pizzzzza
05-22-2005, 12:08 AM
I have been reading more and more about this.
Could someone please explain what it is, how expensive it is, how it's taken, is it prescription, and if it will really help me out?
I had read somewhere that it helps to take CoQ10 while on Lipitor.
I quit taking my Lipitor 4 weeks ago, after experiencing severe muscle aches, pains and weakness in my arms, wrists, shoulder, legs and feet.
I was on it for 2 months when I first started experiencing the pain, and continued taking it for 2 more months, since I didn't realize it was the Lipitor causing it.
Does anyone know how long it takes to get it out of my system?
I'LL NEVER TAKE IT AGAIN!
Thanks for any imput..
Mark
Could someone please explain what it is, how expensive it is, how it's taken, is it prescription, and if it will really help me out?
I had read somewhere that it helps to take CoQ10 while on Lipitor.
I quit taking my Lipitor 4 weeks ago, after experiencing severe muscle aches, pains and weakness in my arms, wrists, shoulder, legs and feet.
I was on it for 2 months when I first started experiencing the pain, and continued taking it for 2 more months, since I didn't realize it was the Lipitor causing it.
Does anyone know how long it takes to get it out of my system?
I'LL NEVER TAKE IT AGAIN!
Thanks for any imput..
Mark
Sponsor
HubbleRules
05-22-2005, 08:50 AM
pizzzzza,
CoQ10 is short for 'Co-enzyme Q10'. It is also known as 'ubiquinone'. This enzyme is used by the mitochondria in your cells for energy production. CoQ10 levels tend to be highest in the heart, and the skeletal muscles.
One of the most well-known effects of all statins is to deplete CoQ10 levels in the body. Some theorize that muscle pains from statins may be related to CoQ10 depletion.
I know what you're going thru - I was there myself a year ago. I experienced severe, chronice pain in both arms, profound general weakness, and extreme excercise intolerance after my doctor put me on Tricor in addition to Lipitor(10mg) - which I had been on for over 7 years.
I became almost an invalid in a few months. I stopped both meds 15 months ago, but it took almost 8 months before I noticed any improvement in my condition. I've been taking 150-200mg CoQ10 daily ever since I stopped the meds. I'm pretty much back to normal now - just some residual pain in my arms if I lift heavy objects.
My advice is to get some CoQ10, and start on it immediately. But be patient, it may take a while for you to see improvement. One good piece of news - it seems that the longer people have been on statins, the longer the recovery period. You were on only a short while - so hopefully you will recover quickly.
You can buy it over the counter - no prescription is necessary. I buy mine at Puritan's Pride over the internet. I take their Q-Sorb brand (75mg softgells 2x/day).
It is NOT cheap - I usually buy when Puritan has one of their '3 for 1' sales - then I get three bottles of 60-gel cals, 75mg, for a total price of about $39.
You can also buy at Walmart from some of the postings - but check out with Consumer Labs to make sure the brand you get is reputable - some brands out there contain much less CoQ10 than they advertise.
Hope you are free of the pain soon.
HubbleRules
:cool:
CoQ10 is short for 'Co-enzyme Q10'. It is also known as 'ubiquinone'. This enzyme is used by the mitochondria in your cells for energy production. CoQ10 levels tend to be highest in the heart, and the skeletal muscles.
One of the most well-known effects of all statins is to deplete CoQ10 levels in the body. Some theorize that muscle pains from statins may be related to CoQ10 depletion.
I know what you're going thru - I was there myself a year ago. I experienced severe, chronice pain in both arms, profound general weakness, and extreme excercise intolerance after my doctor put me on Tricor in addition to Lipitor(10mg) - which I had been on for over 7 years.
I became almost an invalid in a few months. I stopped both meds 15 months ago, but it took almost 8 months before I noticed any improvement in my condition. I've been taking 150-200mg CoQ10 daily ever since I stopped the meds. I'm pretty much back to normal now - just some residual pain in my arms if I lift heavy objects.
My advice is to get some CoQ10, and start on it immediately. But be patient, it may take a while for you to see improvement. One good piece of news - it seems that the longer people have been on statins, the longer the recovery period. You were on only a short while - so hopefully you will recover quickly.
You can buy it over the counter - no prescription is necessary. I buy mine at Puritan's Pride over the internet. I take their Q-Sorb brand (75mg softgells 2x/day).
It is NOT cheap - I usually buy when Puritan has one of their '3 for 1' sales - then I get three bottles of 60-gel cals, 75mg, for a total price of about $39.
You can also buy at Walmart from some of the postings - but check out with Consumer Labs to make sure the brand you get is reputable - some brands out there contain much less CoQ10 than they advertise.
