Precautions
Statins reduce the production of it inside the liver. Mounting suggests there is an optimal time of day to take statins. "Most manufacturers of statins recommend that they are taken at night, on the basis of physiological studies which show that most ...
When to take simvastatin?
Simvastatin is used together with a proper diet to treat high cholesterol and triglyceride (fat) levels in the blood. This medicine may help prevent medical problems (eg, heart attacks, strokes) caused by clogged blood vessels. Simvastatin may also be used to prevent certain types of heart problems in patients with risk factors for heart problems.
What conditions does simvastatin treat?
Simvastatin may cause side effects. Some of the more common side effects of simvastatin include: Headache ; Stomach gas, pain, or upset ; Nausea ; Constipation ; Trouble sleeping ; Upper respiratory tract infection ; Dizziness; Tell your doctor if you notice that any of these side effects worsen, will not go away, or worry you while taking simvastatin.
What are side effects of simvastatin?
Signs of an overdose on this drug include: Trouble breathing due to allergic reaction Passing out Jaundice, indicating liver damage Dark urine and muscle pain, indicating rhabdomyolysis and kidney damage Seizures
What happens if I overdose on simvastatin?
What blood condition does simvastatin treat?
Simvastatin is used together with a proper diet to treat high cholesterol and triglyceride (fat) levels in the blood. This medicine may help prevent medical problems (eg, heart or blood vessel problems, heart attacks, or strokes) caused by clogged blood vessels.
Why would simvastatin be prescribed?
Simvastatin is used together with diet, weight-loss, and exercise to reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke and to decrease the chance that heart surgery will be needed in people who have heart disease or who are at risk of developing heart disease.
What are the side effects of taking simvastatin?
Side effects can vary between different statins, but common side effects include:headache.dizziness.feeling sick.feeling unusually tired or physically weak.digestive system problems, such as constipation, diarrhoea, indigestion or farting.muscle pain.sleep problems.low blood platelet count.
What should you avoid while taking simvastatin?
Drinking large amounts of grapefruit juice (more than 1 quart each day) while taking this medicine may increase your risk of muscle injury and could result in kidney problems. Do not drink large amounts of alcohol with simvastatin. This could cause unwanted effects on the liver.
Can simvastatin cause weight gain?
As with many medications, statins may cause side effects, including digestive problems, muscle pain and weakness, and cognitive dysfunction. Another side effect that's been linked to statins is weight gain.
What happens when you stop taking simvastatin?
Stopping your statin has been linked to increased risk for cardiovascular events (like heart attack) and death in patients with coronary artery disease.
Can simvastatin cause sleep problems?
The top-selling statins are atorvastatin (Lipitor), lovastatin (Mevacor), rosuvastatin (Crestor) and simvastatin (Zocor). How they can cause insomnia: The most common side effect of all types of statins is muscle pain, which can keep people who take them awake at night and unable to rest.
How good is simvastatin?
Simvastatin has an average rating of 4.8 out of 10 from a total of 124 ratings on Drugs.com. 32% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 49% reported a negative experience.
Does simvastatin make you sleepy?
In recent years, researchers discovered that people taking statins reported increased levels of general fatigue and tiredness, especially after exertion. A study from the University of California San Diego found that people taking statins experienced lower levels of energy than people who took a placebo.
Can you drink coffee while taking simvastatin?
Caffeine is a nonspecific adenosine receptor blocker, and thus drinking CC may block the myocardial protective effects of statins.
How long does it take for simvastatin to lower cholesterol?
You should see major changes in your cholesterol levels within two to four weeks after starting treatment.
What vitamins should not be taken with statins?
Niacin, vitamin B3, is a supplement and prescription medication that can interact with atorvastatin. The interaction can increase the chance of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis. The risk of an interaction is typically with higher doses of niacin (> 1 gram per day).
Before Taking This Medicine
You should not take this medicine if you are allergic to simvastatin, if you are pregnant or breast-feeding, or if you have active liver disease.Th...
How Should I Take Simvastatin?
Take simvastatin exactly as prescribed. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Never take this medicine in larger amounts, or for longer...
What Happens If I Miss A Dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to...
What Should I Avoid While Taking Simvastatin?
Grapefruit and grapefruit juice may interact with simvastatin and lead to unwanted side effects. Avoid the use of grapefruit products while taking...
Simvastatin Dosing Information
Usual Adult Dose for Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease:Usual dosage range: 5 to 40 mg orally once a day in the eveningPatients with coronary hea...
What Other Drugs Will Affect Simvastatin?
Many drugs can interact with simvastatin. Not all possible interactions are listed here. Tell your doctor about all your medications and any you st...
Why do you have to take simvastatin (Zocor) at night?
