Physicians prescribe the medication simvastatin to reduce low-density lipoprotein (LDL or "bad") cholesterol and increase high-density lipoprotein (HDL or "good") cholesterol in order to prevent strokes and heart attacks. It also helps prevent precursors to heart disease such as hardening of the arteries and vascular disease. The medication is part of a complete healthy living program and cannot take the place of proper diet and exercise. Simvastatin does have a number of side effects, which you may experience.
Stomach Upset
The most common side effect of using the medication simvastatin is gastrointestinal upset. Simvastatin may cause stomach aches, nausea and heartburn. Along with these maladies, simvastatin may result in diarrhea or constipation, flatulence and bloating.
Headaches, Respiratory Infections
Simvastatin can cause both headaches and upper respiratory infections as side effects. The RxList.com website reports that during clinical trials of simvastatin, two of the most commonly reported side effects were headaches and upper respiratory infections.
Muscle Breakdown Leading to Kidney Failure
Simvastatin may cause muscle and joint pain. Mayo Clinic staff say additional side effects may include weakness, cramps and swollen joints. Along with muscle pain, flu-like symptoms (fever, nausea, body aches) and dark-colored urine are possible. These symptoms indicate a possible skeletal muscle tissue breakdown called rhabdomyolysis. In this disease, myoglobin, which carries oxygen in the muscle, is released and hits the kidneys as a poison, which can cause kidney failure.
