The Simvastatin is employed in the treatment infarction and stroke , in the case of cardiac disorders or risk of cardiovascular disease since it reduces both the risk of these diseases, that the probability of having to deal with heart surgery in case of cardiac disorders . The use of Simvastatin should always be combined with physical activity , appropriate food precautions and weight loss .
Simvastatin can also be prescribed to reduce blood LDL cholesterol (“bad”) and triglyceride levels and to increase HDL (or “good” cholesterol levels ).
Finally, it finds application in the treatment of heterozygous familial hypercholesterolaemia in children aged 10 to 17 years.
How does Simvastatin work?
Simvastatin works by reducing the body’s production of cholesterol . It is an active ingredient typical of the class of drugs known as statins .
How is Simvastatin taken?
Simvastatin should be taken in the form of tablets, orally , which are preferably administered in the evening, once a day. Your doctor may initially prescribe low doses of Simvastatin, then gradually increase the dose if necessary.
Side effects of Simvastatin
Potential side effects of Simvastatin include:
- stomach ache
- nausea
- headache
- memory loss or forgetfulness
- constipation
- confusional state
The doctor should be contacted immediately if these symptoms are severe or do not resolve.
A doctor should be contacted without hesitation even if the intake of the drug gives rise to:
- pain, tenderness or weakness of the muscles
- fever or chills
- redness
- blisters
- rash
- urticaria
- itch
- swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips , eyes, hands, feet, ankles or calves
- difficulty breathing or swallowing
- dark urine
- reduced urination
- lack of energy, tiredness or weakness
- loss of appetite
- pain in the upper right side of the abdomen
- jaundice
- hoarseness
- articolar pains
- sensitivity to light
Contraindications and warnings on the use of Simvastatin
The intake of this drug should always be combined with a healthy diet low in fat and cholesterol and adequate physical activity.
The side effects of Simvastatin can be increased by alcohol.
Before starting Simvastatin therapy it would be advisable to notify your doctor:
- of allergies to the active substance or any other drug;
- of the medicines, phytotherapy and supplements you are taking, in particular other cholesterol-lowering drugs, antifungals, Boceprevir, Clarithromycin, Cobicistat-based medicines, Cyclosporine, Danazol, Erythromycin, Gemfibrosil, medicines for HIV, Nefazodone, Telaprevir, Telithromycin, Amiodarone, Amlodipine, anticoagulants, Colchicine, Digoxin, Diltiazem, Dronedarone, Ranolazine and Verapamil;
- if you suffer (or have suffered) from liver disease, hypothyroidism , diabetes, convulsions, muscle pain or weakness, low blood pressure or kidney problems;
- if you drink more than two servings of alcohol per day ;
- if you are pregnant or breastfeeding .
Your doctor, surgeon or dentist should be informed immediately of taking Simvastatin.
