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Can Coenzyme Q10 Be Taken Instead Of Lipitor Safely?
Question: I'm taking Lipitor. I asked my doctor if it was better to take CoQ10 or ubiqlinol. His answer was, he does not believe in suplimentation. What do you think.
Brief Answer:
I would explain as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello!
Welcome on HCM!
Regarding your concern, I would like to explain that Lipitor (Atorvastatin) as most of other statins, though it is considered a well-tolerated drug, sometimes is associated with adverse effects, like myopathy.
The mechanism for this potential adverse effect is considered a decreased level of Coenzyme Q10 which is produced by human body in almost all cell, playing an important role in energy production and as an antioxidant.
From some small clinical studies has been shown that in individuals presenting with Atorvastatin-induced myopathy, Coenzyme Q10 supplements were beneficial in relieving muscle pain and other unpleasant complaints.
But, in individuals under Atorvastatin, who did not exhibit myopathy, Coenzyme Q10 supplement did not show any clinical benefits
So, to conclude, on my opinion, you may use Coenzyme Q10 supplement because of its antioxidant properties and to substitute decreased levels of body CoQ10 from chronic Lipitor use.
You need to discuss with your attending doctor on the above mentioned issues.
Hope you will find this answer of some help.
Wishing you are having a pleasant weekend!
Kind regards,
Dr. Iliri
I would explain as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello!
Welcome on HCM!
Regarding your concern, I would like to explain that Lipitor (Atorvastatin) as most of other statins, though it is considered a well-tolerated drug, sometimes is associated with adverse effects, like myopathy.
The mechanism for this potential adverse effect is considered a decreased level of Coenzyme Q10 which is produced by human body in almost all cell, playing an important role in energy production and as an antioxidant.
From some small clinical studies has been shown that in individuals presenting with Atorvastatin-induced myopathy, Coenzyme Q10 supplements were beneficial in relieving muscle pain and other unpleasant complaints.
But, in individuals under Atorvastatin, who did not exhibit myopathy, Coenzyme Q10 supplement did not show any clinical benefits
So, to conclude, on my opinion, you may use Coenzyme Q10 supplement because of its antioxidant properties and to substitute decreased levels of body CoQ10 from chronic Lipitor use.
You need to discuss with your attending doctor on the above mentioned issues.
Hope you will find this answer of some help.
Wishing you are having a pleasant weekend!
Kind regards,
Dr. Iliri
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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