Hope you are free of the pain soon.
HubbleRules
:cool:
HubbleRules
05-22-2005, 09:11 AM
pizzzzza,
Forgot to mention one thing...
It is best to take CoQ10 with a meal containing some fat. Fat helps the CoQ10 absorption by your body.
You can also take it with L-Carnitine - they are supposed to work well together. I take a 250mg L-Carnitine and a 1000mg Omega-3 Fish Oil capsule with my morning CoQ10.
HubbleRules
:cool:
Forgot to mention one thing...
It is best to take CoQ10 with a meal containing some fat. Fat helps the CoQ10 absorption by your body.
You can also take it with L-Carnitine - they are supposed to work well together. I take a 250mg L-Carnitine and a 1000mg Omega-3 Fish Oil capsule with my morning CoQ10.
HubbleRules
:cool:
pizzzzza
05-22-2005, 11:53 AM
HubbleRules -
Wow - I really appreciate that very informative response.
I think I've heard from people at other sites about how long you are on any statin will affect your recovery time, if you indeed do recover.
I guess my next step will be to try to find some CoQ10 locally - there's a health food store up the street that seems to have everything.
How do you know the proper dosage to purchase?
Also, do you know if it conflicts with any other types of medications? (I take allegra and various vitamins).
Thanks again!
Mark
Wow - I really appreciate that very informative response.
I think I've heard from people at other sites about how long you are on any statin will affect your recovery time, if you indeed do recover.
I guess my next step will be to try to find some CoQ10 locally - there's a health food store up the street that seems to have everything.
How do you know the proper dosage to purchase?
Also, do you know if it conflicts with any other types of medications? (I take allegra and various vitamins).
Thanks again!
Mark
HubbleRules
05-22-2005, 12:25 PM
Mark,
There is no general rule on doseage - since you have muscle pain, I'd start on at least 200mg/day, if that doesn't work, bump it up to 400mg/day. I've read studies where CoQ10 was administered to animals in much, much higher doses than these without any toxic side-effects.
I also am unaware of any side-effects with drugs - perhaps someone else from the group could comment.
Best of luck!
HubbleRules
:cool:
There is no general rule on doseage - since you have muscle pain, I'd start on at least 200mg/day, if that doesn't work, bump it up to 400mg/day. I've read studies where CoQ10 was administered to animals in much, much higher doses than these without any toxic side-effects.
I also am unaware of any side-effects with drugs - perhaps someone else from the group could comment.
Best of luck!
HubbleRules
:cool:
ARIZONA73
05-22-2005, 12:43 PM
It's just too bad that CoQ10 is so expensive. If it was cheap, like many of the B vitamins, we can shoot for the higher dose just to be on the safe side, without having to worry about ending up in the poor house.
By the way, I was listening to a doctor who gives a weekly radio program on Saturday mornings. He's a local doctor in my area (in fact, his office is only a few blocks from where I live). He takes calls from people concerning various medical conditions. He is very knowledgeable about drugs, as well as nutritional supplements. The other week, he mentioned that there may likely be a shortage of CoQ10 in the near future, and you know what that means! The cost is likely to go even higher. I don't know all the details, since he didn't spend too much time discussing it. Maybe the suppliers are beginning to have a difficult time keeping up with demand. I hope this doesn't actually happen, and that he is wrong. Nevertheless, I am concerned.
By the way, I was listening to a doctor who gives a weekly radio program on Saturday mornings. He's a local doctor in my area (in fact, his office is only a few blocks from where I live). He takes calls from people concerning various medical conditions. He is very knowledgeable about drugs, as well as nutritional supplements. The other week, he mentioned that there may likely be a shortage of CoQ10 in the near future, and you know what that means! The cost is likely to go even higher. I don't know all the details, since he didn't spend too much time discussing it. Maybe the suppliers are beginning to have a difficult time keeping up with demand. I hope this doesn't actually happen, and that he is wrong. Nevertheless, I am concerned.
HubbleRules
05-22-2005, 12:58 PM
By the way, I was listening to a doctor who gives a weekly radio program on Saturday mornings. He's a local doctor in my area (in fact, his office is only a few blocks from where I live). He takes calls from people concerning various medical conditions. He is very knowledgeable about drugs, as well as nutritional supplements. The other week, he mentioned that there may likely be a shortage of CoQ10 in the near future, and you know what that means!
Arizona,
I'm afraid this doctor is right - there will be a severe shortage in the near future...
