Simvastatin is an oral prescription medication designed to reduce total cholesterol levels within the blood. This medication is part of a class of medications called statins, which act by inhibiting an enzyme (HMG-CoA reductase) involved in the production of cholesterol within the body. Speak with your doctor to discuss the adverse side effects associated with simvastatin before you begin treatment.
Constipation
The primary adverse side effect associated with simvastatin use is constipation. While receiving treatment with this medication, you can experience difficulty emptying your bowels as usual. Additional gastrointestinal adverse side effects of simvastatin include nausea and abdominal pain. Constipation can also cause you to experience abdominal bloating or cramping. You may find relief from constipation by increasing the amount of fiber in your diet or participating in a regular exercise routine.
Headache
While taking simvastatin you can develop a headache as a side effect. Headache pain can be mild to moderate in severity and typically subsides with continued simvastatin treatment. Over-the-counter analgesic medications, such as acetaminophen, may help alleviate pain associated with headache.
Upper Respiratory Infection
Use of simvastatin may increase your risk of developing infection. In clinical trials for this medication, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration reported that 9 percent of 2,423 patients developed an upper respiratory infection while receiving treatment. Symptoms of an upper respiratory infection include nasal congestion, cough, wheezing, sore throat, muscle aches, low-grade fever, chills and fatigue. Resolving symptoms of such infections may require additional medical intervention.
Allergic Reaction
Simvastatin can cause a severe allergic reaction in certain people. If you experience symptoms of an allergic reaction such as hives, difficulty breathing, chest pain or tightness or swelling of the mouth or face, speak with your doctor immediately. These symptoms can be life threatening if left untreated.
