Combining Statins and CoQ10

Combining Statins and CoQ10

Fortunately, CoQ10 depletion from statin use can be reversed with CoQ10 oral supplements.¹

CoQ10 supplementation does not appear to affect the cholesterol-lowering efficacy of statins, and may even reverse any CoQ10 depletion that results from statin use. According to cardiologist Peter Langsjoen², combining CoQ10 and statins “not only prevents the depletion of CoQ10 but may enhance the benefits of statin drugs by lessening the oxidation of LDL cholesterol."

It is noteworthy that Merck, a major pharmaceutical company, considers maintaining proper levels of CoQ10 so important for people taking statins that it has taken out two patents for combining CoQ10 and statins in a single capsule.³

Bottom line: Statins are an effective way to lower cholesterol. However, if you are taking statins or considering taking them, talk to your doctor about CoQ10 supplements.

¹ Langsjoen, P. and A., “Coenzyme Q10 in Cardiovascular Disease with Emphasis on Heart Failure and Myocardial Ischaemia, Asian Pacific Heart Journal, 1998;7(3).
² Peter Langsjoen, M.D.,FACC, Clinical Cardiologist, East Texas Medical Center
And Trinity Mother Francis Health System, Tyler, TX.
³ Merck & Co.: US Patent 4929437, issued May 29, 1990, and US Patent 4933165, issued June 12, 19900, both titled “Coenzyme Q10 with HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors.”

Statins

Field Title Author Journal

1 Statins and coenzyme Q10. Ellis CJ, et al. Lancet 2003; 361(9363):1134-5 2 ACC/AHA/NHLBI clinical advisory on the use and safety of statins Pasternak RC, et al. J. Am. Coll. Cardiol. 2002; 40(3):567-72 3 Statins and myopathy. Hargreaves IP, et al. Lancet 2002; 359(9307):711-2 4 Biochemical and clinical consequences of inhibiting CoQ10 biosynthesis by lipid-lowering HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (statins): a critical overview Bliznakov EG, et al. Adv. Ther. 1998; 15(4):218-28 5 Evidence of plasma CoQ10-lowering effect by HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors: a double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Ghirlanda G, et al. J. Clin. Pharmacol. 1993; 33(3):226-9