Why is simvastatin used:
Simvastatin is a medicine used to lower the levels of total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and fatty substances called triglycerides in the blood.
In addition, simvastatin increases levels of "good" cholesterol (HDL). Simvastatin is a member of a class of medications called statins.
Do not use simvastatin:
If you are allergic (hypersensitive) to simvastatin or any of the other ingredients of this medicine
If you currently have liver problems,
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding,
If you are taking medication(s) with one or more of the following active ingredients:
itraconazole, ketoconazole, posaconazole, or voriconazole (used to treat fungal infections).
Erythromycin, clarithromycin, telithromycin (used to treat infections).
HIV protease inhibitors such as indinavir, nelfinavir, ritonavir, and saquinavir (HIV protease inhibitors are used in cases of HIV infection).
boceprevir or telaprevir (used to treat hepatitis C virus infection).
nefazodone (used to treat depression).
Cobicistat
gemfibrozil (used to lower cholesterol),
cyclosporine (used in transplant patients).
danazol (a man-made hormone used to treat endometriosis, a condition in which the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus).
if you are taking or have taken, in the last 7 days, a medicine called fusidic acid (a medicine for bacterial infections) by mouth or by injection. The combination of fusidic acid and simvastatin can cause serious muscle problems (rhabdomyolysis).
Do not take more than 40 mg of simvastatin if you are taking lometapide (used to treat a rare, serious inherited cholesterol condition).
Warnings and precautions:
Tell your doctor:
About all your medical conditions including allergies
If you drink large amounts of alcohol
If you have ever had liver disease. Simvastatin may not be right for you
If you are going to have surgery. You may need to stop taking simvastatin tablets for a short time.
If you are Asian, a different dose may apply to you.
Possible side effects:
Stop using the product and seek immediate medical attention if you have a tight throat, swelling of the eyes, face, lips, or tongue, feel faint, or have trouble breathing.
Stop using the product if you experience urticaria or itching of the face or body.
Other medicines and simvastatin:
Tell your doctor if you are taking, have recently taken, or might take any other medication(s) with any of the following active ingredients.
If you need to take fusidic acid by mouth to treat a bacterial infection you will need to stop using this medicine temporarily.
cyclosporine (often used in transplant patients),
danazol
Medicines containing active ingredients such as itraconazole, ketoconazole, fluconazole, posaconazole, or voriconazole
Fiber with active ingredient such as gemfibrozil and bezafibrate
erythromycin, clarithromycin or telithromycin
HIV protease inhibitors such as indinavir, nelfinavir, ritonavir and saquinavir
Hepatitis C antiviral agents such as boceprevir, telaprevir, elbasvir or grazoprevir
nefazodone
Medicines containing the active ingredient cobicistat
amiodarone
Verapamil, Diltiazem, Amlodipine
lometapide
daptomycin
How to use simvastatin:
Dosage: The recommended dose is simvastatin 5 mg, 10 mg, 20 mg, 40 mg, or 80 mg orally once a day.
Adults: The usual starting dose is 10, 20 or 40 mg per day in some cases.
Your doctor may adjust your dose after at least 4 weeks to a maximum of 80 mg per day. Do not take more than 80 mg per day.
How to store simvastatin:
Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children.
Do not use this medicine after the expiry date ("EXP") which is stated on the package.
Do not store above 25°C. Store the bubble in the outer carton to protect it from moisture.
