Does CoQ10 affect other medicines?

As an experienced medical malpractice attorney in Southaven, Mississippi, I am often asked by clients about certain drugs or pharmaceuticals they feel may be having adverse affects on their health.

One such drug that often comes up in conversation is Coenzyme Q10, or CoQ10 as it is commonly referred to as. CoQ10 is usually taken by patients in supplement form to counteract muscle pain and weakness caused by cholesterol-lowering statin drugs.

Whether CoQ10 is actually helping—or worse, hurting—patients, is currently up for debate in the medical community.

CoQ10 is a substance that is naturally produced in nearly every cell in the body, helping to convert food to energy, acting as an antioxidant. Organs with high energy demands, like the brain and heart, typically contain high levels of CoQ10.

Statins do typically lower levels of CoQ10.

Doctors and scientists recognize that coenzyme Q10 plays many significant roles in the body, but those who take it in supplement form must do so carefully.

According to a recent New York Times piece, CoQ10 can blunt or amplify the effects of other drugs, particularly those aimed at controlling blood pressure or blood sugar.

For nearly half of people who take CoQ10, the supplement has a relaxing effect on blood vessels that can lower blood pressure levels. This usually doesn’t happen for eight weeks. Those already on blood pressure medicine should use extreme caution.

Anyone with diabetes or someone currently using medication to control hyperglycemia could experience difficulties when taking CoQ10, as it is known to lower blood sugar.

CoQ10 can also interact negatively with blood thinners, so people using drugs like aspirin or warfarin should take extreme caution.

If you are currently mixing CoQ10 with blood thinners or medication to control hyperglycemia, or have diabetes, and are not seeing any improvement with your condition—or see it worsening—you may have fallen victim to medical malpractice.

Contact an experienced medical malpractice attorney today to seek the guidance you need.