Simvastatin tablets
What do simvastatin tablets do?
SIMVASTATIN (Zocor(R)) blocks the body's ability to make cholesterol. Simvastatin can help lower blood cholesterol for patients who are at risk of getting heart disease or a stroke. It is only for patients whose cholesterol level is not controlled by diet. Generic simvastatin tablets are available.
What should my health care professional know before I take simvastatin?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
• an alcohol problem
• any hormone disorder (such as diabetes, under-active thyroid)
• blood salt imbalance
• infection
• liver disease
• low blood pressure
• recent surgery
• seizures (convulsions)
• severe injury
• an unusual or allergic reaction to simvastatin, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding
How should I take this medicine?
Take simvastatin tablets by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the tablets with a drink of water. If you take the tablets once a day, it is best to take your dose tin the evening hours (like with the evening meal) or at bedtime. You may take this drug with or without food. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.
Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
What other medicines can interact with simvastatin?
• alcohol
• certain antibiotics such as clarithromycin and erythromycin
• digoxin
• diltiazem
• grapefruit juice
• herbal medicines such as Went Yeast (Cholestin(R))
• medicines for fungal infections (examples: fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole, miconazole)
• medicines for treating HIV infections
• medicines to lower cholesterol or triglycerides (examples: clofibrate, fenofibrate, gemfibrozil, niacin)
• medicines that suppress your immune response (cyclosporine)
• medicine used to stop early pregnancy (mifepristone, RU-486 or Mifeprex(TM))
• nefazodone
• phenytoin
• pioglitazone
• verapamil
• warfarin
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What side effects may I notice from taking simvastatin?
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
• fever
• muscle aches or cramps
• reduced amount of urine passed
• unusual tiredness or weakness
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
• constipation
• upset stomach, indigestion, gas, heartburn