Does Coenzyme Q10 Relieve Statin-Induced Muscle Pain? [View all]

[HuckleB]

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."

----------------------------------------------

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.