NutriStack
Coenzyme Q10 and Simvastatin, a synergy.
Simvastatin can reduce circulating CoQ10 by inhibiting the same pathway used to make cholesterol. CoQ10 supplementation has mixed but plausible evidence for reducing statin-associated myalgia. It does not treat dangerous rhabdomyolysis and should not delay evaluation of severe symptoms.
One pair, every claim cited. The two substances, the type, the mechanism, the recommendation, and the primary literature.
Same shape as the other 1,729 pairs in the public database.
From the interaction database
What the row says.
Every entry follows the same shape: what is happening, the mechanism, the recommendation, and the primary literature.
At a glance
- Substances
- Coenzyme Q10 and Simvastatin
- Pair type
- Synergy
- Evidence (highest tier)
- Moderate
- Source citations
- 2 sources
- Stack Score effect
- +2 to your Stack Score (per scored synergy row).
- Scope
- Supplement × Prescription
- Last verified
- May 30, 2026
Synergy · Moderate evidence
Synergy
What is happening. Simvastatin can reduce circulating CoQ10 by inhibiting the same pathway used to make cholesterol. CoQ10 supplementation has mixed but plausible evidence for reducing statin-associated myalgia. It does not treat dangerous rhabdomyolysis and should not delay evaluation of severe symptoms.
Mechanism. Simvastatin inhibits HMG-CoA reductase, lowering mevalonate availability for CoQ10 biosynthesis. CoQ10 is needed for mitochondrial electron transport, and depletion may contribute to muscle energy stress.
Recommendation. Consider CoQ10 100-200 mg/day if you have mild muscle aches on simvastatin and want a low-risk adjunct. Report severe muscle pain, weakness, or dark urine immediately, especially if you recently added another medication or supplement.
Sources (2)
- Banach M, Serban C, Sahebkar A, Ursoniu S, Rysz J, Muntner P, et al. Effects of coenzyme Q10 on statin-induced myopathy: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Mayo Clin Proc. 2015;90(1):24-34. PMID 25440725
- Qu H, Meng YY, Chai H, Liang F, Zhang JY, Gao ZY, et al. The effect of statin treatment on circulating coenzyme Q10 concentrations: an updated meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Eur J Med Res. 2018;23(1):57. PMID 30414615
Stack Score
How this pair moves the number.
Effect on the composite score
If both Coenzyme Q10 and Simvastatin are in the same stack, this pair applies +2 to your Stack Score (per scored synergy row).
The full algorithm, the clamping rules, and four worked stacks are documented at /methodology/stack-score.
Check your full routine
One pair was the worked example. NutriStack runs every pair in your stack at once.
Drop in your supplements and prescriptions and the public database surfaces every interaction, synergy, timing rule, and contraindication, every one linked to its primary source.