Reviews (1592)Overview: Simvastatin is used to treat high cholesterol levels and to lower your risk of heart disease, heart attack, or stroke. It works by decreasing the amount of cholesterol made by your liver and by increasing the removal of bad cholesterol from the blood. Common side effects include headache, stomach pain, constipation, and nausea. Tell your health care provider right away if you have any unexplained muscle pain, weakness, or tenderness, muscle cramps, or dark-colored pee, as these may be signs of a serious side effect. Simvastatin comes as either a tablet or liquid that is taken by mouth.
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 health care 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 removal of bad cholesterol from the blood.
How is simvastatin supplied (dosage forms)?
Brands and other names
- FloLipid
- Zocor
Dosage forms and strengths
- 5 mg, 10 mg, 20 mg, 40 mg, and 80 mg oral tablets
- 20 mg/5 mL and 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 and 77 F (20 C and 25 C). They can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F and 86 F (15 C and 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting them. Store in a cool, dry place.
Oral Liquid. Simvastatin oral suspension should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F and 77 F (20 C and 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F and 86 F (15 C and 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place. Protect from heat and 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 health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.
- Infection in the nose or throat, sore throat, or common cold symptoms
- Headache
- Stomach pain
- Constipation
- Nausea
There may be other side effects of simvastatin that are not listed here. Contact your health care 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 (800-332-1088). 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 (pee)
- Fever
- Muscle cramps
- Stomach pain
- Nausea or vomiting
Liver Damage. Liver damage, also called hepatotoxicity, can happen when taking simvastatin. Call your health care 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 (pee)
- 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 health care 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 or skin rash
- Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
- 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.
- FloLipid
- Simvastatin
- 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 health care provider may do tests to see 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 health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section 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 health care 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 who are age 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 health care provider about your risks if you are in this age group.
Keep all appointments with your health care provider, including for blood work, while you are taking this medicine. Follow any advice from your health care provider about diet and exercise.
If you are taking simvastatin oral liquid, take it on an empty stomach. Shake the bottle well for at least 20 seconds before measuring each dose. Use an accurate measuring device to measure your dose. A household spoon is not an accurate measuring device and may cause you to take the wrong dose. Ask your pharmacist what measuring device to use.
What should I tell my health care provider before using simvastatin?
Tell your health care 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 know if simvastatin is right for you.
In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.
Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care 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 health care provider if you are of Chinese descent. You may have a higher risk of having serious muscle problems while taking simvastatin.
Pregnancy. Simvastatin may cause harm to a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. If you become pregnant, contact your health care provider right away.
Breastfeeding. Do not take simvastatin while you are breastfeeding. It is not known if simvastatin passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will let you know 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 having serious muscle problems.
Limit the amount of alcohol you drink while taking simvastatin. The risk of liver damage may be increased if you drink large amounts of alcohol. Tell your health care 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 health care 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 taking simvastatin.
- A medicine used for HIV, AIDS, or hepatitis C
- Itraconazole (Sporanox, Tolsura), ketoconazole, posaconazole (Noxafil), or voriconazole (Vfend), which is a medicine used for fungal infections
- Certain antibiotics, such as clarithromycin or erythromycin
- Colchicine, which is a medicine commonly used for gout
- Cyclosporine (Gengraf, Neoral, Sandimmune, and others), which is a medicine that suppresses your immune system
- Digoxin (Lanoxin), which is a medicine used to treat irregular heartbeat and some types of heart failure
- Nefazodone, which is a medicine used to treat depression
- Niacin or a fibrate, such as fenofibrate (Tricor), fenofibric acid (Fibricor, Trilipix), or gemfibrozil (Lopid), which is a medicine for high cholesterol
- Danazol, which is a medicine used to treat endometriosis or hereditary angioedema
- Warfarin, which is a blood thinner
- Amiodarone (Pacerone and others) or dronedarone (Multaq), which is a medicine used for an irregular heart rhythm
- Amlodipine, diltiazem, ranolazine, or verapamil, which is a medicine 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, and vice versa. Tell your health care provider about all medicines that you take or have recently taken.
This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with simvastatin. Always check with your health care provider.
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.