As far as I know, Japan is the source for all CoQ10 production currently. I read that the company that manufactures it is tooling up to increase capacity by a few hundred tons/year, but given the tens of millions of statin users, and the spreading knowledge of CoQ10 depeletion by statins, I'm afraid their production capacity will be overwhelmed.
I think I recall reading somewhere that the manufacturer may be licensing their production process and patents to manufacturers in the US - but I can't recall where I saw it...
I'm going to stock-up the next time Puritan has another 3-for-1 sale - they usually have one every few months...
HubbleRules
:cool:
Arizona,
I'm afraid this doctor is right - there will be a severe shortage in the near future...
As far as I know, Japan is the source for all CoQ10 production currently. I read that the company that manufactures it is tooling up to increase capacity by a few hundred tons/year, but given the tens of millions of statin users, and the spreading knowledge of CoQ10 depeletion by statins, I'm afraid their production capacity will be overwhelmed.
I think I recall reading somewhere that the manufacturer may be licensing their production process and patents to manufacturers in the US - but I can't recall where I saw it...
I'm going to stock-up the next time Puritan has another 3-for-1 sale - they usually have one every few months...
HubbleRules
:cool:
ARIZONA73
05-22-2005, 01:19 PM
Hubble,
Yes, this doctor even advised people to stock up on it. Well, I'm about due to order more soon, so maybe I'll order some extra this time. Yes, you're right. Just about all of the CoQ10 comes from Japan. I think a lot more people have caught on, and are beginning to use it.
Yes, this doctor even advised people to stock up on it. Well, I'm about due to order more soon, so maybe I'll order some extra this time. Yes, you're right. Just about all of the CoQ10 comes from Japan. I think a lot more people have caught on, and are beginning to use it.
pizzzzza
05-22-2005, 06:45 PM
Hi HubbleRules - I just wanted to update on what I've done since I read your post.
It must've been my lucky day - I went to Kroger's Grocery Store - went to the vitamins/supplements section - found the Q-Sorb CoQ-10 - AND it was buy one get one free - AND there were 40 pills, instead of 30 - they are of the 150 mg potency.
So, I just took my first pill today - sure am looking forward to getting rid of all of this. I didn't know if I should or not, with my doctor visit coming up this Wednesday, but went ahead.
Also, I've had a friend whom I hit tennis with highly recommend Wobenzym N - do you know much about this? He swears by the stuff!
Mark
It must've been my lucky day - I went to Kroger's Grocery Store - went to the vitamins/supplements section - found the Q-Sorb CoQ-10 - AND it was buy one get one free - AND there were 40 pills, instead of 30 - they are of the 150 mg potency.
So, I just took my first pill today - sure am looking forward to getting rid of all of this. I didn't know if I should or not, with my doctor visit coming up this Wednesday, but went ahead.
Also, I've had a friend whom I hit tennis with highly recommend Wobenzym N - do you know much about this? He swears by the stuff!
Mark
Lenin
05-23-2005, 10:00 AM
In keeping with the popular demand for CoQ10, my cheapest source (BJ's) has just more than doubled their price:
From: 120 capsules 100 mg...$28
To: 60 capsules 100 mg. .....$30....
Maybe the fact that the administration has destroyed the U.S. dollar and since CoQ10 seems to be yen driven, that could account for some of the hike!
I dropped down to 50 mg. dosage to compensate. Its a formulation of 50 mg.CoQ10 with fish oil that gives 300 mg DHA+EPA...I forgot what I paid...I'll check when I walk over next time.
From: 120 capsules 100 mg...$28
To: 60 capsules 100 mg. .....$30....
Maybe the fact that the administration has destroyed the U.S. dollar and since CoQ10 seems to be yen driven, that could account for some of the hike!
I dropped down to 50 mg. dosage to compensate. Its a formulation of 50 mg.CoQ10 with fish oil that gives 300 mg DHA+EPA...I forgot what I paid...I'll check when I walk over next time.
zeez
05-23-2005, 11:19 AM
Hi,
I've been doing some research on this myself, although I don't take statins. There is one interaction that has to be taken into consideration: Warfarin. If you are on Warfarin, Co-Q10 can reduce it's effectiveness. That is the only negative report I've found.
Something else to take into consideration: Co-Q10 may increase the effectiveness of certain blood pressure medicines (leading to a reduction in dosage). So, logically, if I were on bp meds and statins, I'd start monitoring bp, in case the bp meds needed to be reduced.
