Can CoQ10 Relieve Statin-Induced Muscle Aches?

Q:  I am 65 and have very high cholesterol. My doctor started me on Lipitor, but since starting it, I have been having mild muscle aches. My doctor checked labs for causes of the muscle aches and said they were all normal and that I should continue on the Lipitor because my cholesterol is way too high.

I read that Coenzyme Q10 can help with the muscle aches related to cholesterol medications. Is this true?

A:  Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is used in muscles and other tissues to help them function and was actually discovered here in Wisconsin at UW-Madison. The cholesterol-lowering medications known as statins (which include Lipitor) seem to reduce the amount of coenzyme Q10 in mitochondria, the energy supplier for cells.

Some patients are more sensitive to statins, possibly from this potential depletion of CoQ10, and there is a theory that these patients are more likely to suffer from muscle aches.

There have been recent very small studies that have shown benefit in taking Coenzyme Q10 to help prevent statin-induced muscle pains. These studies are small and used different amounts of CoQ10 to treat patients on statins with muscle aches.

The Journal of the American College of Cardiology stated in a review article that there is currently insufficient evidence to recommend for or against CoQ10, but there does not seem to be any harm in supplementation.

Coenzyme Q10 is available over-the-counter in the vitamin section, but like other herbals is not regulated by the FDA. As with all herbals, make sure you are buying a reputable brand if you choose to try Coenzyme Q10 under the direction of your doctor.

It is very important to note that statin medications have excellent safety data and the potential decrease in coenzyme Q10 should not deter you from taking them if you have high cholesterol.

If you do develop muscle aches while on statins, do discuss this with your physician. Sometimes lowering the dose or switching medications can improve your symptoms.

Deidre L. Faust, MD, is a Staff Physician (Internal Medicine) at the Medical College of Wisconsin's Plank Road Clinic. Her column appears in the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel.