Simvastatin

What is Simvastatin?

Simvastatin is a medication that belongs to a class of cholesterol-lowering drugs known as statins, which are used to lower low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (also known as LDL or “bad cholesterol”) in the body.

It comes in tablet form (10mg, 20mg, 40mg, or 80mg), which is intended to be taken once daily.

Simvastatin is taken when a low-fat diet and lifestyle changes have been unsuccessful at reducing the amount of cholesterol in the body.

What is High Cholesterol?

High cholesterol means you have too much of the fatty substance cholesterol in your body. This can be due to genetics (referred to as familial hypercholesterolemia) or a poor diet or lifestyle (smoking, eating too many fatty foods, and not exercising).

High cholesterol is dangerous because it can cause blood vessels to become clogged, reducing blood flow and circulation. This can then lead to narrowing and hardening of the arteries, which can contribute to cardiovascular disease (CVD).

CVD is a term used to describe diseases related to the heart and blood vessels. These diseases include strokes, heart attacks, coronary heart disease and angina. CVD is the leading cause of death in the UK.

If you are over the age of 40 or have an underlying health condition such as diabetes, it is important to get your cholesterol level tested regularly to ascertain your risk of developing complications, such as CVD. You can buy a rapid cholesterol test online from Prescription Doctor. Our test kits are easy to use and provide accurate results within minutes. All our items are dispatched from a UK Pharmacy via a discreet next-day delivery service, provided they have been approved before 3pm on weekdays.

How Does Simvastatin Work?

Simvastatin works by reducing the amount of bad cholesterol (LDL) produced inside the liver. This then causes the liver cells to take LDL cholesterol from the blood, helping to reduce the overall quantity in the body.

This, in turn, will decrease the amount of possible blockages that could result in CVD or even death.

How long does simvastatin take to work?

When you take simvastatin regularly, your blood pressure should drop significantly after about 4 weeks.

How do I take Simvastatin?

Simvastatin is provided in 10mg, 20mg, 40mg or 80mg tablets. Your doctor or pharmacist will advise you on the amount to take after a blood test.

It is recommended you take one tablet in the evening at the same time each day. You must take Simvastatin daily unless told otherwise.

Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water.

Do not crush or chew Simvastatin tablets.

Your doctor may prescribe Simvastatin alongside a cholesterol absorption inhibitor, such as Ezetimibe.

If you are unsure how to take simvastatin, ask your doctor.

What should I do if I forget to take Simvastatin when I should?

If you forget to take your daily Simvastatin tablet, don’t take an extra one to make up for it. Take your usual one the following day. If you miss more than one, seek advice from your doctor or pharmacist.

What should I do if I take too much Simvastatin?

If you accidentally take too much Simvastatin, you should consult your doctor or pharmacist for advice or call NHS 111.

Side Effects and Cautions of Simvastatin

Before you begin taking simvastatin, you must read the patient information leaflet enclosed with your medicine.

If you have any questions about the information presented in the patient information leaflet, please discuss them with your doctor or a pharmacist.

You can also discuss your concerns with one of our online doctors using the online chat portal.

Who should not take simvastatin?

Simvastatin is not suitable for everyone.

Do not take simvastatin if you:

• have liver problems
• are pregnant or breastfeeding
• are taking, or have taken in the last 7 days, a medicine called fusidic acid - orally or by injection
• are taking itraconazole, ketoconazole, posaconazole or any other antifungal
• are taking erythromycin, clarithromycin or telithromycin
• are taking indinavir, nelfinavir, ritonavir, and saquinavir (for HIV)
• boceprevir or telaprevir (for hepatitis C infections)
• nefazodone (for depression
• cobicistat
• gemfibrozil (to lower cholesterol)
• ciclosporin (for organ transplants)
• danazol (for endometriosis)

If you are unsure whether simvastatin is safe for you, speak to your doctor.

Side effects of simvastatin

Every medicine has the potential to cause side effects, though not everybody experiences them.

Be vigilant of side effects while taking any medication.

Rare side effects of simvastatin may include:

• muscle pain, cramps or weakness
• inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis)
• rash
• joint inflammation
• inflammation of blood vessels
• unusual bruising, swelling, hives, skin sensitivity, fever and flushing
• shortness of breath and feeling unwell
• liver inflammation (jaundice)

This is not an exhaustive list of side effects associated with taking simvastatin. For a full list of side effects, read the patient information leaflet.

Allergies

Do not take simvastatin if you are allergic to simvastatin or any of the other ingredients listed in the patient information leaflet.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

If you are pregnant, think you might be pregnant, or breastfeeding, speak to your doctor before taking simvastatin.

Other safety information

Always read the patient information leaflet before starting to take simvastatin.

Inform our online prescribers of all medicines you are currently taking, including those prescribed by your doctor or bought over the counter, as well as health and herbal supplements.

Do not take simvastatin past the expiry date printed on the packaging.

Never dispose of simvastatin tablets via household or water waste, as this can harm the environment. Ask your local pharmacy to dispose of any unwanted or expired simvastatin tablets.

Always store simvastatin out of sight and out of reach of children and pets.

Do not share your simvastatin tablets with anybody else, even if they are experiencing the same symptoms or have been diagnosed with the same condition as you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drink alcohol while taking Simvastatin?

You may be allowed to drink alcohol if you are prescribed statins, however you should not drink more than 14 units of alcohol a week. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Will Simvastatin impact my ability to drive or operate machinery?

Simvastatin should not impact your ability to drive or operate machinery, however if concerned you should consult your doctor.

What's the difference between atorvastatin and simvastatin?

While both atorvastatin and simvastatin are used to lower cholesterol, atorvastatin is considered a more potent statin.

Your doctor will advise which statins (if any) are most suitable for you.

Can I have grapefruit while taking simvastatin?

You should not have grapefruit while taking simvastatin. This is because chemicals in the grapefruit can elevate the amount of simvastatin in your blood, which may lead to adverse reactions.

If you regularly eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice, consult your doctor.

When is the best time to take simvastatin?

It is best to take simvastatin in the evening.