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| Pronunciation |
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 (SIM va stat
in) |
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| Brand Names |
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; Zocor® |
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| Therapeutic Categories |
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Antilipemic Agent (HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitor) |
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| Reasons not to take this medicine |
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- If you have an allergy to simvastatin or any other part of the
medicine.
- If you have active liver disease or an increase in liver enzymes
(blood test).
- If you are pregnant.
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| What is this medicine used for? |
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- This medicine is used to lower lipids (cholesterol and others) in the
body. It works hand-in-hand with a low fat diet.
- It may also be used to increase the good, protective lipid called
HDL>
- It can decrease triglycerides in certain
situations.
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| How does it work? |
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- Simvastatin reduces cholesterol production in the
body.
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| How is it best taken? |
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- Take with or without food in the evening. Take with food if this
medicine causes an upset stomach.
- Follow diet plan. Ask to see a nutritionist if not clear on diet.
- Do not take colestipol or cholestyramine within 4 hours of medicine.
- Avoid grapefruit and grapefruit
juice.
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| What do I do if I miss a dose? |
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- Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
- If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed one. Return to
your regular schedule.
- Do not take a double dose or extra
doses.
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| What are the precautions when taking this
medicine? |
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- Check medicines with healthcare provider.
- Avoid use with cyclosporine, itraconazole, ketoconazole, erythromycin,
clarithromycin, HIV protease inhibitors, and nefazodone.
- Use caution if you have liver disease. Talk with healthcare provider.
- You can get sunburned more easily. Avoid lots of sun. Use sunscreen;
wear protective clothing and eyewear.
- Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make
sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling
about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of
face, lips, tongue, throat; or any other symptoms involved.
- Do not use in pregnancy and do not get pregnant. Use birth control
that you can trust while taking this medicine.
- Do not use if you are
breast-feeding.
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| What are the common side effects of this
medicine? |
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- Headache. Mild pain medicine may help.
- Diarrhea.
- Belly pain and cramps.
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| What should I monitor? |
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- Follow diet plan as recommended by healthcare provider.
- Check blood tests (liver function). Talk with healthcare
provider.
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| Reasons to call healthcare provider
immediately |
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- Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing;
tightness in the chest; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits;
swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
- Unexplained muscle pain, back pain, tenderness, or weakness.
- Yellowing of eyes or skin, easy bruising or
bleeding.
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| How should I store this medicine? |
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- Store in a dry place at room
temperature.
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| General statements |
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- Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's
medicine.
- Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
- Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, herbal/supplements,
vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider
(doctor, nurse, pharmacist, physician assistant).
- Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine,
including over-the-counter or natural products (herbs,
vitamins).
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