CoEnzyme Q10 in Statin Myopathy

Summary

Statins (such as simvastatin or Zocor) are the most effective and widely prescribed medications to lower cholesterol levels and reduce the frequency of heart attacks, cardiac deaths and strokes. Unfortunately, statins can cause muscle discomfort or pain called "myalgia" in patients treated with these drugs. These symptoms often cause patients who need these medications to stop taking the drug. The cause of statin muscle pain is not known, but it is thought that a reduction of a vitamin-like substance called Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) during statin treatment may play a role. CoQ10 is a vitamin like substance and is not a drug approved and regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This study will look at the effects of CoQ10 supplements on individuals who develop muscle symptoms while on simvastatin. The investigators hope to test the hypothesis that CoQ10 supplementation compared to placebo in patients with documented statin myalgia reduces the intensity of pain during statin treatment.

Timeline

Start

2009-09

Primary completion

2013-09

Completion

2013-09

Publications

• Taylor BA, Lorson L, White CM, Thompson PD. Low vitamin D does not predict statin associated muscle symptoms but is associated with transient increases in muscle damage and pain. Atherosclerosis. 2017 Jan;256:100-104. doi: 10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2016.11.011. Epub 2016 Nov 12.
• Taylor BA, Lorson L, White CM, Thompson PD. A randomized trial of coenzyme Q10 in patients with confirmed statin myopathy. Atherosclerosis. 2015 Feb;238(2):329-35. doi: 10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2014.12.016. Epub 2014 Dec 17.

Drugs

Indications