Some healthcare professionals recommend Coenzyme Q10 supplementation to reduce side effects
from statins.
If you want to learn why some doctors recommend CQ10 and whether you should consider supplementation,
stay tuned as we will be discussing it after the intro.
My name is Dr Jaunbocus.
In this series, we aim to take a deeper look into medications.
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What are statins? Statins are one of the most prescribed medications.
They are used to help better control your cholesterol levels, which can reduce your
risk of heart & blood vessel disease, such as heart attacks and strokes.
Statins work by reducing the amount of cholesterol your liver produces.
Statins, generally, are well tolerated by patients. However, some individuals do experience
side effects. The most commonly reported side effects by patients are muscle aches and weakness,
known by doctors as myalgia and myopathy respectively. Both myalgia and myopathy are associated with
all statin formulations and is dose dependant. Where concerns arise, doctors will measure
the levels of muscle breakdown products in the form of Creatine Kinase (CK) in our blood.
Depending on CK levels, your doctor may consider reducing your statin dosage or stop them altogether.
So why would Co-enzyme Q10 play a role in reducing the side effects of statins?
Statins can reduce the naturally occurring coenzyme Q10 in the body. Co-enzyme Q10 itself
plays an imperative role in muscle energy production. Researchers have hypothesised
a reduction in coenzyme Q10 may play a role in muscle-related side effects reported with
statins. Therefore, supplementation with coenzyme Q10, replenishing any deficiency, could reduce
the risk of muscle-related side effects.
What is the evidence?
Researchers analysing statins effect on Co-enzyme Q10 production have demonstrated that patients
taking statins have a measurable reduction in circulating levels of Co-enzyme Q10. Furthermore,
supplementation with Co-enzyme Q10 can increase circulating levels. Whilst a reduction in
Co-enzyme Q10 levels is reported, no additional decrease for a longer duration of statin treatment
or higher doses is observed.
Results regarding the usefulness of Co-enzyme Q10 is a mixed bag. Researchers have demonstrated
supplementation with Co-enzyme Q10 can reduce the statin side effects of muscle pain, cramps
and fatigue. However, no associated decrease in muscle breakdown produces (CK) was reported.
So should I take Co-enzyme Q10 with my statin? Both the National Institute for Clinical Excellence
(NICE) in the UK, and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the US, have not approved the use
of Co-enzyme Q10. Available studies are limited by research being conducted on a small number
of patients and over short time frames. Additionally, Coenzyme Q10 use doesn’t appear to increase
the adherence of patients in taking their statins.
If you are experiencing side effects from your statin medications, you must consult
your prescribing doctor. Working with your doctor, its likely they
will suggest: A dosing change to your statin medication
aiming for the minimum effective dosage. A trial of an alternative statin medication
In some circumstances, your doctor may also consider a trial of supplementary coenzyme
Q10 to see if our side effects improve.
Conclusion I hope you have enjoyed this video.
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