Simvastatin (Zocor) - Lower Blood Cholesterol Treatment Drug Information : Fine Generics

What Is It Used For?
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 not yet available.

How Is It Used?
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.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What should my health care professional know before I take Simvastatin?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

Are There Possible Side Effects?
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
Rare or uncommon:

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

Simvastatin may also interact with the following medications:

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.

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.

How Should It Be Stored?
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.

NOTE: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before taking the product.