Simvastatin (Zocor) lowers "bad" cholesterol (LDL) by decreasing the amount your body makes. Since your body naturally makes the most cholesterol a...
Are Zocor and Lipitor the same?
No, Zocor (simvastatin) and Lipitor (atorvastatin) are different medications but they work the same way — they're both statins that work to lower y...
What foods should you avoid when taking simvastatin (Zocor)?
Simvastatin (Zocor) works best when you take it along with having a healthy, balanced diet. Foods high in cholesterol or fats should be consumed in...
Can you drink alcohol while taking simvastatin (Zocor)?
Drinking alcohol while taking simvastatin (Zocor) can increase your risk of side effects, especially those affecting your muscles and liver. Take c...
How it works
Simvastatin belongs to the drug class known as HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, also called statins. A class of drugs is a group of medications that work in a similar way. These drugs are often used to treat similar conditions.
Serious side effects
Call your doctor right away if you have serious side effects. Call 911 if your symptoms feel life threatening or if you think you’re having a medical emergency. Serious side effects and their symptoms can include the following:
Strong CYP3A4 Inhibitors
These drugs block your body from breaking down simvastatin. This can lead to very high levels of the drug in your body. It can also increase side effects, including rhabdomyolysis.
Other cholesterol-lowering drugs
When used with simvastatin, some cholesterol drugs can increase side effects such as myopathy or rhabdomyolysis. If you use these drugs with simvastatin, your doctor may lower your dosage of simvastatin. Examples of these drugs include:
Calcium channel blockers and other drugs that increase risk for myopathy or rhabdomyolysis
Using simvastatin with these drugs can increase the risk of myopathy or rhabdomyolysis. Your doctor may discuss other medication options or lower your dosage of simvastatin. Examples of calcium channel blockers include:
Heart drug
Digoxin is used to treat heart failure and arrhythmias. Taking simvastatin with digoxin can increase levels of digoxin in your body. If you’re taking both drugs, your doctor may want to monitor your digoxin level more closely.
Gout drug
Colchicine is a drug used to treat gout. Using simvastatin with colchicine can increase the risk of both myopathy and rhabdomyolysis.
Uses
Simvastatin is used along with a proper diet to help lower "bad" cholesterol and fats (such as LDL, triglycerides) and raise "good" cholesterol (HDL) in the blood. It belongs to a group of drugs known as " statins ." It works by reducing the amount of cholesterol made by the liver.
Side Effects
Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
Precautions
Before taking simvastatin, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Overdose
If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.
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How does Zocor work?
How simvastatin (Zocor) works. Simvastatin (Zocor) is a statin. Statins are cholesterol-lowering medications that help to lower "bad" cholesterol (called LDL) by blocking cholesterol production in the liver. Statins can also raise "good" cholesterol (called HDL).
What is Zocor used for?
Simvastatin (Zocor) helps improve your cholesterol levels and is a common first-choice medication for people with high cholesterol or heart disease. It is also used for people who are at higher risk of heart disease, such as those with diabetes, even though they may have normal cholesterol levels.
Is Zocor the same as Lipitor?
No, Zocor (simvastatin) and Lipitor (atorvastatin) are different medications but they work the same way — they're both statins that work to lower your cholesterol levels. Lipitor is stronger in that, at the same strength, it works better to lower cholesterol if your level is particularly high.
Is Zocor cheaper than Simvastatin?
Simvastatin (Zocor) is available as a generic medication and may be significantly cheaper compared to the brand version. Unless there is a specific reason you need the brand, the generic medication will be a better value. For even more savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.
What is simvastatin used for?
About simvastatin. Simvastatin belongs to a group of medicines called statins. It's used to lower cholesterol if you've been diagnosed with high blood cholesterol. It's also taken to prevent heart disease, including heart attacks and strokes.
What is the best medicine for endometriosis?
danazol (treats endometriosis) nefazodone (treats depression) amiodarone (makes your heart stable) verapamil, diltiazem, amlodipine (for high blood pressure and heart problems) If you're taking simvastatin and need to take one of these medicines, your doctor may: prescribe a lower dose of simvastatin.
Can simvastatin cause memory loss?
This is more likely if you're taking a higher dose of simvastatin - and it can happen a few weeks or months after you first start taking this medicine. Report any unexplained muscle pain, tenderness or weakness to a doctor straight away. Another very rare side effect can be memory loss.
Is it safe to take more than one simvastatin?
Talk to your pharmacist or doctor if you're worried or if you take more than 1 extra dose. 5. Side effects. Simvastatin seems to be a very safe medicine and it's unusual to have side effects. However, different statins can affect people in different ways.
Can you take simvastatin while breastfeeding?