It seems the right dosage for statin users is about 50mg/day from what I've been reading. I find it appalling that doctors do not warn patients that statins reduce the level of CoQ10 in the body! Supposedly healthy people (not on statins, etc) get the normal amount of Co-Q10 from a balanced diet. Here's food sources of CO-Q10 in mg:
Beef, fried, 3 ounces 2.6
Herring, marinated,3 ounces 2.3
Chicken, fried 3 ounces 1.4
Soybean oil 1 tablespoon 1.3
Canola oil 1 tablespoon 1.0
Rainbow trout, steamed 3 ounces 0.9
Peanuts, roasted 1 ounce 0.8
Sesame seeds, roasted 1 ounce 0.7
Pistachio nuts, roasted 1 ounce 0.6
Broccoli, boiled 1/2 cup, chopped 0.5
Cauliflower, boiled1/2 cup, chopped 0.4
Orange 1 medium 0.3
Strawberries 1/2 cup 0.1
Egg, boiled 1 medium 0.1
What started me on this research was a fear that I was going to be put on them. Plus my father and best friend are on them and are having unusual muscle pains -- one of those "rare side effects" of statins that seem to be not so rare, if you know what I mean.
Anyway, I'm going to order some Co-Q10 for my husband because he is on statins and bp meds and see what happens.
~zeez
I've been doing some research on this myself, although I don't take statins. There is one interaction that has to be taken into consideration: Warfarin. If you are on Warfarin, Co-Q10 can reduce it's effectiveness. That is the only negative report I've found.
Something else to take into consideration: Co-Q10 may increase the effectiveness of certain blood pressure medicines (leading to a reduction in dosage). So, logically, if I were on bp meds and statins, I'd start monitoring bp, in case the bp meds needed to be reduced.
It seems the right dosage for statin users is about 50mg/day from what I've been reading. I find it appalling that doctors do not warn patients that statins reduce the level of CoQ10 in the body! Supposedly healthy people (not on statins, etc) get the normal amount of Co-Q10 from a balanced diet. Here's food sources of CO-Q10 in mg:
Beef, fried, 3 ounces 2.6
Herring, marinated,3 ounces 2.3
Chicken, fried 3 ounces 1.4
Soybean oil 1 tablespoon 1.3
Canola oil 1 tablespoon 1.0
Rainbow trout, steamed 3 ounces 0.9
Peanuts, roasted 1 ounce 0.8
Sesame seeds, roasted 1 ounce 0.7
Pistachio nuts, roasted 1 ounce 0.6
Broccoli, boiled 1/2 cup, chopped 0.5
Cauliflower, boiled1/2 cup, chopped 0.4
Orange 1 medium 0.3
Strawberries 1/2 cup 0.1
Egg, boiled 1 medium 0.1
What started me on this research was a fear that I was going to be put on them. Plus my father and best friend are on them and are having unusual muscle pains -- one of those "rare side effects" of statins that seem to be not so rare, if you know what I mean.
Anyway, I'm going to order some Co-Q10 for my husband because he is on statins and bp meds and see what happens.
~zeez
JacquelineL
05-23-2005, 09:20 PM
I just got some at Walgreens 2 for 1 sale---60 capsules (100% more free) 75 mg bottle, 2 for $15.99. So that's 120 capsules 75 mg for $15.99.
Lenin
05-24-2005, 09:19 AM
Jacqueline,
That is a GREAT price. Did you get it Sunday or Monday this week. If so, I think there are still some Walgreens in Manhattan and I'll have a look.
My best deal is the 50 mg CoQ-10, 180 mg.EPA, 120 mg DHA at BJ's. I checked the price yesterday and it was $16.99 for 80 capsules.
Your deal is a LOT better...I'll buy 10 bottles if I can find it.
That is a GREAT price. Did you get it Sunday or Monday this week. If so, I think there are still some Walgreens in Manhattan and I'll have a look.
My best deal is the 50 mg CoQ-10, 180 mg.EPA, 120 mg DHA at BJ's. I checked the price yesterday and it was $16.99 for 80 capsules.
Your deal is a LOT better...I'll buy 10 bottles if I can find it.
linda115
05-24-2005, 12:31 PM
I also did some research on this subject and I found some more information.
Extra co-enzyme Q10 for statin-users?
http://www.catie.ca/tu.nsf/0/9C59AE93CAEE073285256A8C006A007A?opendoc ument&language=english
Because Q10 dissolves in fat, it is best taken with meals to increase absorption. Some Canadian health food stores sell capsules containing a mix of Q10 and flaxseed oil.
Possible Interactions with: Coenzyme Q10
http://www.umm.edu/altmed/ConsSupplements/Interactions/CoenzymeQ10cs.html
Warfarin
coenzyme Q10 may decrease the effectiveness of blood-thinning medications such as warfarin, leading to the need for increased doses.
