Coenzyme Q10 - Lipitor (Atorvastatin Calcium) Interaction

Interaction Details

Pharmacist Analysis

Although CoQ10 is considered relatively safe for most individuals, it does have some reported interactions that are important to be aware of.

This includes:

• Antihypertensives: Clinical research has shown that CoQ10 can significantly lower blood pressure but conflicting results have been reported.

• Warfarin: Research is conflicting but concomitant use of CoQ10 and warfarin might reduce the anticoagulant effects of warfarin.

• Alkylating Agents: Antioxidants such as CoQ10 might also protect tumor cells from chemotherapeutic agents that work by inducing oxidative stress, such as alkylating agents (e.g., cyclophosphamide) and radiation therapy.

Outside of the interactions I've listed above, CoQ10 is generally considered safe to supplement with in most situations.

In fact, some individuals taking certain medications (e.g., 'Statins') may be recommended to take it.

If you have any questions about CoQ10 supplements, be sure to speak to your healthcare professional. We are always happy to answer questions on the matter as well!

Safe With Lipitor?

CoQ10 is considered safe to take with Lipitor. In fact, sometimes, it is recommended.

Statin myopathy is a relatively common side effect of statin therapy, which can cause muscle pain and weakness. Additionally, sometimes more serious muscle-related side effects can occur, such as rhabdomyolysis, a potentially life-threatening condition.

Numerous studies have suggested that 'Statin' drugs decrease levels of CoQ10 in the body, which has been linked to being a causative factor for these muscle-related side effects.

There is some evidence to suggest that CoQ10 supplementation may be beneficial in reducing the risk of statin myopathy.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials published in the Journal of Clinical Lipidology in 2017 found that CoQ10 supplementation was associated with a significant reduction in muscle pain and weakness in statin-treated patients compared to placebo.

Another meta-analysis published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology in 2015 also found that CoQ10 supplementation reduced the risk of muscle symptoms associated with statin therapy.

Furthermore, a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial published in the journal Atherosclerosis in 2015 found that CoQ10 supplementation significantly reduced the incidence of statin-induced myopathy in patients with coronary artery disease who were taking statins.

While these studies suggest that CoQ10 supplementation may be a promising approach to reducing the risk of statin myopathy, further research is needed to confirm these findings as others have found conflicting results.

However, based on the available evidence, it may be reasonable for individuals taking statins to consider CoQ10 supplementation, particularly if they experience muscle pain or weakness as a side effect of statin therapy. CoQ10 supplementation is generally well-tolerated so there typically is no harm in its utilization.

References

• Effects of Coenzyme Q10 on Statin‐Induced Myopathy: An Updated Meta‐Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Journal of the American Heart Association
• Statin-associated muscle symptoms: impact on statin therapy—European Atherosclerosis Society Consensus Panel Statement on Assessment, Aetiology and Management. European Heart Journal
• The Role of Coenzyme Q10 in Statin-Associated Myopathy: A Systematic Review. Journal of the American College of Cardiology
  

Atorvastatin Calcium Overview

• Atorvastatin is used together with diet, weight loss, and exercise to reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke and to decrease the chance that heart surgery will be needed in people who have heart disease or who are at risk of developing heart disease. Atorvastatin is also used to decrease the amount of fatty substances such as low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol ('bad cholesterol') and triglycerides in the blood and to increase the amount of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol ('good cholesterol') in the blood. Atorvastatin may also be used to decrease the amount of cholesterol and other fatty substances in the blood in children and teenagers 10 to 17 years of age who have familial heterozygous hypercholesterolemia (an inherited condition in which cholesterol cannot be removed from the body normally). Atorvastatin is in a class of medications called HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (statins). It works by slowing the production of cholesterol in the body to decrease the amount of cholesterol that may build up on the walls of the arteries and block blood flow to the heart, brain, and other parts of the body.

• Accumulation of cholesterol and fats along the walls of your arteries (a process known as atherosclerosis) decreases blood flow and, therefore, the oxygen supply to your heart, brain, and other parts of your body. Lowering your blood level of cholesterol and fats with atorvastatin has been shown to prevent heart disease, angina (chest pain), strokes, and heart attacks.

Coenzyme Q10 - More Interactions

Coenzyme Q10 interacts with 195 drugs

Interaction Rating Key

These severity listings are for informational use only. Never start, stop or otherwise change your therapy before speaking with your provider.