Abstract Disclosed are methods for inhibiting the side effects attendant treatment with HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors. Treatment of a patient with and HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor in combination with coenzyme Q 10 provides a reduction in patient cholesterol levels and guards against typical HMG-CoA reductase-inhibitor side effects, most notably liver dysfunction and cardiac dysfunction. The combination of lovastatin, an HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor, and coenzyme Q 10 in ratios of between 1:2 to 1:29 provide significant enhancement of a patient's caridac condition. By way of example, other HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors which may be included in the claimed combinations include pravastatin, compactin, fluvastatin, dalvastatin, simvastatin, BMY 22089, GR-95030, HR-780, CI-981, SQ 33,600, and BMY 22566 and XU-62-320.
A method for ameliorating reductions of coenzyme Q 10 in cardiomyopathy patients receiving an HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor comprising administering concurrently with said HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor coenzyme Q 10 at a concentration sufficient to raise serum levels of coenzyme Q 10 to at least 2.0 μg/ml.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
45 words
A method for ameliorating reductions of coenzyme Q 10 in cardiomyopathy patients receiving an HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor comprising administering concurrently with said HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor coenzyme Q 10 at a concentration sufficient to raise serum levels of coenzyme Q 10 to at least 2.0 μg/ml.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
37 words
The method of claim 1, wherein the HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor is selected from the group consisting of: lovastatin; pravastatin; simvastatin; fluvastatin; dalvastatin; compactin; HR-780; B My 22,089; B My 22,566; SQ 33,600; GR 95,030; or CI 981.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor is pravastatin.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
36 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the concentration of coenzyme Q 10 sufficient to raise serum levels of coenzyme Q 10 to at least 2.0 μg/ml is at least 200 mg/day for at least 30 days.