Blood Pressure Medications
In a study of individuals taking blood pressure medications (including diltiazem, metoprolol, enalapril, and nitrate), CoQ10 supplementation allowed the individuals to take lower dosages of these drugs.
Timolol
CoQ10 supplementation may reduce the heart-related side effects of timolol drops, a beta-blocker medication used to treat glaucoma, without decreasing the effectiveness of the medication
Chemotherapy Medications
Coenzyme Q10 may help to reduce the toxic effects on the heart caused by daunorubicin and doxorubicin, two chemotherapy medications that are commonly used to treat a variety of cancers
I am taking Vytorin right now. Even though I have no side effects, I plan to take CoQ10 supplements as a precautionary measure and also eat a healthy diet.
Blessings,
Linda
Extra co-enzyme Q10 for statin-users?
http://www.catie.ca/tu.nsf/0/9C59AE93CAEE073285256A8C006A007A?opendoc ument&language=english
Because Q10 dissolves in fat, it is best taken with meals to increase absorption. Some Canadian health food stores sell capsules containing a mix of Q10 and flaxseed oil.
Possible Interactions with: Coenzyme Q10
http://www.umm.edu/altmed/ConsSupplements/Interactions/CoenzymeQ10cs.html
Warfarin
coenzyme Q10 may decrease the effectiveness of blood-thinning medications such as warfarin, leading to the need for increased doses.
Blood Pressure Medications
In a study of individuals taking blood pressure medications (including diltiazem, metoprolol, enalapril, and nitrate), CoQ10 supplementation allowed the individuals to take lower dosages of these drugs.
Timolol
CoQ10 supplementation may reduce the heart-related side effects of timolol drops, a beta-blocker medication used to treat glaucoma, without decreasing the effectiveness of the medication
Chemotherapy Medications
Coenzyme Q10 may help to reduce the toxic effects on the heart caused by daunorubicin and doxorubicin, two chemotherapy medications that are commonly used to treat a variety of cancers
I am taking Vytorin right now. Even though I have no side effects, I plan to take CoQ10 supplements as a precautionary measure and also eat a healthy diet.
Blessings,
Linda
JacquelineL
05-24-2005, 01:45 PM
Lenin, I picked it up yesterday, though I think the sale may have actually ended Sunday. I see Long's Drugs has the same 2 for 1 deal. It is Nature's Bounty Q-Sorb. Regularly 30 capsules, but a special of 100% more. I'll have to see if Long's has that bottle.
I checked Costco and they haven't raised their price yet--120 caps 50 mg for $15.
I checked Costco and they haven't raised their price yet--120 caps 50 mg for $15.
Lenin
05-24-2005, 05:09 PM
Thanks Jackie.
A nice price at Costco also...too bad none is near me (15 miles and no car!):(
A nice price at Costco also...too bad none is near me (15 miles and no car!):(
ARIZONA73
05-24-2005, 09:13 PM
Murphy's Law strikes again! :wave:
JJ
05-25-2005, 12:41 AM
Geez, that is too bad Lenin. My son lived in Manhatten for years, so I know what your going thru. He just moved to N.J. a year ago, and still takes the train everywhere, as he still works in N.Y. Maybe U will get lucky and know someone who is going to Costco and can pick it up for ya.... :)
Lenin
05-25-2005, 09:04 AM
Yeah JJ,
I've been carless for 4 years now and public transportation is GREAT here...UNLESS one has to venture West into the hinterlands of New Jersey. I had a car all my life but it got TOOOO expensive to garage and insure another so when a drunk SMOOSHED my last car (parked, of course), I didn't replace it. Started looking for a "deal" on a used car though, since I might migrate to someplace cheaper to spend my dotage.
Friend will check the WALGREENS tomorrow (in the Empire State Building...easy to find :jester: :D) and see if the sale continues.
I've been carless for 4 years now and public transportation is GREAT here...UNLESS one has to venture West into the hinterlands of New Jersey. I had a car all my life but it got TOOOO expensive to garage and insure another so when a drunk SMOOSHED my last car (parked, of course), I didn't replace it. Started looking for a "deal" on a used car though, since I might migrate to someplace cheaper to spend my dotage.
Friend will check the WALGREENS tomorrow (in the Empire State Building...easy to find :jester: :D) and see if the sale continues.
JJ
05-25-2005, 11:05 AM
I hear ya Lenin, my son didn't have a car either when he lived there, too much for everything. Oh well, he lived close enough to his work etc. so it wasn't too much of a hassle. He travels between the city and VA. alot, so guess he is getting use to the train thing.
Hopefully your friend can ge the stuff for ya...... :)
Hopefully your friend can ge the stuff for ya...... :)