Muscle pain in arms/shoulders with Lipitor

[CEAGLE]

Been taking Lipitor for approx. 15 years low dose 10mg 3 days a week. Doctor says the muscle/joint pain is because of how long I have been on it. Been off for almost a month and still have the pains, one arm then the other then shoulders or hips. Jut started taking COQ10 but only 100 mg. but have read that is too low a dose. How much is safe to help with muscle/joint pain?

[Mascha1900]

The way I understand it, you can safely take CoQ10 up to at least 2,000 mg per day. This has been extensively tested, and the only side effect at or above such a high dose could be some stomach cramps. An important point is that, unless you're under 40, you should take the concentrated (non-oxidised) form of CoQ10, that is Ubiquinol, because once you're over 40 the body can no longer process CoQ10 effectively. It is also important to get a good quality brand of Ubiquinol (this can be found on the internet). I take 200 mg per day to recover from statin damage, but I started out with 400 mg. If I were you I'd start with 300 mg and double this to 600 mg or more if it's ineffective. Can't do any harm, good luck!

[CEAGLE in reply to Mascha1900]

Thanks so much for your reply. Where do you purchase this non-oxidised form of COQ10? Is this a liquid form?

[Mascha1900 in reply to CEAGLE]

Well, I buy it online from a shop here in the Netherlands, but I believe they are a distributor for a British shop called Jarrow Formulas. It doesn't matter all that much where you buy it, as long as you make sure that the label mentions Ubiquinol and not just CoQ10 or Ubiquinone.

I want to add something else as well: thinking about my previous reply I realized that I failed to mention two things: first of all, that I'm not a doctor. This is just my opinion as a layperson based on my own experience and on research I have done on the internet. You may want to consult with your doctor, however. A second caveat is that I have read that Ubiquinol may interfere with blood-thinning medication, so this could be something to watch out for if you are using other medication. Sorry I didn't mention this earlier!

[4BBK]

I just started CoQ10 myself, the amount you take depends on your age and how long you have been on Statins; Your body produces CoQ10, but statins and age cuts down on the amount. It appears to me that other than stomach distress, it is hard to overdose. Google it or experiment; but I am not a Dr. you are on the right track IMO.

[CEAGLE in reply to 4BBK]

Has the COQ10 helped your pain? Are you off statins and if so how long did it take for the pain to go away?

[sos007 Ambassador]

I take 2 doses of CoQ10 daily. In the morning 250 mg, then 120 mg. I've been doing this for over one year. I came off of Crestor (statin) in October 2016. I also exercise the muscles around my shoulders, 2-3 times per week using weights. The pain in my rotator cuff gradually diminished as I gradually weaned off of the Crestor, and continued to exercise. I don't know if CoQ10 is benefiting my shoulder, but at present I'm pain free.

[CEAGLE in reply to sos007]

How long did it take for your pain to go away? It has been almost a month off statin and I still have so much muscle/joint pain daily. I am only taking 100mg if COQ10 sounds like I should increase that.

[sandybrown in reply to CEAGLE]

Take a look at this link:

lifeextension.com/magazine/...

[CEAGLE in reply to sandybrown]

Thanks for this informative post. Do you have a suggestion where to purchase?

[sandybrown in reply to CEAGLE]

I am afraid, I do not know, this is because I do not use any supplement.

[Mascha1900 in reply to CEAGLE]

In my case it took about 6 months for the pain to go away completely. After Crestor I suffered from extreme stiffness in my legs, difficulty getting up from a chair (I felt like I was 90 years old!), difficulty walking and weakness and soreness in my lower legs. Anyway, the worst of the stiffness was gone in less than a week but the soreness in my legs took much longer to go, at least 3 or 4 months. It's now been over 6 months since I stopped, and I would say I'm 99% recovered. The occasional twinge in my lower legs, but that's all. I have been taking CoQ10 or rather Ubiquinol, the concentrated form, 400 mg a day at first and now 200 mg a day. (Unless you're under 40 it's important to take CoQ10 as Ubiquinol because CoQ10 does not get absorbed by the body as easily anymore.)

[CEAGLE]

Thanks again

[Tibblington]

I am sorry to say that you have some of the side effects that so many people report. Do you really need the statins?

[CEAGLE]

Hoping after current blood tests I won't. Thanks