Learn more about usage, cautions, and possible side effects .
Chemical Name: SIMVASTATIN (SIM-va-stat-in)
This medicine is an HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor or "statin" used in combination with a low-cholesterol and low-fat diet to lower cholesterol (LDL) and triglyceride levels and to raise good cholesterol (HDL) levels in your blood. It may also be used in certain adolescent patients, age 10 to 17 years, who have a genetically caused cholesterol problem. This medicine is not a cure for high cholesterol, but may help to control it. This medicine may also be used in certain patients to reduce the risk of blood vessel blockage, heart attack, stroke, and death due to heart disease. It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE if you are also taking gemfibrozil, HIV protease inhibitors (such as ritonavir, lopinavir, nelfinavir), azole antifungals (such as itraconazole or ketoconazole), macrolide antibiotics (such as erythromycin, clarithromycin, or troleandomycin), or nefazodone. If you are currently taking any of these medicines, tell your doctor or pharmacist before taking this medicine. ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF YOUR DOSE OR CONDITION may be needed if you are taking amiodarone, "blood thinners" (such as warfarin), fibrates (such as clofibrate or fenofibrate), bosentan, cyclosporine, dalfopristin or quinupristin, digoxin, diltiazem, fluconazole, imatinib, high doses of niacin (1 gram or more per day), rifamycins such as rifampin, St. John's wort, verapamil, or voriconazole. DO NOT START OR STOP any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions including kidney problems, muscle problems, alcohol use, allergies (especially to other "statins"), pregnancy, or breast-feeding. Certain medical conditions, including low blood pressure; severe infection; uncontrolled seizures; or serious metabolic, endocrine, or electrolyte problems may increase your risk for side effects that can result in kidney problems. Contact your doctor if you develop one of these conditions. USE OF THIS MEDICINE IS NOT RECOMMENDED if you have a history of liver disease or ongoing, abnormal liver function test results. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about taking this medicine.
Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. This medicine may be taken on an empty stomach or with food. Take this medicine in the evening unless otherwise directed by your doctor. DO NOT DRINK LARGE AMOUNTS OF GRAPEFRUIT JUICE (greater than 1 quart daily) or eat large amounts of grapefruit while taking this medicine. STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature, away from heat and light. CONTINUE TAKING THIS MEDICINE even if you feel well. Most people with high cholesterol do not feel sick. Do not miss any doses. Taking this medicine at the same time each day will help you to remember. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.
DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE if you have had an allergic reaction to it or are allergic to any ingredient in this product. IT MAY TAKE SEVERAL WEEKS for this medicine to work. DO NOT STOP USING THIS MEDICINE without first checking with your doctor. Your dosage is based on your medical condition, response to therapy, and the other medicines that you are taking. DO NOT EXCEED the recommended dose of this medicine. Laboratory and/or medical tests such as blood cholesterol levels, liver function tests, or muscle tests may be done at the start of therapy and while you are taking this medicine to monitor your progress or to check for side effects. KEEP ALL DOCTOR AND LABORATORY APPOINTMENTS while you are using this medicine. BEFORE YOU HAVE ANY MEDICAL OR DENTAL TREATMENTS, EMERGENCY CARE, OR SURGERY, tell the doctor or dentist that you are using this medicine. THIS MEDICINE MAY INCREASE YOUR RISK FOR LIVER PROBLEMS. Alcohol can also increase this risk. Before drinking alcohol, talk with your doctor about the safe use of this medicine and alcohol. THIS MEDICINE MAY CAUSE INJURY TO YOUR MUSCLES especially when taken at higher doses or when taken with certain other medicines. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience muscle pain or weakness, especially with a fever. EATING GRAPEFRUIT OR DRINKING GRAPEFRUIT JUICE may increase the amount of this medicine in your blood, which may increase your risk for serious side effects. The risk may be greater with large amounts of grapefruit or grapefruit juice. Avoid large amounts of grapefruit or grapefruit juice (eg, more than one quart daily). Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about including grapefruit or grapefruit juice in your diet while you are taking this medicine. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. FOR WOMEN: If you are able to become pregnant, talk with your doctor or pharmacist about the use of effective birth control while taking this medicine. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE if you are pregnant. IF YOU SUSPECT THAT YOU COULD BE PREGNANT, contact your doctor immediately. IT IS UNKNOWN IF THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED in breast milk. DO NOT BREAST-FEED while taking this medicine.
SIDE EFFECTS that may occur while taking this medicine include constipation, diarrhea, or stomach upset. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE if you experience unusual skin or hair changes (such as discoloration, severe dryness, hair loss, or changes to nails). CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience muscle aches, pain, tenderness, or weakness, especially if associated with unusual tiredness and a fever; yellowing of skin or eyes; dark urine; change in the amount of urine; stomach pain; ongoing nausea or vomiting; blurred vision; or unusual bleeding or bruising. AN ALLERGIC REACTION to this medicine is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, or trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist. This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your healthcare provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job. Use our drug interaction checker to find out if your medicines interact with each other. Check drug interactions
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.
FOR BEST RESULTS, this medicine should be used along with exercise, a low-cholesterol/low-fat diet, and a weight loss program if you are overweight. FOLLOW THE DIETARY PLAN provided by your doctor. DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others for whom it was not prescribed. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other health conditions. KEEP THIS MEDICINE out of the reach of children and pets. IF USING THIS MEDICINE FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, obtain refills before your supply runs out.
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