Combining Coumadin with other supplements especially Coenzyme Q10

[Ella4hubby]

Hello all,

My husband is just about 3 weeks post surgery--mitral valve replacement with porcine valve--and he was started on Coumadin immediately after surgery for a three month period. Barring any complications, he will be able to go off of the Coumadin after that three month run. This has been an interesting learning curve with the frequent INR testing trying to get his levels into range (2.5-3.5 is the desired range for him). He has now been on 4 mg Coumadin for about a week putting him in range on the last two INR tests:

Mar 14th: 2.9
Mar 18th: 2.78
Another INR set to be done in 3 days (Mar 21st) to see if the 4 mg will hold him in range or not.

OK. I have had my husband on several supplements for several years, and for about 4 months before surgery, we added Magnesium and Coenzyme Q10 both because of their potential benefit of improving cardiac function. Dh stopped supplements 1 week before surgery, have added back in the magnesium. Found a really informative webite showing interactions of various medications with various supplements and foods.

http://www.truestarhealth.com/Notes/1539003.html#Dni-Supp

It mentions the possibility of interaction with minerals such as Iron, Magnesium and Zinc and recommends taking these supplements at least 2 hours away from Coumadin dose. We are trying that approach as it would seem to make sense.

But now I would like to add back in the Coenzyme Q10. Same website above states some possible problems with Coenzyme Q10 and Coumadin-that the Q10 molecule is somewhat similar to Vit K molecule, but the referenced source of reported possible problems seems to be of only 4 cases being reported and cited...not alot of proof of a major problem...

Question: do others have experience using Coenzyme Q10 and Coumadin? Any problems or issues come up?

I like what others have said here on the forum of trying something and then testing to see what impact it has on INR. But realizing that maybe I should wait to try the Coenzyme Q10 after my husband is officially "stable" in his Coumadin dosing...

Any suggestions, comments are welcome.

 

[pem]

Hi. Glad he is now within range. I agree that you might want to not rock the boat until he is stable for a period of time. I don't know whether or not CoQ10 interacts with Coumadin (others, perhaps the user named "protimenow" have personal experience with this to share).

I'd say wait a while and discuss with your doctor before you begin adding it to your husband's regimen.

Was your husband placed on Amiodarone following surgery? I was and found that discontinuing that resulted in INR fluctuations and that it took quite a while for the Amiodarone to clear my system so that the INR could finally stabilize. From that experience, I would suggest just keeping an awareness about introducing *or* removing any medication or supplement, and the potential effects on INR.

Very best wishes,
pem

 

[Protimenow]

I'm flattered to see that I was mentioned. I don't have any experience with Co-Q10. I'm not sure what the benefits would be. If the body sees it as similar to Vitamin K - it may help to keep your husband's INR stable (because a low dosage of Vitamin K is supposed to simplify dosing). As Pem mentioned, it's certainly good to ask your doctor (but I'm not sure how many doctors know a lot about supplements), but if your husband is getting tested every few days, perhaps starting him on Co-Q10, and regular, frequent testing will detect any blips in his INR. But, again, ask your doctor.

From personal experience, I took Quercetin for a while and it seemed to fool my meter into reporting an INR that was higher than the actual INR. I'm still not certain if relying on my meter - and using Quercetin - were the cause of my stroke (fortunately, a minor TIA), but I'm a strong advocate of testing - especially if you start a new medication - prescription or Over the Counter.

Perhaps other on this forum will be able to report actual experience with Co-Q10 -- unfortunately, I can't.

 

[tom in MO]

My hospital cardiologist, my regular cardiologist, my hospital and rehab nutritionists all said not to take any dietary supplements when on warfarin w/o consulting the cardiologist. The reason being is that most of the supplements are not well studied and their interaction with warfarin are truly not known outside of anectdotal evidence. My cardiologist specifically said not to take any vitamin supplements w/o a defined medical need. Before warfarin he had me on CardioTabs and told me to stop. They all stated that the best "health supplement" is a good varied diet with healthy portions of fish, legumes, vegetables, grain, fruit...multi-colored.