DRUG OF THE DAY: SIMVASTATIN

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The fifth most prescribed medication last year was simvastatin.  What is simvastatin and what is it used for?
Simvastatin goes by the brand name Zocor and is an oral cholesterol lowering drug medication in the statin class of drugs.  

How it works:  Simvastatin is a HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor which means that it decreases the production of cholesterol in the body and increases the rate of removal of cholesterol.

What it's for: Prophylaxis with people for high cardiovascular or cerebrovascular event risk, hypertriglyceridemia, hyperlipidemia

Side effects:  include constipation, nausea, abdominal pain, headaches, insomnia, vertigo and upper respiratory infections.  Notify your doctor immediately if you have any muscle pain or weakness.

What I should know:  

 

  • Avoid grapefruit juice while taking simvastatin

  • Immediately report signs/symptoms of liver injury (eg, fatigue, anorexia, right upper abdominal discomfort, dark urine, or jaundice

  • Immediately report signs/symptoms of myopathy including unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness especially when accompanied by fever or malaise, or if symptoms persist after discontinuation of drug

  • There are many drug-drug interactions and drug-herbal interactions; make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows all medications you are taking (including over the counter medications)



Call your doctor right away if:


 

  • You have any signs/symptoms of liver injury (eg, fatigue, anorexia, right upper abdominal discomfort, dark urine, or jaundice

  • You have any signs/symptoms of myopathy including unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness especially when accompanied by fever or malaise, or if symptoms persist after discontinuation of drug



References:
Lexicomp
Micromedex
Uptodate


EducationJoanna Simmon