ZYPITAMAG® (pitavastatin)
Powerful Cholesterol Control. Gentler on Muscles & CoQ10.
$34.50/month or less
Statins lower cholesterol, but they also reduce your body's CoQ10 levels. Lower CoQ10 may contribute to muscle aches and weakness some people experience with statins.
ZYPITAMAG: A Gentler Option
ZYPITAMAG, a next-generation option, is known for its lesser effect on CoQ10. This can lead to better tolerability for many patients.
In a head-to-head study, 4 mg of pitavastatin led to a 7.7% drop in CoQ10, while 20 mg of atorvastatin caused a 26.1% decrease. Both reduced cholesterol effectively, but pitavastatin had a gentler effect on CoQ10.
| LIPITOR 20 mg | ZYPITAMAG 4 mg | |
|---|---|---|
| LDL Reduction | -40.7% | -42.8% |
| CoQ10 Impact | -26.1% | -7.7% |
| Muscle Side Effects | More frequently reported | Less frequently reported |
What is CoQ10
CoQ10 (coenzyme Q10) is a naturally occurring substance in the body, found in nearly every cell. It plays a key role in helping the body produce cellular energy, which powers everything you do. CoQ10 is particularly important for organs with high energy demands, like the heart, liver, kidneys and muscles.
CoQ10 plays two important roles:
- Energy Production: Crucial for generating ATP in cell mitochondria, the primary energy source for all bodily functions.
- Antioxidant: A powerful protector against cell damage by neutralizing harmful free radicals, combating oxidative stress, aging, and certain diseases.
When CoQ10 levels drop, you may notice:
- Muscle aches or cramping
- Fatigue or low energy
- Trouble with exercise or recovery
How Statins Impact CoQ10 Levels
Statins work by blocking an enzyme in the liver called HMG-CoA reductase. This action lowers cholesterol production. However, the same enzyme is also involved in the synthesis of CoQ10. As a result, statins can lower the body's CoQ10 levels, both in the bloodstream and in muscle tissue.
Lower CoQ10 levels can affect the mitochondria (energy centers) in muscle cells, potentially reducing their energy output. This may explain why some people taking statins experience muscle pain and fatigue.
How ZYPITAMAG is Different
Research shows that ZYPITAMAG has a smaller effect on the mevalonate pathway compared to other statins like simvastatin or atorvastatin. Clinical studies have shown that patients taking ZYPITAMAG tend to maintain more of their CoQ10 levels.
Additionally, Zypitamag is less likely to cause muscle side effects or interact with other medications because it is processed differently by the body (minimal involvement of the CYP3A4 pathway).
Choose ZYPITAMAG
- Less impact on CoQ10 levels. Easier on your muscles.
- Fewer interactions with other medications
- No prior authorizations or pharmacy lines
- $34.50/month or less
Considering CoQ10 Supplements?
If you experience fatigue or muscle soreness while taking statins, CoQ10 supplements are often suggested. While studies show mixed results, many patients report feeling better after taking them.
CoQ10 comes in 2 forms:
- Ubiquinone: This is the common, oxidized form found in most over-the-counter supplements.
- Ubiquinol: This is the active form your body uses directly. It might be absorbed more easily, especially for older adults or those with ongoing health issues.
Your body can convert ubiquinone to ubiquinol, but this conversion can become less efficient as you age or if you have certain health conditions. Because of this, healthcare providers may recommend ubiquinol if you're over 60 or dealing with persistent fatigue or muscle symptoms related to statin use.
What the Research Shows
A study in 2022 involving 37 patients on simvastatin found that while CoQ10 levels increased with supplements, the CoQ10 levels in their muscles and their muscle pain symptoms didn't significantly improve as a group. However, some individuals in the study still reported feeling relief.