Effects of Coenzyme Q10 on Statin‐Induced Myopathy: An Updated Meta‐Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Study answer

What this study found

Coenzyme Q10 was associated with improvement in statin-associated muscle symptoms, but it did not reduce plasma creatine kinase. In the fixed-effect analysis, muscle pain improved (WMD -1.60; 95% CI -1.75 to -1.44; P<0.001), muscle weakness improved (WMD -2.28; 95% CI -2.79 to -1.77; P=0.006), muscle cramps improved (WMD -1.78; 95% CI -2.31 to -1.24; P<0.001), and muscle tiredness improved (WMD -1.75; 95% CI -2.31 to -1.19; P<0.001). Plasma CK was not reduced (WMD 0.09; 95% CI -0.06 to 0.24; P=0.23). The authors concluded that CoQ10 may be a complementary approach for statin-induced myopathy.

Study & population

Updated meta-analysis of 12 randomized controlled trials including adults treated with statins who reported muscle symptoms.

Intervention

Coenzyme Q10 supplementation was evaluated at doses ranging from 100 to 600 mg/day for 30 days to 3 months.

Key limitation

The evidence base was small and heterogeneous, with variable populations, doses, and treatment durations across trials.

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Original abstract