Simvastatin Tablets (10mg, 20mg, & 40mg)

What is Simvastatin and what is it used for?

Simvastatin is a tablet used to reduce cholesterol levels. Simvastatin helps to prevent circulatory problems by reducing the activity of an enzyme in the liver that produces cholesterol. It is most effective when combined with exercise and a diet low in cholesterol. These tablets are swallowed whole and are available in varying strengths. You will likely be given a weaker tablet to start, usually 20mg. Simvastatin is available in strengths of 10mg, 20mg, 40mg or 80mg.

What is high cholesterol and what problems can it cause?

High cholesterol can lead to a number of serious circulatory problems, including heart attack and stroke. It is important to be conscious of your levels of cholesterol, especially because there are no obvious external symptoms.

Lifestyle factors, such as:

• Fatty diets
• Smoking
• Alcohol consumption
• Lack of exercise

All can contribute to raising your cholesterol levels. High cholesterol can also occur as a consequence of medical conditions like diabetes. Some people may be more susceptible to cholesterol problems due to family history.

At lower levels, cholesterol is essential in the bloodstream – it transports fats throughout the body, leading to healthy cell tissue growth. This is known as high-density lipoprotein (HDL), or “good” cholesterol. However, this amount is produced naturally in the liver. When there is excess cholesterol in the blood, due to poor diet and other lifestyle factors, fats group together and can stop blood from flowing. This is low-density lipoprotein or “bad” cholesterol.

How does Simvastatin work?

Simvastatin works by reducing the activity of an enzyme found in the liver that produces cholesterol. This lowers the cholesterol levels in the body, which reduces your risk of heart attack, stroke, and angina.

Non-Prescription Alternatives for treating High Cholesterol

• Becoming more active will help lower cholesterol levels.
• Adjusting your diet to avoid foods that are high in saturated fats and generally eating healthier
• Aspirin can help prevent blood clotting and help lower Cholesterol
• Giving up smoking
• Reducing Alcohol intake

Sources

• https://www.bhf.org.uk/informa...
• https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/...

Simvastatin Warnings

Reading the following warnings carefully will help to ensure you are selecting an appropriate product.

Stop taking simvastatin and see a doctor or go to a hospital straight away if you experience:

Muscle pain, tenderness, weakness or cramps. On rare occasions, these muscle problems can be serious, including muscle breakdown resulting in kidney damage; and very rare deaths have occurred.

Simvastatin is unsuitable for you if:

• You are allergic to Simvastatin, to any of its inactive ingredients, or to similar medicines
• You have liver problems
• You are breastfeeding, pregnant, or may become pregnant.

Simvastatin and other medication

Some other medicines may interact with Simvastatin. This could impact the effectiveness of either (or both) of the medicines. Otherwise, the combination could increase your risk of certain side effects. These medicines include:

• Immunosuppressant drugs (Ciclosporin)
• Certain antibiotics or antifungal agents (erythromycin, clarithromycin, ketoconazole, telithromycin, itraconazole, fluconazole, voriconazole, posaconazole, rifampin, fusidic acid)
• Other medicines which regulate lipid levels (gemfibrozil, colestipol, other fibrates)
• HIV medicines (ritonavir, atazanavir, lopinavir, indinavir, darunavir)
• Endometriosis drugs (Danazol)
• Hepatitis C medicines (boceprevir, telaprevir)
• Lomitapide
• Medicines that regulate the rhythm of the heart (digoxin, amiodarone, verapamil)
• Certain antidepressants, especially nefazodone
• Medicines that contain cobicistat
• Colchicine
• Anticoagulants (warfarin, phenprocoumon)
• Rifampicin.

The above list is not exhaustive. Please read all packaging and the Patient Information Leaflet contained within the product packaging before taking any new medicine and inform your doctor of medicines you are taking or intend to take.

Simvastatin Dosage

Your doctor will advise you on the appropriate dosage of Simvastatin. The normal starting dose is 20mg at night, although this will depend on your current cholesterol levels.

The tablets are to be swallowed whole with a sip of water. Take one per day, ideally in the evening. This is because the liver most actively produces cholesterol at night.

If you stop taking Simvastatin, your body will likely resume producing large quantities of cholesterol, which may lead to complications. So, it must be taken long-term.

Your doctor may adjust your dosage going forward, especially if you are at risk of coronary heart disease.

Simvastatin is most effective if combined with regular exercise and a healthy diet. Prescription medicines should only be one part of a healthy lifestyle.

Simvastatin Ingredients

The active ingredient contained in Simvastatin is simvastatin.

The other ingredients contained in this medication is:

Lactose monohydrate, pregelatinised maize starch, ascorbic acid (E300), citric acid monohydrate (E330), microcrystalline cellulose (E460(i)), butylhydroxyanisole (E320), croscarmellose sodium, magnesium stearate (E572).

Simvastatin Side Effects

Not everyone will experience side effects when they take Simvastatin, however, if you do they can include:

• Low red blood cell count (anaemia)
• Numbness or weakness of the arms and legs
• Headache, tingling sensation, dizziness
• Digestive disturbances (abdominal pain, constipation, flatulence, indigestion, diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting.
• Rash, itching, hair loss
• Weakness
• Memory loss, confusion
• Problems during sexual intercourse.

If you are overweight with high blood pressure, you may be at risk of diabetes while taking these tablets. Your doctor will monitor you while you take Simvastatin, and stop the prescription if complications develop.

If you are concerned about these effects, or if the product affects you in any other way, stop using it and talk to your doctor or pharmacist.