Treatment with Simvastatin is used to reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke and decrease the likelihood of facing heart surgery in case of heart disease or risk for cardiovascular disease, coupled with appropriate dietary measures, physical activity and, if necessary, weight loss.
Simvastatin may also be prescribed to reduce blood levels of LDL cholesterol ("bad" cholesterol) and triglycerides and increase levels of HDL cholesterol (or "good" cholesterol).
Finally, Simvastatin may find application in the treatment of heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia in boys aged between 10 and 17 years.
What is Simvastatin?
Simvastatin belongs to the class of drugs known as statins. It works by reducing the production of cholesterol by the body.
How should Simvastatin be taken?
Simvastatin is taken orally in the form of tablets, generally once a day (in the evening). The doctor may prescribe a low initial dose and then gradually increase it in case of need.
Side effects associated with Simvastatin
Among the possible adverse effects of Simvastatin are included:
- Constipation
- Stomach ache
- Nausea
- Headache
- Memory loss or forgetfulness
- Confusion
In the event that these symptoms are severe or do not improve, it is recommended to contact your doctor. However, it is best to immediately consult a doctor if you experience:
- Pain, tenderness, or weakness of the muscles
- Dark urine
- Decreased urination
- Lack of energy, tiredness or weakness
- Loss of appetite
- Pain in the upper right abdomen
- Jaundice
- Fever or chills
- Redness
- Blisters
- Rash
- Urticaria
- Itch
- Swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles or calves
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- Hoarseness
- Articular pains
- Sensitivity to light
Contraindications and warnings associated with the use of Simvastatin
Taking Simvastatin should be associated with a diet low in fat and cholesterol and adequate physical activity. Alcohol can increase the side effects.
Moreover, before taking the drug it is recommended to inform your doctor if:
- You have any allergy to the active substance or any other drug
- You are taking other medications, herbal remedies and supplements, especially other drugs to reduce cholesterol, anti-fungals, boceprevir, clarithromycin, medicines containing cobicistat, cyclosporine, danazol, erythromycin, gemfibrosil, HIV medications, nefazodone, telithromycin telaprevir, amiodarone, amlodipine, anticoagulants, colchicine, digoxin, diltiazem, dronedarone, ranolazine and verapamil
- You suffer (or have suffered) from liver disease, hypothyroidism, diabetes, seizures, pain or muscle weakness, low blood pressure or kidney problems
- You drink more than two servings of alcohol per day
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding
Finally, it is also important to inform surgeons and dentists of any ongoing treatment with Simvastatin prior to any procedure.
