Coenzyme Q10 supplementation for the treatment of statin-associated muscle symptoms

Aim: To determine the association of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) use with the resolution of statin-associated muscle symptoms (SAMS). Patients & methods: Retrospective analysis of a large, multi-center survey study of SAMS (total n = 511; n = 64 CoQ10 users). Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models assessed the association between CoQ10 use and the resolution of SAMS. Results: The frequency of SAMS resolution was similar between CoQ10 users and non-users (25% vs 31%, respectively; unadjusted odds ratio [OR]: 0.75 [95% CI: 0.41-1.38]; p = 0.357). Similarly, CoQ10 use was not significantly associated with the resolution of SAMS in multivariable models adjusted for SAMS risk factors (OR: 0.84 [95% CI: 0.45-1.55]; p = 0.568) or adjusted for significant differences among CoQ10 users and non-users (OR: 0.82 [95% CI: 0.45-1.51]; p = 0.522). Conclusion: CoQ10 was not significantly associated with the resolution of SAMS. Plain language summary Statins are medications that help lower cholesterol and treat cardiovascular disease, but muscle pain is the most common side effect of statins. Statins decrease the body's levels of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), and thus taking CoQ10 supplements (which are widely available over the counter in pharmacies) may help treat the muscle side effects from statins. However, the results of previous studies are not clear whether CoQ10 is effective for treating statin-associated muscle symptoms. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to analyze whether the use of CoQ10 supplements improved statin-associated muscle side effects in a large group of individuals. When the authors compared the survey responses of 64 CoQ10 users versus those of 447 non-CoQ10 users with statin-associated muscle symptoms, CoQ10 supplements did not improve their muscle symptoms. Tweetable abstract Coenzyme Q10 supplements do not improve statin-associated muscle symptoms or the continuation of statin therapy in patients with a history of statin-associated muscle symptoms.