WannaKnow asked
Can I take a CoQ10 supplement while on the prescription drug Brilinta?
Answer
Yes, Co-Enzyme Q10, also known as CoQ10 or ubiquinone, may be taken with the prescription drug Brilinta as there are no known side effects.
CoQ10 is an endogenous vitamin our bodies produce that is involved in a variety of cellular processes. It is also a component of many foods and a popular over the counter supplement.
It has a good track record of safety with the only know drug interactions being the following:
Blood Pressure Medications
Co-Enzyme Q10 might lower blood pressure. It can have additive effects with medications used for hypertension and therefore could potentially drop blood pressure too low. While there is no 'drug-drug' interaction, caution should be taken when taking additional medications to lower blood pressure.
Warfarin
Co-Enzyme Q10 is structurally similar to vitamin K. Warfarin works by inhibiting the synthesis of vitamin K, which is an important component of many clotting factors in the body. There is a potential chance to have a decreased response to warfarin when Co-Enzyme Q10 is taken concurrently and should be avoided unless monitored approrpriately. Brilinta, while a blood thinner, does not work via vitamin K inhibition and is OK to take with Co-Enzyme Q10.
Certain Chemotherapy Medications
There is some evidence that suggests that supplementing with Co-Enzyme Q10 may increase the side effects of certain chemotherapy drugs as well as decrease the effectiveness of others.
Overall, Co-Enzyme Q10 is a safe supplement to take in most situations. It has a low toxicity, lacks serious adverse effects and does not interact with most medications.
