Can CoQ10 be taken with Coumadin?

[Susie Q]

I read the booklet "Drug Interaction Considerations with Coumadin" that stated Coenzyme Q10 should not be taken with Coumadin because it results in a decrease in the effects of Coumadin. Before surgery on 11/8/05, I took Shaklee's CoQHeart. However, since surgery I've not taken it due to the information I read. I have taken Shaklee vitamins for 25 years & know they have chemists & doctors constantly researching & developing vitamins & herbs of the highest standards. The main ingredients in CoQHeart are: Coenzyme Q10 (30mg); mixed tocopherols (5mg); Resveratrol (polygonum cuspidatum - root, 640 mg).

I thought I remembered reading a post in which someone mentioned taking CoQ 10. Do any of you have experience or thoughts concerning CoQ10?

_______________
Aortic Valve Replacement - ATS November 8, 2005
Mitral Valve Repair - Annuloplasty Ring, 26mm November 8, 2005

 

[ClickerTicker]

I've been taking 30mg of Co-enzyme Q10 for at least two years (used to be 60mg but they got somewhat expensive).
No obvious effects on INR level. I was recommended to take Q10 (plus vits B6 & B12) by a cardiologist after my homocysteine level was found to be rather high.

 

[Herb M]

I have been taking 240 mg daily for a few years until a few weeks ago. I have cut it down to 120 mg. I haven't noticed any effect at either doseage.

 

[Susie Q]

Susie Q

Susie Q

Thank you, ClickerTicker & Herb M for your insights. I will begin taking my Shakless 30mg CoQHeart tomorrow morning without any fear.

____________________
Aortic Valve Replacement - ATS - 11/08/05
Mitral Valve Repair - Annuloplasty Ring 26mm - 11/08/05

 

[Guest]

Co Q 10 has a chemical structure very similar to vitamin K. Therefore, it was speculated that it could counteract warfarin and it got onto all the warning lists. But Clicker and Herb and lots of my own patients have convinced me that the interaction is only theoretical. How about contacting Shaklee and see what their scientists have found?

 

[DrAllan]

Regardless of ones opinion of the FDA, let us not lose sight of the nature of botanicals and dietary supplements as opposed to tested drugs. There is no legal requirement for anything related to dietary supplements. The only thing existing in US law is the definition of these products such that they are excluded from regulation by the FDA. Thus if you call Shakleee, they are not likely to have Nobel prize quality chemists working for them and they will probably reply that CO10 will not only help our heart, coagulation, and sex life, but also allows you to pick stocks such as Enron with both an improvement in your looks and intelligence.

 

[Guest]

To take Dr. Allan's statement one step further - there is not even a requirement that there be any coenzyme Q -10 in a bottle labeled Coenzyme Q 10. The law specifically exempted anything not regulated by the FDA from any requirement as to meeting standards of strength or purity.

Where would we be if these same crazy rules exempted warfarin from strength and purity.

I believe that reason that they are exempt is that (for the most part) the results will be the same whether there is any active ingredient in the bottle or not.