Simvastatin is not recommended in pregnancy and while breastfeeding. Talk to your doctor if you're planning to become pregnant. It's best to stop taking simvastatin at least 3 months before you start trying for a baby. If you become pregnant while taking simvastatin, stop taking the medicine and tell your doctor.
Can you stop simvastatin?
You may want to stop simvastatin if you think you're having side effects. Talk to your doctor first to see if it really is a side effect of simvastatin or an unrelated problem. Your doctor may decide to lower your dose or change your medicine. You will not get any withdrawal symptoms.
Is simvastatin safe for high cholesterol?
It's unusual to have any side effects. Keep taking simvastatin even if you feel well, as you will still be getting the benefits. Most people with high cholesterol don't have any symptoms. Do not take simvastatin if you're pregnant, trying to get pregnant or breastfeeding.
What is simvastatin used for?
Uses of Simvastatin Tablets: It is used to slow the progress of heart disease. It is used to lower bad cholesterol and raise good cholesterol (HDL). It is used to lower triglycerides. It is used to lower the chance of heart attack, stroke, and death in some people. It may be given to you for other reasons.
When to call your doctor for simvastatin?
Call your doctor right away if you have muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness that is not normal (with or without fever or feeling out of sorts). Call your doctor right away if you have muscle signs that last after your doctor has told you to stop taking this medicine (simvastatin tablets).
What to do if you have high blood sugar?
Talk with the doctor. If you have high blood sugar (diabetes), you will need to watch your blood sugar closely. Follow the diet and workout plan that your doctor told you about.
Can you share simvastatin with others?
Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs. Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. Check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions about this medicine (simvastatin tablets), please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
Can simvastatin cause pregnancy?
This medicine may cause harm to the unborn baby if you take it while you are pregnant. Use birth control that you can trust to prevent pregnancy while taking this medicine (simvastatin tablets). If you are pregnant or you get pregnant while taking this medicine (simvastatin tablets), call your doctor right away.
Can you breastfeed while taking Simvastatin?
If you are pregnant or may be pregnant. Do not take this medicine (simvastatin tablets) if you are pregnant. If you are breast-feeding. Do not breast-feed while you take this medicine (simvastatin tablets). This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with this medicine (simvastatin tablets).
Can you take simvastatin with a prescription?
Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had. If you take any drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) that must not be taken with this medicine (simvastatin tablets), like certain drugs that are used for HIV, infections, or depression.
Why is simvastatin oral suspension used?
In patients at high risk of coronary events because of existing coronary heart disease, diabetes , peripheral vessel disease, history of stroke or other cerebrovascular disease , Simvastatin Oral Suspension is indicated to: Reduce the risk of total mortality by reducing CHD deaths.
How long can you take simvastatin suspension?
Simvastatin Oral Suspension dosage should not exceed 20 mg/day (or 40 mg/day for patients who have previously taken 80 mg/day of simvastatin chronically, e.g., for 12 months or more, without evidence of muscle toxicity) while taking lomitapide.
How long does simvastatin last in dogs?
Optic nerve degeneration was seen in clinically normal dogs treated with simvastatin for 14 weeks at 180 mg/kg/day, a dose that produced mean plasma drug levels about 12 times higher than the mean plasma drug level in humans taking 80 mg/day.
Can simvastatin be used for renal impairment?
Because simvastatin does not undergo significant renal excretion, modification of dosage should not be necessary in patients with mild to moderate renal impairment. However, caution should be exercised when Simvastatin Oral Suspension is administered to patients with severe renal impairment; such patients should be started at 5 mg/day and be closely monitored [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS and CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY ].
Can simvastatin be switched to an alternative?
Patients who are currently tolerating the an 80-mg dose of Simvastatin Oral Suspension who need to be initiated on an interacting drug that is contraindicated or is associated with a dose cap for simvastatin should be switched to an alternative statin with less potential for the drug-drug interaction.
What are the adverse reactions to simvastatin?
The following additional adverse reactions have been identified during postapproval use of simvastatin: pruritus, alopecia, a variety of skin changes (e.g., no dules, discoloration, dryness of skin/ mucous membranes, changes to hair/nails), dizziness, muscle cramps, myalgia, pancreatitis, paresthesia , peripheral neuropathy, vomiting, anemia, erectile dysfunction, interstitial lung disease, rhabdomyolysis, hepatitis / jaundice, fatal and non-fatal hepatic failure, and depression.
Can you measure simvastatin with a teaspoon?
Patients should be advised to measure Simvastatin Oral Suspension with an accurate measuring device. A household teaspoon is not an accurate measuring device and could lead to overdosage. A pharmacist can recommend an appropriate measuring device and can provide instructions for measuring the correct dose.
