Simvastatin
About
Simvastatin belongs to a group of antilipemic medicines called 'lipid-lowering agents' used to lower the levels of increased cholesterol in the body. Additionally, Simvastatin is also used to lower the risk of heart diseases such as heart attack or stroke. High cholesterol levels might cause a build-up of cholesterol on the arteries walls, leading to blockage of blood flow to the heart and other body parts that could cause heart disease, heart attack or stroke.
Simvastatin contains 'Simvastatin' that works by blocking HMG-CoA reductase, an enzyme necessary for cholesterol production in the body. Simvastatin helps lower the levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol, and triglycerides and raises the levels of HDL (good) cholesterol. Thereby, Simvastatin lowers the raised levels of fats, triglycerides and cholesterol, which lowers the risk of heart attack or stroke.
You are advised to take Simvastatin for as long as your doctor has prescribed it for you depending on your medical condition. You may experience certain common side-effects such as headache, stomach pain, constipation, and nausea in some cases. Most of these side-effects do not require medical attention and will resolve gradually over time. However, you are advised to talk to your doctor if you experience these side-effects persistently.
Do not take Simvastatin if you are pregnant, think you may be pregnant or if you are trying for pregnancy. Stop taking Simvastatin and consult a doctor immediately if you become pregnant while taking Simvastatin. Simvastatin may cause dizziness, so be cautious while driving. Avoid consuming alcohol with Simvastatin as it could lead to increased dizziness. Simvastatin is not recommended for children below 10 years as safety and effectiveness have not been established. Inform your doctor regarding your health condition and the medicines you are taking to rule out any side effects or interactions.
Uses of Simvastatin
Medicinal Benefits
Simvastatin contains 'Simvastatin', which belongs to a group of lipid-lowering agents called HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors to lower the increased levels of cholesterol or fat. Simvastatin works by blocking the HMG-CoA reductase enzyme, which is necessary for cholesterol production in the body. Simvastatin helps lower the levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol and triglycerides and raises the levels of HDL (good) cholesterol. Thereby, Simvastatin lowers the blood level of fats and cholesterol and helps prevent a heart attack or stroke. Simvastatin as an adjunct to dietary measures is used to reduce the risk of having a heart event due to cardiovascular diseases, the incidence of non-fatal heart attack or stroke, the need for revascularisation procedures (restoration of blood flow to the heart), people with diabetes, pre-existing heart disease, and peripheral vascular disease.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Simvastatin
- Headache
- Stomach pain
- Constipation
- Nausea
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Do not take Simvastatin if you are allergic to any of its contents; if you are taking fusidic acid or have taken it in the past 7 days. Inform your doctor if you are due to have surgery, drink large amounts of alcohol; if you have liver or kidney problems. Do not take Simvastatin if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, think you may be pregnant or if you are trying for pregnancy. Stop taking Simvastatin and consult a doctor immediately if you become pregnant while taking Simvastatin. Simvastatin may cause dizziness, so be cautious while driving. Avoid consuming alcohol with Simvastatin as it could lead to increased dizziness. Simvastatin is not recommended for children below 10 years as safety and effectiveness have not been established.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Simvastatin may interact with antibiotic (fusidic acid, erythromycin, clarithromycin, telithromycin), anti-HIV (indinavir, nelfinavir, ritonavir, saquinavir), anti-fungal (itraconazole, ketoconazole, posaconazole, voriconazole), protease inhibitors (boceprevir, telaprevir), anti-depressant (nefazodone), antilipemic (gemfibrozil), immunosuppressant (cyclosporine), hormone (danazol), cytochrome p450 inhibitor (cobicistat).
Drug-Food Interactions: Avoid consuming grapefruit and grapefruit juice with Simvastatin. Do not take St. John's wort (herbal supplement to treat depression) with Simvastatin.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Inform your doctor if you have liver disease, rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown), liver disease, diabetes, or cognitive impairment.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeAvoid consumption of alcohol while taking Simvastatin as it may cause increased dizziness.
Pregnancy
unsafeSimvastatin belongs to pregnancy category X. Do not take Simvastatin if you are pregnant, think you may be pregnant or if you are trying for pregnancy. Stop taking Simvastatin and consult a doctor immediately if you become pregnant while taking Simvastatin.
Breast Feeding
unsafeIt is not known if Simvastatin passes into breastmilk. Do not take Simvastatin if you are breastfeeding.
