Uses of Simvastatin

Simvastatin is used in the treatment of primary hypercholesterolaemia, mixed dyslipidaemia or homozygous familial hypercholesterolaemia along with other medicines. It is also used to treat coronary heart disease or who are at high risk of coronary heart disease (because of diabetes, history of stroke or any other blood vessel disease) in addition to your cholesterol-lowering diet. 

Therapeutic Category

Simvastatin: Anti-hyperlipidemic drugs (HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors)

How Simvastatin works

Simvastatin works by blocking the enzyme that our body needs to make cholesterol and helps to lower the levels of total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol) and fatty substances called triglycerides in the blood. Also, it raises the levels of good cholesterol (HDL cholesterol) which may prolong the life by reducing the risk of heart disease.

Common side effects of Simvastatin

• headache
• abdominal pain, gastritis, constipation

When to consult your doctor

• In case of accidental overdosage
• If you experience muscle pain, tenderness, muscle weakness, muscle cramps. On rare occasions, these muscle problems can be serious, including muscle breakdown resulting in kidney damage
• If you experience allergic reactions causing face, tongue and throat swelling which may cause breathing difficulties
• If you experience severe muscle pain in the hips and shoulders
• If you experience rash with weakness of limbs and neck muscles
• If you experience skin rashes and mouth sores
• If you experience pain or inflammation of the joint
• If you experience inflammation of the blood vessels
• If you experience unusual bruising, skin eruptions and swelling, hives, skin sensitivity to the sun, fever and flushing 
• If you experience shortness of breathing and feeling unwell
• If you experience lupus-like disease (including rash, joint disorders and effects on blood cells)
• If you experience inflammation of the liver associated with yellowing of the skin and eyes, itching, dark-coloured urine or pale-coloured stool, tiredness or weakness, loss of appetite, liver failure 
• If you experience pancreas inflammation accompanied with severe abdominal pain

Health Tips for Simvastatin

• Adopt a heart-healthy diet that is low in saturated fats, trans fats, and cholesterol. Include plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins in your meals. Limit your intake of processed and high-fat foods
• If you are overweight or obese, losing weight can help improve cholesterol levels and overall cardiovascular health
• Regular physical activity, such as brisk walking, cycling or swimming, can help raise HDL (good) cholesterol levels and lower LDL (bad) cholesterol levels. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity exercise per week
• Moderate alcohol consumption may have some cardiovascular benefits, but excessive alcohol intake can raise triglyceride levels and contribute to liver problems. If you drink alcohol, do so in moderation, following the guidelines provided by your healthcare provider 
• Smoking can lower HDL cholesterol levels and damage blood vessels, increasing the risk of heart disease. If you smoke, consider quitting, and avoid exposure to secondhand smoke