Statin drugs lower cholesterol by blocking an enzyme that is necessary for cholesterol production in the body. Most people can lower their LDL cholesterol by simply taking a statin tablet every day.
Unfortunately the enzyme that the statins block is necessary for the body to create CoQ10. Without CoQ10, the cells in our bodies can’t produce energy as efficiently. If you take statin drugs, you should consider taking CoQ10 also, especially if you have problems with fatigue or muscle pain. Be warned that some studies have shown that taking supplemental CoQ10 doesn’t bring the blood level of the enzyme up to where it should be.
The Importance of CoQ10
CoQ10 was discovered in 1957 and we’re still trying to figure out everything it does. One important function is to speed up the production of energy in every cell of the body. The ability of CoQ10 to reduce migraines is being studied as is its ability to improve cancer treatments as a supplement to radiation and chemotherapy. Early studies were initiated when it was found that many people with various cancers had low levels of CoQ10 in their blood. These studies suggest that CoQ10 improves cancer survival in about half the cases. CoQ10 is also an antioxidant.
What are Statin Drugs
Statins are an important class of drugs that inhibit the enzyme HMG-coA reductase. This action decreases the amount of cholesterol the liver produces. By reducing the circulating concentrations of the nasty LDL-cholesterol, statins reduce heart attacks and strokes. Statins have additional properties that are being studied, e.g. they are anti-inflammatory which helps with a number of degenerative diseases.
On the negative side, there is a dose-related likelihood of myopathy (muscle pain) and kidney and liver disease. The worst situation is potentially fatal muscle-wasting disorder called rhabdomyolysis. So patients should have frequent tests to catch these problems early.
Certain drugs when taken with statins can increase the risk of rhabdomyolysis. These include gemfibrozil, erythromycin (Erythrocin), antifungal medications, nefazodone (Serzone), cyclosporine and niacin.
If you take statins and have new muscle aching or tenderness, check with your doctor. Six statin drugs are available:
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atorvastatin (Lipitor),
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fluvastatin (Lescol),
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lovastatin (Mevacor),
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pravastatin (Pravachol),
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rosuvastatin (Crestor) and
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imvastatin (Zocor).
All together, statin drugs are a $20 billion a year market.
