Does CoQ10 prevent muscle pain when taking statins or alternatives?

Posted by phpilgrim @phpilgrim, 23 hours ago

I have taken atorvastatin, pravastatin and lovastatin and have peripheral neuropathy (numbness now which was tingling initially) in my feet as a result. I switched to ezetimibe (zetia), a statin alternative, and I experienced muscle aching and tightness and after 8 months spasms/cramps in my lower legs and ankles. Now I am not sure if the statins caused neuropathy or myopathy or both. I didn't take CoQ10 while I was taking any of these medications.
I stopped taking ezetimibe and started taking CoQ10 a couple weeks ago. The aching and spasms/cramps stopped in my legs and ankles within a day or two and the tightness is improving. I'm not sure if the numbness in my feet is improving.
I am wondering if I take CoQ10 for a while (8 to 12 weeks?) and if the muscle tightness and numbness in my feet goes away, will the CoQ10 keep muscle problems from returning if I take a statin or statin alternative again? Has anyone had any experience with this?

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Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | 21 hours ago

@phpilgrim That is the theory my primary offered, but CoQ10 didn't help me a bit. When I later asked my cardiologist, he said it has protective benefits, but shrugged when I asked about preventing side effects. > have failed all statins but am beginningyear 3 of Repatha with excellentresults and mild side effects for a day or so after injection.
Has your doc suggested another treatment?

shmerdloff | @shmerdloff | 21 hours ago

When my pcp put me on statins (prava), I told him last time, I needed a cane to walk. The pain left as soon as I stopped the Lipitor.
PCP said "Go take CQ10." I did/do. Still have pains, but could be arthritis or my other meds. No need for a cane though.

con123 | @con123 | 10 hours ago

I am statin intolerant - significant muscle pain and weakness for the two years I tried different ones and varied frequency. Had a bad allergic reaction to Repatha. I took COQ10 and it did not help, but I still take it and Durable Heart supplement which is controlling my cholesterol pretty well.

phpilgrim | @phpilgrim | 1 hour ago

In reply to @con123 "I am statin intolerant - significant muscle pain and weakness for the two years I tried..." + (show)

@con123
Thank you for the information!

phpilgrim | @phpilgrim | 1 hour ago

In reply to @sueinmn "@phpilgrim That is the theory my primary offered, but CoQ10 didn't help me a bit. When..." + (show)

@sueinmn
Thank you for the information, Sue. I am aware of Repatha and may try it in the future.

phpilgrim | @phpilgrim | 1 hour ago

In reply to @shmerdloff "When my pcp put me on statins (prava), I told him last time, I needed a..." + (show)

@shmerdloff
Thanks for the information. I'm glad you don't need the cane now.

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