02/26/2026
When it comes to taking charge of your health, it’s important to understand the difference between supplements and prescription medications. Let’s ask your Stone Drug Pharmacists about it!
Take red yeast rice and pravastatin as an example:
• Red yeast rice is a supplement that contains statin-like compounds used to lower cholesterol — but it’s not regulated like a prescription. Depending on the manufacturer, potency and purity can vary, and it can still cause side effects or drug interactions.
• Pravastatin is an FDA-approved statin medication to lower cholesterol. It’s clinically tested, consistently dosed, and monitored for safety and effectiveness. It too can cause side effects and have drug interactions.
A prescription medication isn’t always necessary, and supplements can be useful! That’s where our helpful pharmacy staff can come to the rescue. We are here to help you navigate the OTC aisles to find supplements that are safe, effective, and come from reputable sources. We can also talk to you about medications prescribed by your physician and help you reach your health goals!