Zocor

Generic name: Simvastatin

Simvastatin tablets

What are simvastatin tablets?

SIMVASTATIN (Zocor) blocks the body's ability to make cholesterol. Simvastatin can help lower blood cholesterol for patients who are at risk of getting heart disease or a stroke. It is only for patients whose cholesterol level is not controlled by diet. Generic simvastatin tablets are available.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• an alcohol problem
• any hormone disorder (such as diabetes, under-active thyroid)
• blood salt imbalance
• infection
• kidney disease
• liver disease
• low blood pressure
• muscle disorder or condition
• recent surgery
• seizures (convulsions)
• severe injury
• an unusual or allergic reaction to simvastatin, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I take this medicine?

Take simvastatin tablets by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the tablets with a drink of water. If you take the tablets once a day, it is best to take your dose in the evening hours (like with the evening meal) or at bedtime. You may take this medicine with or without food. Do not take simvastatin with grapefruit juice; orange juice may be used instead. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.

Store at room temperature between 5.30 degrees C (41.86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

What drug(s) may interact with simvastatin?

Do not take Simvastatin with any of the following:

• amprenavir
• atazanavir
• clarithromycin
• delavirdine
• erythromycin
• grapefruit juice
• indinavir
• itraconazole
• ketoconazole
• lopinavir; ritonavir
• mibefradil
• nefazodone
• nelfinavir
• red yeast rice
• ritonavir
• saquinavir

Simvastatin may also interact with the following medications:

• alcohol
• amiodarone
• barbiturates (examples: phenobarbital, butalbital, primidone)
• bosentan
• carbamazepine
• cyclosporine
• danazol
• digoxin
• diltiazem
• efavirenz
• fluconazole
• medicines to lower cholesterol or triglycerides (examples: fenofibrate, gemfibrozil, niacin)
• medicine used to stop early pregnancy (mifepristone, RU-486)
• nicardipine
• oxcarbazepine
• phenytoin
• rifampin, rifabutin, or rifapentine
• St. John's Wort
• telithromycin
• troleandomycin
• verapamil
• voriconazole
• warfarin

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What should I watch for while taking simvastatin?

Visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. You may need to have blood tests drawn to make sure your liver is working properly.

Tell your prescriber or health care professional as soon as you can if you get any unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness, especially if you also have a fever and tiredness.

Some medicines increase the risk of muscle side effects while taking simvastatin. Discuss your drug regimen with your health care provider if you are prescribed certain antibiotics or antifungals which are not recommended to be taken with simvastatin (examples: clarithromycin, erythromycin, itraconazole, ketoconazole). Your prescriber may decide to temporarily stop taking simvastatin while you are taking a short course of the antibiotic or antifungal therapy. Alternatively, your health care provider may prescribe another antibiotic or antifungal medicine for your condition.

Simvastatin is only part of a total cholesterol-lowering program. Your physician or dietician can suggest a low-cholesterol and low-fat diet that will reduce your risk of getting heart and blood vessel disease. Avoid alcohol and smoking, and keep a proper exercise schedule.

If you are going to have surgery tell your prescriber or health care professional that you are taking simvastatin.

This medicine should not be used by women who are pregnant or breast-feeding. There is a potential for serious side effects to an unborn child or to an infant. Talk to your health care professional or pharmacist for more information.

What side effects may I notice from taking simvastatin?

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:

Rare or uncommon:

• dark yellow or brown urine
• decreased urination, difficulty passing urine
• fever
• muscle pain, tenderness, cramps, or weakness
• redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
• skin rash, itching
• unusual tiredness or weakness
• yellowing of the skin or eyes

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• constipation
• headache
• upset stomach, indigestion, gas, heartburn