Uses
What is simvastatin used for?
Simvastatin is commonly used to lower bad cholesterol levels (LDL-C) and fats (triglycerides) in the blood. It also increases good cholesterol levels (HDL). Improving your cholesterol levels helps decrease your risk of heart disease, stroke, and heart attack.
Simvastatin may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.
How does simvastatin work (mechanism of action)?
Simvastatin lowers blood cholesterol levels by decreasing the amount of cholesterol made by your liver and by increasing the breakdown of bad cholesterol.
How is simvastatin supplied (dosage forms)?
Simvastatin is available as FloLipid, Zocor, and generic simvastatin in the following dosage forms that are taken by mouth.
- 5 mg oral tablets (generic only)
- 10 mg oral tablets
- 20 mg oral tablets
- 40 mg oral tablets
- 80 mg oral tablets (generic only)
- 20 mg/5 mL oral suspension
- 40 mg/5 mL oral suspension
How should I store simvastatin?
Oral Tablet. Simvastatin oral tablets should be stored at room temperature between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C), for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place.
Oral Liquid. Simvastatin oral suspension should be stored at room temperature between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C), for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place. Do not freeze or refrigerate. Use within the first 30 days of opening, then throw away any remaining medicine.
Side Effects
What are the most common side effects of simvastatin?
The most common side effects of simvastatin are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.
- Cold symptoms such as stuffy or runny nose, sore throat, and cough
- Headache
- Stomach pain
- Constipation
- Nausea
There may be other side effects of simvastatin that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.
What are the serious side effects of simvastatin?
While less common, the most serious side effects of simvastatin are described below, along with what to do if they happen.
Muscle Problems. Simvastatin can cause muscle problems, including muscle pain, weakness, and tenderness called myopathy. In some people, the muscle may break down (rhabdomyolysis), which can be serious and rarely lead to kidney damage and death. Stop taking simvastatin and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of myopathy or rhabdomyolysis.
- Unexplained muscle pain, weakness, or tenderness
- Low energy levels or feeling easily tired, especially with activity
- Dark colored urine
- Fever
- Muscle cramps
- Stomach pain
- Nausea or vomiting
Liver Damage. Liver damage, also called hepatotoxicity, can happen when taking simvastatin. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of liver damage.
- Nausea or vomiting
- Stomach or belly pain
- Fever
- Weakness or unusual tiredness
- Itching
- Loss of appetite
- Light colored poop
- Dark colored urine
- Your skin or the whites of your eyes turning yellowish in color (also called jaundice)
Increased Blood Sugar. Simvastatin may increase your blood sugar levels. Talk to your healthcare provider about how to maintain healthy blood sugar levels.
Severe Allergic Reactions. Simvastatin can cause allergic reactions, including a severe skin reaction called Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS), which can be serious. Stop taking simvastatin and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.
- Breathing problems or wheezing
- Racing heart
- Fever or general ill feeling
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
- Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
- Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
- Painful red or purple skin that looks burned and peels off
- Blisters on your skin, mouth, nose, and genitals
- Red, painful, watery eyes
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
- Stomach cramps
- Joint pain
Warnings & Precautions
Who should not use simvastatin?
Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take simvastatin.
- Simvastatin
- FloLipid
- Zocor
- Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed
Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific simvastatin products they stock.
Liver Problems. Simvastatin should not be taken if your liver is not working as well as it should be. If there is a concern about the health of your liver, your healthcare provider may do tests to determine if it is working well enough to take this medicine.
Drug Interactions. Simvastatin should not be taken while you are using certain other medicines. Before taking simvastatin, tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section below for more details.
What should I know about simvastatin before using it?
Do not take simvastatin unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Take it as prescribed.
Do not share simvastatin with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.
Keep simvastatin out of the reach of children.
People aged 65 years and older can be at a greater risk for some side effects of simvastatin, including muscle pain, weakness, and injury. Talk to your healthcare provider about your risks if you are in this age group.
Take simvastatin oral suspension on an empty stomach. Shake the bottle well for at least 20 seconds before using. Use an accurate measuring device to measure your dose of simvastatin oral suspension. A household spoon is not an accurate measuring device and may cause you to take the wrong dose. Ask your pharmacist to recommend an appropriate measuring device.
What should I tell my healthcare provider before using simvastatin?
Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if simvastatin is right for you.
In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.
Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following.
- Muscle weakness or pain that cannot be explained
- Kidney problems
- Liver problems
- Diabetes
- Thyroid problems
- Myasthenia gravis
Chinese descent. Tell your healthcare provider if you are of Chinese descent. You may have an increased risk of developing serious muscle problems while taking simvastatin.
Other Medicines and Supplements. Simvastatin may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking simvastatin, tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section below for more details.
Pregnancy. Simvastatin may cause harm to an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should take simvastatin while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.
Breastfeeding. Do not take simvastatin while you are breastfeeding. It is not known if simvastatin passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should take simvastatin or breastfeed.
Interactions
Does simvastatin interact with foods or drinks?
Do not drink grapefruit juice while taking simvastatin. Grapefruit juice can increase your risk of developing serious muscle problems.
Limit the amount of alcohol you drink while taking simvastatin. The risk of liver damage may be increased if you drink significant amounts of alcohol. Tell your healthcare provider if you drink more than 2 glasses of alcohol per day before taking simvastatin.
Does simvastatin interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?
Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.
In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before using simvastatin.
- A medicine used for HIV, AIDS, or Hepatitis C
- Ketoconazole, itraconazole (Sporanox, Tolsura), posaconazole (Noxafil), or voriconazole (Vfend) which are medicines used for fungus infections
- Certain antibiotics, such as clarithromycin, and erythromycin
- Colchicine, which is commonly used for gout
- Cyclosporine (Gengraf, Neoral, Sandimmune, and others), which is a medicine to suppress your immune system
- Digoxin (Lanoxin), which is a medicine used to treat irregular heartbeat and some types of heart failure
- Nefazodone, which is commonly used for depression
- Niacin or a fibrate such as gemfibrozil (Lopid), fenofibrate (Tricor), or fenofibric acid (Fibricor, Trilipix), which are medicines for high cholesterol
- Danazol
- Warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven), which is a medicine used to treat blood clots
- Amiodarone (Cordarone, Pacerone) or dronedarone (Multaq), which are commonly used to treat an irregular heartbeat
- Verapamil, diltiazem, amlodipine, or ranolazine, which are medicines used to treat high blood pressure, chest pain, or other heart conditions
- Lomitapide (Juxtapid), which is a medicine used to treat a genetic cholesterol condition
- Daptomycin (Cubicin), which is a medicine used to treat skin and bloodstream infections
Some other medicines may alter the blood levels of simvastatin. Tell your healthcare provider about all medicines that you take or have recently taken.
Overdose/Missed Dose
What should I do if I accidentally take too much simvastatin?
If you or someone else has taken too much simvastatin, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.
What should I do if I miss a dose of simvastatin?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
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