Question - High Cholesterol Message Board

tatum46 · 01-10-2005, 08:57 AM

Does anyone know if taking CoQ10 with Vytorin help? I know you almost "have to" with Lipitor.

vinny1957 · 01-10-2005, 12:48 PM

I was on Lipitor and changed to Vytorin. I'm still taking Q-10 (50mg. 2x daily) because if I understand that Vytorin is a combination of 2 drugs Zocor and something else (sorry I forgot the something else). I believe Zocor and Lipitor are the same class of drug. So thats why I continue to take Q-10.

ZippyDawg · 01-10-2005, 01:11 PM

Vytorin is a combination of Zocor (simvastatin) and Zetia (ezetimibe). Ezetimibe is a selective inhibitor of intestinal cholesterol and related phytosterols.

Phytosterols have been shown to lower blood cholesterol levels and in the last few years, clinical research has also discovered other effects, including reducing symptoms of an enlarged prostate, improving the control of blood sugar among people with diabetes, and reducing inflammation among patients with autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. I would be concerned with taking a drug which will prevent desirable phytosterols from be absorbed and utilized by the body.

Uff-Da! · 01-10-2005, 01:26 PM

Zippy, (or anyone) - So where does CoQ10 fit into the picture? Why do people take it with Lipitor or with anything else?

ZippyDawg · 01-10-2005, 01:43 PM

Statins block enzyme pathways involved in the production of cholesterol and they also block the production of an essential compound called coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10). You will eventually become deficient in CoQ10 especially if you are elderly or in poor health.

Many doctors now recommend that you take a CoQ10 supplement if you are also taking a statin drug.