Blackmores CoQ10 150mg Capsule

Blackmores CoQ10 150mg Capsule is a high-strength coenzyme Q10 dietary supplement from Blackmores, the Australian natural health brand. Each capsule contains 150mg of coenzyme Q10, listed on the label by its pharmaceutical name, ubidecarenone. The pack offered on DoctorOnCall contains 30 capsules, which provides one month’s supply at the recommended one capsule a day.

Coenzyme Q10 is a naturally occurring, fat-soluble compound present in almost every cell of the body. It is an essential part of the mitochondrial process that converts nutrients from food into usable cellular energy (ATP), and it also functions as a fat-soluble antioxidant. Although the body makes its own coenzyme Q10 and small amounts come from foods such as organ meats, oily fish and wholegrains, production declines with age, and cholesterol-lowering statin medicines are known to reduce circulating levels.

At 150mg per capsule, this is one of the higher single-capsule strengths in the Blackmores CoQ10 range, allowing a once-daily routine instead of several lower-strength capsules. Because coenzyme Q10 dissolves in fat rather than water, the capsule should be taken with a meal to support absorption. It is designed to supplement the diet of adults and is not a substitute for a balanced diet or for any medicine your doctor has prescribed.

Swallow the capsule whole with a glass of water; do not crush or chew it. Take it with a meal – ideally your largest meal of the day or one containing some healthy fat, such as fish, eggs, nuts or cooking oil – as this helps the body absorb coenzyme Q10. Try to take it at the same time each day to make it part of your routine.

Adults: Take 1 capsule (150mg coenzyme Q10) once daily with food, or as advised by a healthcare professional. Do not take more than the recommended amount on the label unless your doctor advises it. If you forget a dose, skip it and take the next capsule at your normal time; do not double up. Not intended for use in children unless advised by a doctor.

Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, heat and moisture, and keep the container or blister pack tightly closed after each use. Do not store in the bathroom or in a hot car. Keep out of reach and sight of children, and follow any specific storage instructions shown on the product label.

• Common: Mild digestive discomfort such as nausea, upset stomach, heartburn, loss of appetite or diarrhoea; taking the capsule with a meal may help.
• Common: Headache or dizziness in some people, usually mild and temporary.
• Less common: Difficulty sleeping (insomnia) has been reported with coenzyme Q10; if this happens, taking the capsule earlier in the day may help.
• Serious: Allergic reactions such as rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips or tongue, or difficulty breathing are rare – stop taking the product and seek urgent medical attention.
• Serious: Unusual bruising or bleeding, or a change in blood test results (INR) in people taking warfarin – contact your doctor promptly.

• Do not take if you are allergic to coenzyme Q10 or to any other ingredient in the capsule, including the capsule shell or any excipient listed on the product label.
• Not recommended for children unless advised by a doctor, as the product is formulated for adults.
• Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding unless advised by a doctor, because safety data in these groups are limited.
• People taking warfarin or other blood-thinning medicines should not start this product without first speaking to their doctor.

• Warfarin: Coenzyme Q10 may interact with warfarin and has been reported to reduce its blood-thinning effect; your doctor may need to monitor your INR more closely if you start or stop this product.
• Blood pressure medicines (antihypertensives): Coenzyme Q10 may add to the blood-pressure-lowering effect of these medicines; monitor your blood pressure and tell your doctor if you feel light-headed or dizzy.
• Insulin and other diabetes medicines: Coenzyme Q10 may interact with insulin and could affect blood glucose levels; check your blood sugar regularly and speak to your doctor before starting.
• Chemotherapy: Antioxidant supplements such as coenzyme Q10 may not be compatible with some cancer treatments; always consult your oncologist before taking this product during chemotherapy or radiotherapy.
• Food: Coenzyme Q10 is fat-soluble, so it is best absorbed when taken with a meal that contains some fat.
• Other supplements: Check the labels of multivitamins and other products you take to avoid duplicating coenzyme Q10 intake.

• Pair your capsule with a meal containing some fat, such as nasi lemak, eggs or a fish dish, rather than taking it on an empty stomach.
• A 30-capsule pack lasts one month at one capsule daily – set a reminder to reorder so you do not miss days.
• If you take a statin, keep taking it as prescribed; discuss with your doctor whether adding coenzyme Q10 is appropriate for you.
• Read the full ingredient list on the pack if you have food allergies, as capsule shells and excipients vary between products.
• Avoid combining with other CoQ10 products or multivitamins containing coenzyme Q10 unless a healthcare professional advises it.
• Tell your surgeon or dentist that you take coenzyme Q10 before any planned procedure.

Precautions: Coenzyme Q10 is a dietary supplement and should not replace a varied, balanced diet or any medicine prescribed by your doctor. Do not stop or change prescribed heart, blood pressure, diabetes or cholesterol medicines because you have started this product. Safety data in pregnancy, breastfeeding and children are limited, so use in these groups only on a doctor’s advice. People with kidney or liver disease, low blood pressure, or an upcoming surgery should seek advice first, and should let their surgeon know they take coenzyme Q10.

When to See a Doctor or Pharmacist: Speak to a doctor or pharmacist before starting if you take warfarin or other blood thinners, blood pressure medicines, insulin or other diabetes medicines, or are receiving cancer treatment. Stop taking the product and seek medical help if you develop signs of an allergic reaction, unusual bleeding or bruising, persistent stomach upset, or marked dizziness.