Simvastatin
The following information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
What is Simvastatin?
Simvastatin (or Zocor) is an HMG CoA reductase inhibitor. It blocks the production of cholesterol (a type of fat) in the body and is used to reduce the total amounts of cholesterol, LDL (bad) cholesterol, triglycerides (another type of fat), and apolipoprotein B (a protein needed to make cholesterol) in your blood.
This medication is also used to increase the level of HDL (good) cholesterol in your blood. These actions may reduce the risk of hardening of the arteries, which can lead to heart attacks, stroke, and peripheral vascular disease. Simvastatin may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
Who should not take this medication?
Before taking Simvastatin, tell your doctor if you:
- Have kidney disease
- Drink alcoholic beverages
- Have a chronic muscular disease
- Have a blood disorder
- Have a liver disease
Allergies
Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors. Also tell your health care professional if you are allergic to any other substances, such as foods, preservatives, or dyes. You may not be able to take Simvastatin, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.
What are the possible Simvastatin side effects?
Rare cases of muscle problems and liver problems have been associated with the use of Simvastatin and other similar medicines. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness, especially if accompanied by a fever or flu like symptoms, yellowing of the skin or eyes, abdominal pain, unexplained fatigue, dark colored urine or pale colored stools. These may be early symptoms of muscle or liver problems.
If you experience any of the following serious side effects from Simvastatin, stop taking it and seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately:
- an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives
- decreased urine or rust-colored urine
- blurred vision.
- gas, bloating, nausea, stomach upset, heartburn, abdominal pain, constipation, or diarrhea
- cough
- headache
- insomnia
What other drugs will affect Simvastatin?
Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary.
When you are taking HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, it is especially important that your health care professional know if you are taking any of the following:
- Cyclosporine (e.g., Sandimmune) or
- Gemfibrozil (e.g., Lopid) or
- Clofibrate (e.g., Atromid-S) or
- Fenofibrate (e.g., Tricor) or
- Niacin-Use of these medicines with an HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor may increase the risk of developing muscle problems and kidney failure
- Digoxin (e.g., Lanoxin)-Use with atorvastatin, fluvastatin, or simvastatin may increase blood levels of digoxin, increasing the risk of side effects
- Oral contraceptives, (birth control tablets)-Atorvastatin may increase the blood levels of the birth control hormones, increasing the risk of side effects
- HIV protease inhibitors (Amprenavir [e.g., Agenerase], Indinavir [e.g., Crixivan], Nelfinavir [e.g., Viracept], Ritonavir [e.g., Norvir], Saquinavir [e.g., Fortovase, Invirase]) or
- Nefazodone (e.g. Serzone)-Use with simvastatin may increase the risk of developing muscle problems and kidney failure
- Verapamil (e.g. Calan, Isoptin)-Use with simvastatin may increase the risk of muscle problems
What is generic for Simvastatin or Zocor?
Generic for Simvastatin is available at www.affordabledrugs.com or 1 800 887 6890.
Where can I buy Simvastatin or Zocor?
You can buy Simvastatin online at www.affordabledrugs.com or by calling 1 800 887 6890. You can save up to 80% on brand name and generic medications.
Simvastatin information links:
Simvastatin information Website
MERCK FROSST CANADA & CIE, MERCK FROSST CANADA & CO. web site
PDR consumer site about Simvastatin
Affordable Drugs information site including Simvastatin (Zocor) Information at www.affordabledrugs.com or 1800-887-6890.
Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided in the Service is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. In addition, the drug information contained herein may be time sensitive.
The Service does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients, or recommend therapy. The Service is an informational resource designed to assist healthcare consumers. Healthcare practitioners should use their professional judgment in using the information provided. The Service is not a substitute for the care provided by licensed healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient.
Affordable drugs does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information the Service provides.