Not a bad idea (!) IF you are aware of the following and you take appropriate ``steps'' to prevent the loss of the nutrients mentioned below, esp. CoQ10. According to recent research, CoQ10 is going to be added to the latest ``statin'' drugs to address this problem. For dosage suggestions (RDA is unknown)...into the Google search engine, type in the words ``CoQ10 cancer'' for dosage and timing SUGGESTIONS.
It is an expensive supplement. We normally make this (CoQ10) when we exercise IF we have the ingredients to make it.
From my files:
The late Karl Folkers, a pioneer in CoQ10 research, observed that drugs inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase activity cause a simultaneous decrease in CoQ10 levels (Folkers et al. 1990). The reason for this is that the HMG-CoA enzyme also plays a role in CoQ10 synthesis.
Individuals using either statin drugs or tocotrienols may wish to increase their intake of CoQ10; a decrease in CoQ10 could negate any benefit garnered from a hypocholesterolemic drug.
http://www.lef.org/protocols/prtcl-049s.shtml
11. The statin class of cholesterol-lowering drugs(Lipitor, Zocor,etc.) interrupt the body's natural production of CoQ10 reducing blood and cellular levels(11).
CoQ10 is a necessary enzyme for heart function and other body processes. Cholestyramin(Questran,Prevalite) causes various gastrointestinal problems including constipation, bloating, inhibition of fat soluble vitamins which can lead to night blindness, bruising, increased triglyerides, osteoporosis.
http://www.talkinternational.com/science/adverse_effects_of_prescription_drugs.htm
In 1987, Merck made headlines when it came out with Mevacor (lovastatin), the first cholesterol-lowering statin drug. Statins block enzyme pathways involved in the production of cholesterol, thereby lowering cholesterol levels.
But that's not all these drugs do. The same enzymes that are involved in the production of cholesterol are also required for the production of an essential compound called coenzyme Q10; not surprisingly, lower cholesterol levels in statin users are accompanied by reduced levels of CoQ10.
Coenzyme Q10 -- also called ubiquinone, which means "occurring everywhere" -- plays an important role in the manufacture of ATP, the fuel that runs cellular processes. Though it is present in every cell in your body, it is especially concentrated in the very active cells of your heart.
Depriving the heart of CoQ10 is like removing a spark plug from your engine -- it just won't work. Low levels of CoQ10 are implicated in virtually all cardiovascular diseases, including angina, hypertension, cardiomyopathy and congestive heart failure.
http://www.chelationtherapyonline.com/articles/p72.htm
REPLY from MDA: Robert E. McMichael, M.D., MDA Clinic Director, Arlington, TX
Modern drugs used to lower cholesterol, all (or at least most) seem to have some risk of an adverse effect on muscles.
In its most extreme form this can result in enough muscle breakdown to cause a pronounced elevation of the CK level (muscle enzyme measured in the blood), weakness, and pain. I have never seen anyone have a severe reaction, but I have seen patients who have had aches and felt a bit weak.
The usual solution is to stop the drug and try to use more effective dietary measures. Even drugs like Questran and niacin, which are not "statins," seem to have some risk of similar side effects.
http://www.mdausa.org/experts/viewall.cfm?id=80
References Cholestyramine (Questran�) and colestipol (Colestid�) are bile acid sequestrants a class of drugs that binds bile ... with the absorption of dietary fat and cholesterol.
Bile acid sequestrants bind bile acids in the small intestine ... are secreted into the small intestine, bound to bile acid sequestrants, and carried out of the body. The end result is lower cholesterol levels.
www.healthfind.org/health/folic%20acid&start=50
Cholestyramine. Cholestyramine (Questran, Questran Light) is a drug normally used to reduce cholesterol levels; it also binds with oxalate in the intestine and so reduces elevated levels in urine (hyperoxaluria).
The drug is usually taken in powder form, dissolved in water, milk, or fruit juice; it is also available as a chewable bar (Cholybar). Bloating and constipation are common side effects of this drug, so many people cannot tolerate it.
The drug also interferes with other medications, including digoxin (Lanoxin) and warfarin (Coumadin), and may contribute to calcium loss and osteoporosis. In order to prevent such interactions, other drugs should be taken one hour before or four to six hours after taking cholestyramine.
If the drug is taken for a long period of time, deficiencies of vitamins A, D, E, and K can result, and vitamin supplements may be necessary.
www.umm.edu/patiented/articles/ what_drugs_available_treatment_prevention_of_kidney_stones_000081_9.htm
Itching, from too much bile in the bloodstream, can be controlled with drugs such as Questran. Bile is usually reabsorbed into the bloodstream from the large intestine, and goes back to the liver to be reused.
Questran binds up bile in the intestine, allowing it to be eliminated with the stool instead. This helps to reduce the build-up of bile in the body. Actigall is a drug that favorably changes the make-up of bile in the liver. This, in turn, seems to reduce the amount of liver damage that occurs.
www.gicare.com/pated/ecdlv35.htm
Cholesterol-Lowering Drugs
Questran may interfere with the status of vitamins A, B12, F, E, K and with folic acid and calcium.
www.nutritioncare.com.au/2_ProdPrac/ 1_NC/1_Appendices/AppH_prod.html
Drug Name
Cholestyramine (Questran) -- Forms a nonabsorbable complex with bile acids in the intestine, which in turn inhibits enterohepatic reuptake of intestinal bile salts.
Adult Dose 4 g 2-6 times per d mixed in 4 oz water or juice; not to exceed 24 g/d
Pediatric Dose Not established
Contraindications Documented hypersensitivity; complete biliary obstruction; hyperlipidemia types III, IV, or V
Interactions Inhibits absorption of numerous drugs, including warfarin, thyroid hormone, amiodarone, NSAIDs, methotrexate, digitalis glycosides, glipizide, phenytoin, phenobarbital, imipramine, niacin, methyldopa, tetracyclines, clofibrate, hydrocortisone, penicillin G, cephalexin, and metronidazole; thiazide diuretics; valproic acid; troglitazone; coadministration with pravastatin increases effects
Pregnancy C - Safety for use during pregnancy has not been established.
Precautions Documented hypersensitivity; caution in constipation and phenylketonuria; chronic use may lead to insufficiency of fat-soluble vitamins and contribute to bleeding.
www.emedicine.com/med/topic225.htm
UBBFriend: Email this page to someone!
Printer-friendly view of this topic