical attention if you develop fever, chills, joint pain or swelling, unusual bleeding or bruising, skin rash, itching, loss of appetite, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, dark colored urine, and/or yellowing of the skin or eyes, as these may be signs and symptoms of liver damage. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

Do not consume grapefruit or grapefruit juice during treatment with dasatinib. Grapefruit juice can significantly increase the blood levels and effects of dasatinib, which may result in excessive slowing of heart rate or other conduction disturbances and it may affect your bone marrow function, resulting in low numbers of different types of blood cells. You may be more likely to develop anemia, bleeding problems, or infections due to low blood cell counts. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns. You should seek immediate medical attention if you develop sudden dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, shortness of breath, heart palpitations, paleness, fatigue, unusual bruising or bleeding, fever, chills, diarrhea, sore throat, muscle aches, blood in phlegm, weight loss, pain or burning during urination, red or inflamed skin, or body sores during treatment with dasatinib. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.