Simvastatin is a prescription medication indicated for high cholesterol and triglycerides. Information provided by the drug manufacturer states that it is also indicated for reduction of heart-related events such as heart attack in patients at high risk. It may be taken by adolescents and adults. Simvastatin is available as an oral tablet and an oral disintegrating tablet. It is usually ordered in conjunction with dietary modifications.
Gastrointestinal Side Effects
Common gastrointestinal side effects of simvastatin include nausea, abdominal pain, intestinal gas, stomach cramps, constipation and diarrhea. Less common side effects include bloated abdomen, heartburn, sour stomach, belching and indigestion. The 2010 Lippincott's Nursing Drug Guide states that life-threatening liver failure can also occur, which may manifest as nausea, vomiting, yellowed skin, yellowing of the whites of the eyes, confusion, fatigue, diarrhea, tremors and tenderness in the upper right part of the abdomen.
Musculoskeletal Side Effects
Musculoskeletal side effects are uncommon and include muscle stiffness, muscle spasms, muscle pain, muscle wasting, joint pain, swollen joints and body aches. Rhabdomyolysis can occur with use of this product and some other cholesterol-lowering products. According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms of this serious disorder are dark urine, weakness and aching all over. You may also experience joint pain, seizure and excessive tiredness with rhabdomyolysis.
Respiratory Side Effects
A common respiratory side effect is upper respiratory infection. Less common side effects include sore throat, stuffy nose, runny nose, sneezing, coughing and inflamed sinuses.
Neurological Side Effects
A common neurological side effect is headache. Less common side effects include difficulty sleeping, tiredness and loss of strength. A rare, but serious side effect of simvastatin is blindness, preceded by blurry or decreased vision.
Other Side Effects
Uncommon side effects of simvastatin include dark-colored urine, ear congestion, loss of the voice, fever, chills and an itchy, scaly rash. According to 2010 Lippincott's Nursing Drug Guide, acute renal failure is another side effect of simvastatin. Symptoms of acute renal failure include swelling of the feet and legs, tiredness, thirst, breath odor, easy bleeding, change in mental status, high blood pressure, seizure, decreased sensation in the hands and feet, and a decreased amount of urine.
The drug manufacturer indicates that hypersensitivity reactions have been reported with symptoms including low blood platelet level, low white blood cell level, low red blood cell level, loss of strength, shock, sensitivity to sunlight, fever, flushing, red blotches on skin, difficulty breathing, a feeling of being unwell, chills, joint pain, hives, rash, and swelling of the face, mouth, tongue and throat.
References
- 2010 Lippincott's Nursing Drug Guide: Simvastatin
- Drugs.com: Professional Information: Simvastatin
- Merck: Zocor Tablets
