This information from Lexicomp® explains what you need to know about this medication, including what it’s used for, how to take it, its side effects, and when to call your healthcare provider.
Brand Names: US
FloLipid; Zocor
Brand Names: Canada
AG-Simvastatin; APO-Simvastatin; Auro-Simvastatin; BIO-Simvastatin [DSC]; DOM-Simvastatin [DSC]; JAMP-Simvastatin; Mar-Simvastatin; MINT-Simvastatin; PHARMA-Simvastatin; PMS-Simvastatin [DSC]; PRIVA-Simvastatin [DSC]; SANDOZ Simvastatin [DSC]; Simvastatin-10; Simvastatin-20; Simvastatin-40; Simvastatin-80; TARO-Simvastatin; TEVA-Simvastatin; Zocor
What is this drug used for?
- It is used to lower bad cholesterol, lower triglycerides, and raise good cholesterol (HDL).
- It is used in some people to lower the chance of heart attack, stroke, and certain heart procedures.
- It is used to lower the chance of death from heart disease in certain people.
- It may be given to you for other reasons. Talk with the doctor.
What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take this drug?
- If you are allergic to this drug; any part of this drug; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
- If you take any drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) that must not be taken with this drug, like certain drugs that are used for HIV, infections, depression, and others. There are many drugs that must not be taken with this drug. Your doctor or pharmacist can tell you if you are taking a drug that must not be taken with this drug.
- If you have liver disease or raised liver enzymes.
- If you have kidney disease.
- If you are breast-feeding. Do not breast-feed while you take this drug.
This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with this drug.
Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take this drug with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.
What are some things I need to know or do while I take this drug?
- Tell all of your health care providers that you take this drug. This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
- Have blood work checked as you have been told by the doctor. Talk with the doctor.
- If you have high blood sugar (diabetes), you will need to watch your blood sugar closely.
- Follow the diet and exercise plan that your doctor told you about.
- Do not take more than what your doctor told you to take. Taking more than you are told may raise your chance of severe side effects.
- Avoid or limit drinking alcohol to 2 drinks a day. Drinking too much alcohol may raise your chance of liver disease.
- Avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice.
- If you are of Chinese descent, talk with your doctor. You could have a greater risk of muscle problems.
- If you are 65 or older, use this drug with care. You could have more side effects.
- This drug may cause harm to an unborn baby. If you may become pregnant, you must use birth control while taking this drug. If you get pregnant, call your doctor right away.
What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?
WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:
- Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
- A heartbeat that does not feel normal.
- Not able to pass urine or change in how much urine is passed.
- This drug may cause muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness. The risk may be raised if you have low thyroid function or kidney problems. It may also be raised if you take this drug with certain other drugs, or if you are 65 or older. Sometimes, a severe muscle problem may lead to kidney problems. Rarely, deaths have happened. Call your doctor right away if you have abnormal muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness (with or without fever or feeling out of sorts). Call your doctor right away if muscle problems last after your doctor has told you to stop taking this drug.
- Liver problems have happened with drugs like this one. Sometimes, this has been deadly. Call your doctor right away if you have signs of liver problems like dark urine, tiredness, decreased appetite, upset stomach or stomach pain, light-colored stools, throwing up, or yellow skin or eyes.
What are some other side effects of this drug?
All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:
- Headache.
- Stomach pain.
- Upset stomach.
- Constipation.
- Signs of a common cold.
These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to your national health agency.
You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
How is this drug best taken?
Use this drug as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.
All products:
- Take in the evening.
- Keep taking this drug as you have been told by your doctor or other health care provider, even if you feel well.
Liquid (suspension):
- Take on an empty stomach.
- Shake well for at least 20 seconds before each use.
- Measure liquid doses carefully. Use the measuring device that comes with this drug. If there is none, ask the pharmacist for a device to measure this drug.
- Do not use a household teaspoon or tablespoon to measure this drug. Doing so could lead to the dose being too high.
What do I do if I miss a dose?
- Take a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
- If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time.
- Do not take 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.
How do I store and/or throw out this drug?
Tablets:
- Store at room temperature in a dry place. Do not store in a bathroom.
Liquid (suspension):
- Store at room temperature. Do not refrigerate or freeze.
- Protect from heat.
- Store in a dry place. Do not store in a bathroom.
- After opening, throw away any part not used after 30 days.
All products:
- Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
- Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.
General drug facts
- If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
- Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else’s drugs.
- Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. If you have any questions about this drug, please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
- Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. Check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions about this drug, please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
- If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This generalized information is a limited summary of diagnosis, treatment, and/or medication information. It is not meant to be comprehensive and should be used as a tool to help the user understand and/or assess potential diagnostic and treatment options. It does NOT include all information about conditions, treatments, medications, side effects, or risks that may apply to a specific patient. It is not intended to be medical advice or a substitute for the medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment of a health care provider based on the health care provider’s examination and assessment of a patient’s specific and unique circumstances. Patients must speak with a health care provider for complete information about their health, medical questions, and treatment options, including any risks or benefits regarding use of medications. This information does not endorse any treatments or medications as safe, effective, or approved for treating a specific patient. UpToDate, Inc. and its affiliates disclaim any warranty or liability relating to this information or the use thereof. The use of this information is governed by the Terms of Use, available at https://www.wolterskluwer.com/en/know/clinical-effectiveness-terms.
Last Reviewed Date
2022-04-26
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