Simvastatin is a medication designed to reduce the production of cholesterol in the body. Used in combination with lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise, it has been shown to reduce the risk of certain cardiovascular disease and heart attack. It is available only by prescription and should be taken as directed by your physician.
Function
Statins such as simvastatin work by stimulating the production of high-density lipoproteins, commonly known as HDLs or good cholesterol, while simultaneously decreasing the amount of low-density lipoproteins or bad cholesterol. LDLs can form plaque in blood vessels that obstructs normal blood flow to the heart, leading to a number of cardiovascular problems.
Mild Side Effects
Mild side effects associated with simvastatin include dizziness, constipation, nausea and heartburn. Flatulence, headache, and abdominal pain have also been reported. Report even mild side effects to your doctor after starting a simvastatin regimen and seek medical attention if side effects persist or become severe.
Serious Side Effects
Some side effects are more harmful than others and require prompt medical attention. Jaundice or yellowing of the skin or eyes indicates liver dysfunction and needs to be treated immediately. Anaphylaxis is an extremely dangerous allergic reaction that can result in respiratory failure and can be triggered by new medication. Symptoms of anaphylaxis include difficulty breathing or swallowing, swelling of the eyes and face, anxiety, hives and itching. Other dangerous side effects that indicate serious systemic complications include unexplained bleeding or bruising, muscle pain, fever, generalized weakness and flu symptoms.
Drug and Food Interactions
Tell your doctor all of the prescription and over-the-counter medications you are taking before starting simvastatin to avoid any harmful drug interactions. Taking simvastatin while using warfarin may make it harder for your body to form blood clots and stop bleeding. This is also a risk when taking simvastatin with cyclosporine, gemfibrozil and fenofibrate. St. John's Wort, a nonprescription medication, may decrease the effectiveness of simvastatin. Additional drugs that can interact with simvastatin therapy and increase risk for damage to muscle fibers include niacin, erythromycin, ketoconazole, fluconazole and ritonavir.
Drinking large amounts of grapefruit juice while taking simvastatin increases the risk for myopathy, or muscle weakness.
Considerations
Your doctor may require you to get periodic liver function tests and other blood tests to monitor cholesterol levels, if you use simvastatin over the long term. Certain medical conditions such as hypothyroidism, liver or kidney disease may warrant caution in using simvastatin.
Do not use simvastatin if you are pregnant.
Do not drink large amounts of alcohol while taking this medication.
Although simvastatin is helpful in controlling hypercholesterolemia, it will not cure it.
References
- "Prentice Hall Nurse's Drug Guide"; B. Wilson, M. Shannon, K. Shields, C. Stang; 2008
