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HuckleB

(35,773 posts)
Wed Dec 21, 2011, 10:47 AM Dec 2011

Does Coenzyme Q10 Relieve Statin-Induced Muscle Pain?

http://sciencebasedpharmacy.wordpress.com/2010/02/21/does-coenzyme-q10-relieve-statin-induced-muscle-pain/

"...

Conclusion

Muscle pain during statin treatment is a common problem encountered by patients, and a frequent question posted to pharmacists. The documented benefits of statins on morbidity and mortality suggest that all evidence-based efforts should be made to keep patients on therapy.

Consider this: in moderate to high risk heart patients, for every 1 million patients treated with a statin, 15 cases of the severe adverse effect rhabdomyolysis might occur. However, 30,000 cardiovascular deaths or non-fatal myocardial infarctions would be avoided. That is one case of rhabdomyolysis for every 2000 severe cardiovascular events avoided.[17] In light of this risk- benefit relationship, it’s critical that muscle pain be evaluated by a physicians before statin therapy is discontinued, because the benefits outweigh the risks of treatment.

Unfortunately, there’s little high-quality, persuasive evidence to support the use of CoQ10. This initial data is promising, but larger, better trials are required before using this supplement can be considered to be supported by good science. In light of the risk-benefit ratio, however, in cases where discontinuation of statin therapy is being contemplated, a trial of CoQ10 may be reasonable."


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A fairly thorough summary of the issue, at least at the time it was published. Just FYI, since this topic comes up frequently on the Health forum.

7 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
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Does Coenzyme Q10 Relieve Statin-Induced Muscle Pain? (Original Post) HuckleB Dec 2011 OP
Reading this forum, one would think that: trotsky Dec 2011 #1
Well, reading parts of this forum might give you that impression. MineralMan Dec 2011 #3
The problem remains: Too many people buy into the misinformation. HuckleB Dec 2011 #4
There is nothing preventing individuals from taking MineralMan Dec 2011 #2
I will never take a statin. grasswire Dec 2011 #5
OK. That's one datum. MineralMan Dec 2011 #6
You are far too kind, good sir. HuckleB Dec 2011 #7

trotsky

(49,533 posts)
1. Reading this forum, one would think that:
Wed Dec 21, 2011, 10:51 AM
Dec 2011

A) 95% of the country has statins physically shoved down their throat by an actual pharma executive daily.
B) The CoQ10 depletion by statins directly causes everything from muscle pain to baldness to hangnails.

MineralMan

(146,192 posts)
3. Well, reading parts of this forum might give you that impression.
Wed Dec 21, 2011, 11:12 AM
Dec 2011

Other threads run counter to that misinformation.

HuckleB

(35,773 posts)
4. The problem remains: Too many people buy into the misinformation.
Wed Dec 21, 2011, 09:48 PM
Dec 2011

That is one heck of a side-effect of the random nature of the Internet.

MineralMan

(146,192 posts)
2. There is nothing preventing individuals from taking
Wed Dec 21, 2011, 11:11 AM
Dec 2011

a CoQ10 supplement if they believe it will benefit them while taking statin drugs. Some physicians even recommend it to their patients who experience muscle pain.

That, however, does not mean that people should not take statin drugs if prescribed by their physician. Research is still incomplete on whether CoQ10 is beneficial for those patients who experience muscle pain. If trials indicate that it is, then it will be part of the recommendations of physicians to their patients. In the meantime, anyone who wants can purchase the supplement in a variety of forms from a variety of sources.

Those are the facts. If you think CoQ10 will benefit you, take it. If you don't, don't. Consider whatever evidence you wish, read anything you wish, then do what you wish.

I would advise each person to do his or her own research and not rely on random posts on internet forums or advertising material from companies which make a profit selling this supplement. Asking your physician is probably also a wise choice.

grasswire

(50,130 posts)
5. I will never take a statin.
Thu Dec 22, 2011, 02:49 AM
Dec 2011

And coQ10 has changed my cardiac status immeasurably. That and magnesium supplement are life-changing for me.

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