Driving
cautionUsually, Simvastatin does not interfere with your ability to drive or usage of machinery. However, Simvastatin may cause dizziness in some people. Do not drive or operate machinery unless you are alert.
Liver
cautionDose adjustment may be needed in patients with liver impairment. Please consult your doctor if you have a liver impairment or any concerns regarding this.
Kidney
cautionDose adjustment may be needed in patients with kidney impairment. Please consult your doctor if you have kidney impairment or any concerns regarding this.
Children
cautionSimvastatin is not recommended for children below 10years as the safety and effectiveness have not been established.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Follow a cholesterol-lowering diet.
- Exercise regularly. It helps in maintaining proper weight and lowers cholesterol.
- Limit salt and sugar intake.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption.
- Choose healthy fats and cut down on trans-fat.
- Include omega-3 fatty acids, fibre-rich food, fruits and vegetables.
- Get active by doing any physical activity such as swimming, brisk walking or jogging. Take the stairs instead of elevators/lifts.
Special Advise
- Regular blood tests are advised to determine the effect of Simvastatin on lipids.
- Consult your doctor immediately if you experience muscle pain, weakness, or tenderness, especially if associated with fever or tiredness.
- Your doctor may recommend blood tests to monitor liver function prior to the start of treatment and during the treatment with Simvastatin. Inform your doctor if you notice yellowing of skin or eyes, unusually dark urine, and tiredness.
- Simvastatin might affect test results for liver function and muscle enzyme (creatin-kinase). Inform the person doing the tests that you are taking Simvastatin.
- It is advisable to have complete cholesterol tests (lipid profile test) at least once a year. It will help you to closely monitor your heart health and risk of heart attack and stroke.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Hyperlipidaemia: Hyperlipidaemia is commonly known as high cholesterol. Cholesterol is a fatty substance that is naturally produced in the liver because every cell uses it. Cholesterol is also found in fatty foods such as cheese, red meat, and eggs. High cholesterol levels might cause a build-up of fat on the arteries' walls, leading to blockage of blood flow to the heart and other body parts that could cause heart disease, heart attack or stroke. Cholesterol is mainly of two types, namely 'bad cholesterol' and 'good cholesterol'. Bad cholesterol comprises low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and triglycerides (TG) which deposit fat in the arteries leading to their blockage. Good cholesterol consists of high-density lipoprotein (HDL), which prevents the deposition of fats. Risk factors of high cholesterol are a high-fat diet, obesity, lack of physical exercise, and smoking. Usually, there are no specific symptoms of raised or high cholesterol levels, so it is advisable to have complete cholesterol tests (lipid profile tests) at least once a year. It will help monitor your heart health and risk of heart attack or stroke.
FAQs
Simvastatin works by blocking HMG-CoA reductase, an enzyme necessary for the production of cholesterol in the body. Simvastatin helps lower the levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol and triglycerides and raises the levels of HDL (good) cholesterol. Thereby, Simvastatin lowers the blood level of raised fats and cholesterol and helps prevent a heart attack or stroke.
Do not discontinue Simvastatin without consulting your doctor as it could lead to the rise of cholesterol. To treat your condition effectually, continue taking Simvastatin for as long as prescribed. Do not be reluctant to speak with your doctor if you feel any difficulty while taking Simvastatin.
Constipation could be a side-effect of Simvastatin. Drink plenty of fluids and eat fibre-rich food if you experience constipation. Consult your doctor if you have severe constipation.
Simvastatin can be taken by diabetes patients if prescribed by the doctor. Your doctor will monitor your condition closely if you have diabetes. Regular monitoring of blood sugar levels is advised.
Simvastatin should not be taken with antibiotics such as fusidic acid as it could lead to a serious muscle problem called rhabdomyolysis (the breakdown of muscle tissue). Inform the doctor that you are taking Simvastatin if your doctor has prescribed fusidic acid, the doctor may ask you to temporarily stop taking Simvastatin to treat your infection. Your doctor will decide when it is safe to restart treatment with Simvastatin.
Simvastatin might cause muscle problems, particularly when taken at high doses. In rare conditions, Simvastatin might cause serious muscle problems such as rhabdomyolysis (muscle tissue breakdown). Consult your doctor immediately if you experience muscle pain, weakness, and tenderness, especially if associated with fever or tiredness.
