Simvastatin
Information about Simvastatin
Simvastatin uses
Simvastatin is used in the treatment of high cholesterol and Prevention of heart attack and stroke.
How simvastatin works
Simvastatin is a lipid-lowering medication (statin). It works by blocking an enzyme (HMG-CoA-reductase) that is required in the body to make cholesterol. It thus lowers "bad" cholesterol (LDL), triglycerides and raises "good" cholesterol (HDL).
Common side effects of simvastatin
Constipation, Headache, Nausea, Upper respiratory tract infection, Abdominal pain
Content Details
Last updated on:
10 Jan 2020 | 12:47 PM (IST)
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Expert advice for Simvastatin
- It should be taken in the evening after dinner and before sleeping.
- It should be taken in addition to regular exercise and low-fat diet to lower levels of fat in the blood.
- Inform your doctor if you experience fatigue, muscle weakness or muscle pain.
- Your doctor may check your liver function before starting the treatment and regularly thereafter. Inform your doctor if you notice signs of liver problems such as yellowing of skin or eyes, unusually dark urine or stomach pains.
- Inform your doctor if you have kidney disease, liver disease or diabetes before starting treatment with this medicine. If you are diabetic, monitor your blood sugar level regularly as Simvastatin may cause an increase in your blood sugar level.
- Do not take Simvastatin if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding.
Frequently asked questions for Simvastatin
Simvastatin
Q. What should I know about high cholesterol?
Cholesterol is a type of fat present in your blood. Total cholesterol is determined by the total amount of LDL and HDL cholesterol in the body. LDL cholesterol is called “bad” cholesterol. Bad cholesterol can build up in the wall of your blood vessels and slow or obstruct blood flow to your heart, brain, and other organs. This can cause heart disease and stroke. HDL cholesterol is called “good” cholesterol as it prevents the bad cholesterol from building up in the blood vessels. High levels of triglycerides are also harmful for you.
Q. What is Simvastatin used for? How does it work?
Simvastatin belongs to a class of medicines called statins that lower the cholesterol in the blood. It is used along with a healthy diet and exercise to reduce bad cholesterol and increase the amount of good cholesterol in the blood. It works by slowing the production of cholesterol in the liver in order to decrease the amount of cholesterol that accumulates on the walls of arteries. Improvement in cholesterol levels helps to reduce the risk of heart attack or stroke.
Q. When should I take Simvastatin?
Simvastatin is generally taken once a day. It can be taken in the morning or night or at any time of the day, with or without food. Try taking this medicine at the same time every day to help remember when to take it.
Q. For how long should I take Simvastatin?
You may need to take Simvastatin for life or for as long as directed by your doctor. The cholesterol levels will be maintained only till you are taking Simvastatin. Stopping Rosuvas without starting a different treatment may increase your cholesterol levels again. This medicine has only a few side effects and is usually considered safe if taken as directed by the doctor.
Q. What foods should be avoided when taking Simvastatin?
Simvastatin is used to decrease your blood cholesterol levels. Therefore, to seek the best results of this medicine, you should avoid foods which are high in calories like fried food and junk food. It is recommended to eat a low-fat and low-cholesterol diet. Be sure to follow all the exercise and dietary recommendations made by your doctor or dietician.
Q. Does Simvastatin make you tired?
Yes, Simvastatin can make you feel tired. This is because they reduce the energy supply to the muscles in the body. However, the exact reason behind the phenomena is unknown and needs more research. Tiredness usually occurs after exertion. Generalized fatigue is more often seen in people with heart disease or those suffering from liver illness. Simvastatin also causes muscle damage which further worsens the tiredness and so you must consult your doctor if you feel tired while taking Simvastatin.
Q. Can I take alcohol with Simvastatin?
No. It is not advised to take alcohol with Simvastatin. This is because the risk of developing liver problems increases if you drink alcohol while taking this medicine. Moreover, there is a significant increase in the triglyceride levels if Simvastatin is taken along with alcohol. This can further lead to liver damage and also worsen some of the side effects such as muscle pain, muscle weakness and tenderness. People with liver problems are therefore advised, not to take Simvastatin without consulting your doctor and also refrain from taking alcohol while taking this medicine to get maximum benefit.
Q. Is Simvastatin safe to take?
Yes. Simvastatin is safe to use if used as prescribed by the doctor, if the doctor's instructions are followed. The side effects of this medicine are few and do not occur in everyone.