Simvastatin is a medication in a class of drugs known as statins. They are used to lower cholesterol levels in the body. According to Drugs.com, simvastatin is also used to lower the risk of stroke, heart attack, and other heart complications in people with diabetes, coronary heart disease, or other risk factors. Women who are pregnant or who are planning to become pregnant should not take simvastatin. It can cause serious harm to an unborn fetus. There are some side effects associated with simvastatin.
Headache and Joint Pain
Patients may develop headache and joint pain while taking simvastatin. These side effects may be temporary and diminish over time as the body adjusts to daily treatment with simvaststin. If these effects become bothersome, a physician may recommend the use of an over-the-counter medication such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen for relief.
Mild Muscle Pain
Simvastatin may cause mild muscle pain in some users. This can lead to feelings of fatigue. If muscle pain becomes severe it should be brought to the attention of a physician. According to Drugs.com, simvastatin can cause a condition that results in the breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue, leading to kidney failure.
Gastrointestinal Discomfort
Simvastatin can lead to gastrointestinal discomfort in some patients. Symptoms can include constipation, mild nausea, stomach pain or indigestion, says Drugs.com. Taking simvastatin during mealtime may help lessen these effects. Eating a diet high in fruits, whole grains, and vegetables can relieve constipation. Mild exercise can also speed the process of digestion, which may alleviate constipation.
Cold Symptoms
Patients may experience cold symptoms while taking this medication. Sore throat, sneezing and nasal congestion can occur. Over-the-counter remedies to alleviate symptoms include throat lozenges and saline nasal spray or wash. If these symptoms occur in conjunction with fever, swollen lymph glands, cough, or a yellow or green tinged mucous, it may be a sign of a bacterial infection that requires medical treatment.
