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Common uses
Zocor (SIMVASTATIN) is an
HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor or "statin" used to lower bad cholesterol
(LDL) and triglyceride levels in your blood or to raise good
cholesterol (HDL) levels in adults. This medicine is used in
combination with a low-cholesterol and low-fat diet. Simvastatin may
also be used in certain adolescent patients, age 10 to 17 years, who
have a genetically caused cholesterol problem. This medicine works by
blocking an enzyme that is necessary for your body to make
cholesterol. When this enzyme is blocked, your body makes less
cholesterol. Keeping your cholesterol level under control may reduce
your risk of heart problems and stroke. This medicine is not a cure
for high cholesterol, but may help to control it. This medicine may
also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Before using
Do not take this
medicine if you are also taking fibrates such as gemfibrozil or
fenofibrate; hiv protease inhibitors such as ritonavir, lopinavir,
nelfinavir; itraconazole; ketoconazole; macrolide antibiotics such as
erythromycin, clarithromycin, or troleandomycin; nefazodone; or
high-dose niacin (1 gram or more per day).
Additional monitoring
of your dose or condition may be needed if you are taking amiodarone,
"blood thinners" such as warfarin, bosentan, cyclosporine,
dalfopristin or quinupristin, digoxin, diltiazem, fluconazole,
imatinib, rifamycins such as rifampin, st. John's wort, verapamil, or
voriconazole.
Do not start or stop
any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval. Inform your
doctor of any other medical conditions including kidney problems,
muscle problems, alcohol use, allergies (especially to other "statins"),
pregnancy, or breast-feeding. Certain medical conditions, including
low blood pressure; severe infection; uncontrolled seizures; or
serious metabolic, endocrine, or electrolyte problems may increase
your risk for side effects that can result in kidney problems.
Contact your doctor if you develop one of these conditions.
Use of this medicine
is not recommended if you have a history of liver disease or ongoing,
abnormal liver function test results. Contact your doctor or
pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about taking this
medicine.
Directions
Follow the directions
for using this medicine provided by your doctor. This medicine may be
taken on an empty stomach or with food. If you are taking 1 dose a
day, take your dose in the evening or at bedtime as directed by your
doctor. Your dosage is based on your medical condition, response to
therapy, and the other medicines that you are taking. Do not exceed
the recommended dose of this medicine.
Do not drink large
amounts of grapefruit juice (greater than 1 quart daily) or eat large
amounts of grapefruit while taking this medicine. Store this medicine
at room temperature, away from heat and light. For best results, take
this medicine regularly. Taking this medicine at the same time(s)
each day will help you to remember.
If you miss a dose of
this medicine, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for
your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular
dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.
Cautions
Do not take this
medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to it or are allergic
to any ingredient in this product. Follow the dietary plan provided
by your doctor. It may take several weeks for this medicine to work.
Do not stop using this medicine without first checking your doctor.
Keep all doctor and laboratory appointments while you are using this
medicine. Laboratory and/or medical tests such as blood cholesterol
levels, liver function tests, or muscle tests may be done at the
start of therapy and while you are taking this medicine to monitor
your progress or to check for side effects.
Before you have any
medical or dental treatments, emergency care, or surgery, tell the
doctor or dentist that you are using this medicine. This medicine may
increase your risk for liver problems. Alcohol can also increase this
risk. Before drinking alcohol, talk with your doctor about the safe
use of this medicine and alcohol. This medicine may cause injury to
your muscles especially when taken at higher doses or when taken with
certain other medicines. Contact your doctor immediately if you
experience muscle pain or weakness, especially with a fever.
For women: if you are
able to become pregnant, talk with your doctor or pharmacist about
the use of effective birth control while taking this medicine. Do not
use this medicine if you are pregnant. If you suspect that you could
be pregnant, contact your doctor immediately. It is unknown if this
medicine is excreted in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking
this medicine.
Possible side
effects
Side effects that may
occur while taking this medicine include constipation, diarrhea, or
stomach upset. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your
doctor. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience muscle
aches, pain, tenderness, or weakness, especially if associated with
unusual tiredness and a fever; yellowing of skin or eyes; dark urine;
change in the amount of urine; stomach pain; ongoing nausea or
vomiting; blurred vision; or unusual bleeding or bruising.
An allergic reaction
to this medicine is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if
it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching,
swelling, dizziness, or trouble breathing. If you notice other
effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.
If you take
too much
If overdose is
suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room
immediately.
Additional
information
For best results, this
medicine should be used along with exercise, a low-cholesterol/low-fat
diet, and a weight loss program if you are overweight. Follow the
dietary plan provided by your doctor. Consult with your doctor. Do
not share this medicine with others for whom it was not prescribed.
Do not use this medicine for other health conditions. Keep this
medicine out of the reach of children and pets. If using this
medicine for an extended period of time, obtain refills before your
supply runs out.
Drug
interactions
Drug interactions can
result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its
job. Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this
medicine. Inform your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and
over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. |