A small study reported in the Journal of Postgraduate Medicine (Sikka et al 2011) found that some patients reported a reduction in muscle-pain related side effects of statins, when taken with coenzyme Q10. However, results from randomized trials are conflicting. A meta-analysis by Reinhart and Woods (2012) concluded that strategies commonly used to reduce statin side effects, including the use of coenzyme Q10, did show positive results in some patients, but that the limited and inconsistent study results do not support recommending this in clinical practice.
Currently, clinicians preferentially change the dose of the statin, and then change to a different statin, to reduce side effects, which may occur in 20% of patients taking statins. As coenzyme Q10, and another suggested supplement vitamin D, have not been tested in clinical trials, the only evidence for their use is anecdotal.
As always, speak to your doctor before starting any supplements which may interfere with your regular medication. Do not stop your medicine without speaking to your doctor about this.
As always, speak to your doctor before starting any supplements which may interfere with your regular medication. Do not stop your medicine without speaking to your doctor about this.