SIMVASTATIN (Zocor) is used for lowering high cholesterol and triglycerides in certain patients. It also increases high-density lipoprotein (HDL, "good") cholesterol levels. It is used along with an appropriate diet. It is used in certain patients to reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, and death due to coronary heart disease. It is also used to reduce the need for medical procedures to open blocked blood vessels. It is also used in certain patients to reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, blood vessel blockage, or chest pain caused by angina. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Simvastatin is an HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor, also known as a "statin." It works by reducing the production of certain fatty substances in the body, including cholesterol.
Simvastatin is a hypolipidemic drug that belongs to "statins" class of drugs. It is used to lower high cholesterol and triglycerides in certain patients. It is used along with an appropriate diet. It is also used to reduce the risck of heart attack, stroke and death due to coronary heart disease, and to reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, blood vessel blockage, or chest pain caused by angina.
Tell your doctor if any of this apply to you:
pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
an unusual or allergic reaction to simvastatin, other medicines, foods, dyes, preservatives, foods, or other substances
severe injury
an alcohol problem
seizures (convulsions)
any hormone disorder
recent surgery
blood salt imbalance
muscle disorder or condition
infection
low blood pressure
kidney disease
liver disease
How to use:
Strictly follow your doctor's instructions
Follow the directions on the prescription label
Take your doses at regular intervals
Do not stop taking Simvastatin until you are told so by your doctor
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can
Avoid taking double or extra doses
Safety issues:
Avoid alcohol and smoking, and keep a proper exercise schedule.
Visit your doctor regularly for checks on your progress.
Tell your doctor if you are going to have surgery.
What medicines may interact with Simvastatin?
Do not take Simvastatin with any of the following:
saquinavir
amprenavir
ritonavir
atazanavir
red yeast rice
clarithromycin
nelfinavir
delavirdine
nefazodone
erythromycin
mibefradil
grapefruit juice
lopinavir
indinavir
ketoconazole
itraconazole
Simvastatin may also interact with the following medications:
warfarin
alcohol
voriconazole
barbiturates
verampil
bosentan
troleandomycin
carbamazepine
telithromycin
cyclosporine
St.John's Wort
danazol
rifampin, rifabutin, or rifapentine
digoxin
phenytoin
diltiazem
oxcarbazepine
efavirenz
nicardipine
fluconazole
medicines used to stop early pregnancy
medicines to lower cholesterol or triglycerides
Possible side effects:
If you experience these side effects, you should contact your doctor immediately:
dark yellow or brown urine
yellowing of the skin or eyes
decreased urination, difficulty pasing urine
unusual tiredness or weakness
fever
skin rash, itching
redness, blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin, including inside mouth
muscle pain, tenderness, cramps, or weakness
These side effects usually don't require medical attention (but you should contact your doctor if they continue or are bothersome):
upset stomach, indigestion, gas, heartburn
consipation
headache
What is the shelf life of the pills?
The expiry date is mentioned on each blister. It is different for different batches. The shelf life is 2 years from the date of manufacture and would differ from batch to batch depending on when they were manufactured.
What is a generic pill?
Generic drug (pl. generic drugs, short: generics) is a drug which is produced and distributed without a brand name. A generic must contain the same active ingredients as the original formulation. In most cases, it is considered bioequivalent to the brand name counterpart with respect to pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties.
