Simvastatin

Simvastatin belongs to a group of drugs called statins, which are medicines used to lower the cholesterol levels in your blood. It is prescribed when lifestyle changes such as introducing a healthy diet, exercising regularly and losing weight do not result in a sufficient reduction of your cholesterol level.

Simvastatin works by inhibiting a particular enzyme involved in the pathway of cholesterol metabolism, which in turn reduces the production of cholesterol. As a result, blood cholesterol levels drop and the risk of serious complications such as arteriosclerosis (the narrowing of arteries due to increased cholesterol levels) is reduced.

Your doctor will usually advise you to take 1 Simvastatin tablet per day with water, preferably in the evening. You can take the tablet with or without food.

The dosage you are required to take depends on your condition – your GP will decide what is best on an individual basis. Your starting dose is likely to be at 10 mg per day. It will steadily be increased to the dosage you require in the long term, which may be between 10 mg and 80 mg. Do not exceed the dosage recommended by your doctor. Patients with liver or kidney problems are usually given a lower dose of Simvastatin.

Once you have been diagnosed with high cholesterol, you are likely to require ongoing treatment with a statin to keep your condition under control and prevent complications. If you experience side effects which bother you or if you still have high blood cholesterol levels after a prolonged period of using Simvastatin, your GP may propose a change of medication.

Please note, ZAVA can only provide repeat prescriptions. As an online doctor service, we are unable to issue a prescription for any statin unless your condition is being monitored by a local doctor.

Simvastatin tablets come in doses of 10 mg, 20 mg, 40 mg or 80 mg of the active ingredient per tablet. They also contain cellulose (E460), ascorbic acid (E300), lactose monohydrate, microcrystalline, butylhydroxyanisole (E320), starch (maize) pregelatinised, citric acid, anhydrous (E330), talc (E553b), silica, colloidal anhydrous (E551), povidone K-30, triethylcitrate (E1505), magnesium stearate (E470b), hypromellose (E464), iron oxide, red (E172), yellow (E172), and titanium dioxide (E171).

Yes. It is recommended you change to a healthy, wholesome diet as soon as possible, even though you are already taking Simvastatin. You should aim to consume plenty of fruit and vegetables while reducing your intake of dairy and fatty meat. It is also beneficial to limit your consumption of cheese, eggs and milk and aim to eat fish on a regular basis.

Regular exercise also plays an important part in lowering cholesterol and should be used to complement taking Simvastatin.

Yes – Simvastatin and grapefruit can interact. This is because certain components in grapefruit juice can increase statin levels in your blood, which could increase your risk of side effects and muscle damage. You should avoid consuming grapefruit and carefully check fruit juices before consumption, as they may contain grapefruit.

In rare cases, children may have a condition called hypercholesterolemia. Young patients may be prescribed Simvastatin if their blood cholesterol levels are very high and will usually take between 10-40 mg dose per day. Simvastatin has only been studied in children over the age of 10.

Please note, ZAVA can only accept patients over the age of 18 and will not prescribe any medication to children.

No, Simvastatin cannot be taken during pregnancy or while breastfeeding your baby. You need to discontinue treatment immediately and speak to your doctor about possible alternatives. Taking Simvastatin when breastfeeding can harm your baby, as Simvastatin may be found in the mother’s milk.

Not everyone can take Simvastatin. Firstly, Simvastatin is a prescription-only medication, only to be taken if your GP has identified the need for treatment with a statin. During treatment, you will need to attend regular check-ups, during which your blood levels of cholesterol will be measured, to ensure that they are kept at a safe level. Further limitations arise when patients are allergic to Simvastatin or any of its ingredients. Patients with liver problems are also likely to be prescribed an alternative cholesterol medication.

If you are already taking other types of medication, you should tell your doctor before taking Simvastatin. Certain drugs, for example medicines for fungal infections and HIV treatment, as well as certain antibiotics can interact with Simvastatin. The same applies to the antidepressant nefazodone and other active ingredients, such as ciclosporin and danazol. For a full list of drugs which interact with Simvastatin, please read the patient leaflet supplied with your medicine.

Some people may experience side effects when taking Simvastatin. Examples include:

• low levels of red blood cells (also known as anaemia)
• digestive problems and stomach problems (including sickness, constipation, pain, flatulence, nausea, indigestion, diarrhoea and vomiting)
• insomnia
• liver failure
• memory problems
• inflammation of the pancreas
• muscle problems

Simvastatin increases the risk of muscle breakdown. Tell your doctor if you:

• are suffering from kidney problems
• have thyroid problems
• have a family history of hereditary muscle disorder
• have had muscle problems in the past
• regularly consume large amounts of alcohol

Stop taking Simvastatin if you experience any of the following:

• cramps and muscular pain
• facial swelling
• difficulty breathing
• jaundice
• severe abdominal pain
• rash
• weakness
• unusual bruising

For a complete list of Simvastatin side effects and cautions, please read the patient leaflet provided with your medication.