WHAT IS SIMVASTATIN?
Simvastatin belongs to a family of drugs called HMG CoA reductase inhibitors or statins. Simvastatin lowers levels of low density lipoprotein or LDL (considered as the bad cholesterol) and triglycerides in the blood, while increasing levels of high density lipoprotein or HDL (considered as the good cholesterol). High levels of LDL can result in stroke, heart attack, and other heart complications in people with diabetes, coronary heart disease, or other risk factors.
Simvastatin is sold under various trade names, some of which are Zocor (Fako Pharma), Simlup (made by Lupin), and Simvotin (made by Ranbaxy).
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT SIMVASTATIN:
Do not take Simvastatin (Zocor, Simlup, Simvotin) if you are allergic to it, if you are pregnant or breast feeding, or if you have liver disease. Stop taking this medication and notify your doctor immediately if you become pregnant while taking it. Prior to taking Simvastatin, let your doctor know if you have a history of liver or kidney disease, diabetes, a thyroid disorder, or if you consume more than 2 drinks of alcohol daily. It has been noticed that myopathy was higher in patients of Chinese descent (0.43%) compared with patients not of Chinese descent.
In rare cases, Simvastatin can lead to a condition which results in the breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue, causing in kidney failure. Seek medical attention right away if you have unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness especially if you also have fever, unusual fatigue, and dark colored urine.
For best results from Simvastatin, you must avoid a high fat diet (especially, saturated fat). If you do not avoid a high fat diet, this medicine will not be as effective as it should be. Also avoid or limit the consumption of alcohol. Alcohol can raise triglyceride levels and may increase your risk of liver damage.
Simvastatin is only a part of a full line of treatment for high cholesterol which also includes diet restrictions, exercises, and other medicines. Follow a proper regimen of these things as directed by your doctor to keep your cholesterol levels in check.
Simvastatin is an FDA pregnancy category X drug. It can harm an unborn baby if taken while being pregnant. If you become pregnant during treatment with Simvastatin, stop taking it and contact your doctor immediately. Use of an effective birth control measure is recommended while taking this medicine. Simvastatin can pass into breast milk and harm a nursing baby. Consult your doctor about this if you are breast feeding a baby.
BEFORE TAKING SIMVASTATIN:
Before taking Simvastatin (Zocor, Simlup, Simvotin), take care of all precautions mentioned above. Discuss them with your doctor and clear all doubts which you may have about this drug.
HOW SHOULD I TAKE SIMVASTATIN?
Take Simvastatin strictly according to your doctor?s direction or according to the instructions on the medication label. Do not alter the dosage unless your doctor advises you to do so. Also, do not take this medication after the prescribed period is over. All medications come with a patient leaflet. Refer the instructions in them for detailed information on that particular medication. Simvastatin is usually taken at bedtime or with an evening meal. You may need to take this medicine for a long period of time to keep high cholesterol in check.
You may need to temporarily suspend taking Simvastatin if you have uncontrolled seizures, an electrolyte imbalance, severely low blood pressure, a severe infection or illness, dehydration, or surgery or a medical emergency. Always store this medicine in a cool and dry place.
WHAT IF I MISS A DOSE:
If you miss a dose of Simvastatin, take it as soon as you remember. Don?t take the missed dose if the time to take the next dose is almost up. Taking multiple doses near to each other can lead to excess medication in your body which can be harmful.
WHAT IF I OVERDOSE:
In case of an overdose of Simvastatin, get emergency medical attention or call the Doctor immediately.
THINGS AND ACTIVITIES TO AVOID WHILE TAKING SIMVASTATIN:
Do not take antacids without your doctor?s advice and use only those types which are recommended by your doctor. If you need to take an antacid, you must take it after at least 2 hours of taking Simvastatin. Avoid a high fat diet and alcohol while taking this medicine. Also avoid grapefruit and grapefruit based products while taking Simvastatin.
SIDE EFFECTS OF SIMVOTIN 20MG:
SERIOUS
• Unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness
• Allergic reactions (such as skin rash, itching, swelling, sensitivity to sun, fever, flushing, weakness of limbs and neck muscles, pain or inflammation of the joints and unusual bleeding)
• Signs of liver inflammation (such as yellowing of skin and eyes, itching, dark-coloured urine or pale-coloured stool, feeling tired or weak, loss of appetite)
• Inflammation of pancreas often with severe abdominal pain
RARE
• Lichenoid drug eruptions (rash that may occur on skin or sores in mouth)
• Muscle rupture
• Breast enlargement in men
• Anemia
• Numbness or weakness of arms and legs
• Headache, dizziness
• Blurred vision
• Abdominal pain, constipation, flatulence, indigestion, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting
• Hair loss
SIMVASTATIN DOSING INFORMATION:
Simvastatin dosage may depend on a range of factors like age, sex, drug allergies, or seriousness of the condition among several other factors. Your dosage will be determined by your doctor after examining you properly. Remember to follow your doctor?s advice properly for best results.
INTERACTION WITH OTHER DRUGS:
Certain other drugs can interact with Simvastatin and increase the risk of serious muscle problems. Let your doctor know in advance if you use any other drugs or related products, especially these ones: amiodarone, colchicines, danazol, ranolazine, medicines that contain niacin, cimetidine, conivaptan, imatinib, isoniazid, drugs that lower immune system (such as anti cancer drugs, steroids, or immunosuppressive drugs used after organ transplant), diltiazem, gemfibrozil, fenofibrate, spironolactone, or other statin drugs such as rosuvastain, atorvastatin, fluvastatin, pravastatin, or lovastatin.
These are not the only drugs that can interact with Simvastatin. There may be others. Never start a new medication without taking proper medical advice.
