What Is Simvastatin

Simvastatin is used to treat high cholesterol and to prevent cardiovascular disease. It is also very useful in lowering the risks of heart attack in many patients. This drug can also be used to treat high cholesterol in children 10-17 years of age. The brand name is simvastatin is Zocor and the generic is known as simvastatin tablets.

If you are having trouble lowering your cholesterol by lifestyle changes, simvastatin may be a good drug for you to try. It lowers the LDL(bad cholesterol) and raises the HDL (the good cholesterol).It can also be used to lower triglycerides in the blood stream. If a patient has an existing heart condition or heart disease simvastatin can be useful in developing any further problems in your cardiovascular system. Simvastatin has been known to decrease the following:

• The chances of needing angioplasty
• Reduces the chances of needing open heart surgery
• Reduces chances of a heart attack
• Reduces chances of a stroke
• Reduces the risk of heart attack in people suffering from Type 2 Diabetes.

Simvastatin Side Effects

As with any prescription drug, there is a possibility you have side effects from taking simvastatin. By no means does everyone experience side effects from simvastatin. Most people actually have no problems at all taking this medication. Most of the simvastatin side effects are minor and won’t cause you too much discomfort. Usually you or your doctor can handle the situation very easily if you do develop symptoms of side effects. Only 1.4% of people have reported any kind of adverse side effects to simvastatin.

The Most Common Simvastatin Side Effects

Simvastatin Side Effects

• Asthenia ( a general feeling of physical weakness all over your body)
• Constipation is reported in 2.3 percent of patients who have taken simvastatin
• Diarrhea
• Pain in the abdominal region
• Headache in 3.5 percent of patients
• Flatulence or gas

There were also some rare side effects reported in less than 1% of people who had taken simvastatin. The percentage is so low that it is hard to determine if these were side effects of this medication or if they were caused by other things.

Rare Simvastatin Side Effects

• Allergic reactions
• Insomnia
• Depression symptoms
• Rhabdomyolisis (severe breakdown of the muscles)
• Pain in the muscles and joints
• Breast development in boys
• Erectile dysfunction
• Symptoms of Eczema
• Vertigo
• Pancreatitis

There are other rare health risks that can occur from taking simvastatin. You should discuss these thoroughly with your doctor or pharmacist. You may experience some, several or none of these symptoms and side effects. It is unfortunate that your doctor cannot know these things ahead of time. That is why it is of the utmost importance to stay in communication with your health care provider while taking this medication.

Drugs That May Interact with Simvastatin

Some of the drug interactions with simvastatin can cause your body to metabolize medications differently than they are meant to be metabolized. There are a number of medications that Zocor can possibly interact with. It is wise to familiarize yourself with this list to ensure the safety of your health. These drugs include:

• Danazol
• Warfarin
• Niacin
• Norvasc
• Antifungals such as (Noxafil, sporanox and Nizarol
• Erythromycin
• Ranexa
• Digoxin
• Grapefruit juice

If you are taking any of these medications(and there are more check with your physician) ,it is advised to be upfront with your health care provider so as to lower your risk of any adverse reactions or side effects.

Weight gain is not typically reported as a side effect to simvastatin, but if you do experience unexplained weight gain there are things you can do to control it:

• Daily exercise
• Eat lean meats and fish or poultry
• Eat foods low in fat and carbohydrates
• Do not drink alcohol
• Eats lots of grains and fruits and vegetables.
• Follow a low cholesterol diet plan

If these suggestions do not help and your weight gain continues speak with your doctor about changing your medication.

Muscle Aches

Muscle aches are one of the more commonly seen side effects of taking simvastatin. Muscle pain is usually more pronounced when you are first starting a simvastatin regimen or when your dose level is increased. There are rare cases where patients have developed a more serious muscle condition from taking simvastatin. Myopathy and rhabdomyolisis are serious muscular conditions. Rhabdomyolisis can cause a break down in the muscle thus causing the kidneys to shut down.

If you develop muscle weakness or tenderness and pain in the muscles call your doctor. This can be very dangerous so it is wise to contact your physician immediately. It is worth noting that these serious risks can be more prevalent when first starting simvastatin and during the first year of use. The highest dose of this medication which is 80 mg should only be taken by patients who have been taking Zocor for at least a year. For most people 40mg is the maximum dose. You and your physician should work together to find a comfortable dose for you to reduce your risk of bothersome side effects.

Simvastatin Side Effects When Used With Alcohol

There are no interactions that are linked directly to simvastatin and alcohol. Light to moderate use of alcohol doesn’t seem to be a problem while on simvastatin. However, people who drink heavily should not drink while taking simvastatin.

Liver disease directly effects how simvastatin reacts in your body. People with liver disease or with a history of liver disease cannot metabolize this medication properly. It could lead to very abnormal levels of this drug in your blood stream and cause serious medical and health problems. You should definitely tell your doctor if you have ever had any type of liver disease in the past or if you are currently suffering from liver disease.

Before starting a regimen of simvastatin or any prescription drug a comprehensive investigation of the drug information should take place. This medication can be very effective in treating high cholesterol and related issues if taken properly. If you suspect you are having cholesterol problems contact your physician today.

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1. The Mild and Serious Side Effects of Zocor