Can I take Cardiol and Meaquor if I am on medication with statins, anticoagulants, beta-blockers and the like?

I would like to know whether Cardiol and Meaquor have any special contraindications and whether they can also be taken by those who are on medication with statins, anticoagulants, and beta-blockers. Thank you.

Dear Maura, 

Cardiol is a product formulated to improve cardiovascular health.

The formulation contains fermented red rice, which has monacolin K, a natural statin similar to lovastatin, as an active ingredient. Because of the presence of this natural statin, the use of Cardiol is not recommended in cases of drug treatment with statins. Cardiol is also contraindicated in cases of known hypersensitivity to any of its components. 

In the interest of full disclosure, I am reporting a warning in the package insert: "In the presence of cardiovasculopathy and/or hypertension,consult your physician before taking this product." This is a mandatory statement according to Ministry of Health regulations for all supplements containing an extract of Citrus aurantium L.. 

Citrus aurantium L. extract may contain synephrine, a substance with cardiotonic activity. What we use in Cardiol is a purified extract of the fruit (not the peel, which is known to be rich in synephrine) titrated in bioflavonoids (tangeretin and nobiletin) with known hypolipidemic properties. The dose at which synephrine can cause elevations in blood pressure is 30 milligrams: in Cardiol it is present in trace amounts of 0.015 milligrams. May I point out that among our supplements is another product useful for the treatment of dyslipidemia, Eulipid.

Eulipid can be used during treatment with statins, because the active ingredients it contains work synergistically with the latter by promoting hepatic reuptake of circulating LDL cholesterol. Eulipid also provides a proper dose of antioxidants essential for the protection of the cardiovascular system and other tissues from damage caused by oxidative stress, a major cause of cellular deterioration. The recommended dose is 1 tablet daily, in the evening before dinner.

 Meaquor is an extremely concentrated and purified source of the Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids EPA and DHA (from fish oil purified by multiple molecular distillation). Due to its high Omega-3 intake, Meaquor can be a useful adjuvant for both blood triglyceride control and cardiovascular disease prevention. 

The product has no contraindications, except in case of known hypersensitivity to any of its components. The recommended dose is 1 pearl per day, taken just before a main meal. In cases of severe hypertriglyceridemia, on the advice of the treating physician, this dose may be raised to 3 pearls per day. 

I hope I have fully answered your questions and invite you to contact us again for further clarification. 

Sincerely, 

Dr. Rosaria Ramondino Pharmacist and Pharmaceutical Chemist