Simvastatin

Simvastatin, also sold under the brand name Zocor, is a medication used to treat high cholesterol in the blood.

Everybody has good cholesterol (HDL) and bad cholesterol (LDL). Those with high cholesterol levels use this medication to lower LDL and increase HDL.

With less bad cholesterol in the blood, fatty deposits (plaque) in the arteries are reduced. Good cholesterol absorbs bad cholesterol from the blood and carries it back to the liver. The liver then removes it from the body.

This lowers the risk of heart disease or stroke, among other cardiovascular health conditions.

Simvastatin is a medication known as a statin. Statins work by reducing cholesterol levels in the blood and protecting artery walls.

Simvastatin is a clinically proven cholesterol-lowering medication that offers many health benefits:

Clinical trials have found simvastatin to be highly effective at decreasing LDL (bad) cholesterol and increasing HDL (good) cholesterol.

One study found that 20 mg of simvastatin taken daily reduced total cholesterol levels by 28%, and LDL cholesterol levels by 34% after 6 weeks. 40 mg worked even better, reducing total levels by 25%, and LDL cholesterol by 41%.

Not only did simvastatin reduce bad cholesterol in the blood, it also increased good cholesterol (HDL). 20 mg simvastatin caused an increase of 8%, and 40 mg caused an increase of 9-13%.

Who can take it?

In order to be prescribed Simvastatin, you must be over the age of 18, and you must have been previously approved for treatment by your doctor. Cholesterol levels will need to be provided as well so we can ensure the treatment is safe for you.

Who cannot take it

There are some circumstances where taking this medication can pose a danger to your health. Do not use simvastatin if:

• You are allergic to simvastatin or any other ingredient in the medication
• You currently have liver problems
• You are pregnant or breastfeeding

Furthermore, there are some circumstances where simvastatin will need to be approved on a case-by-case basis. While not necessarily contraindications, one of our doctors may adjust your dosage or refuse a prescription if any of the following apply.

Please disclose your health status during your online consultation with euroClinix. Our doctor will evaluate whether Simvastatin is suitable for you and may adjust your medications if needed.

What dosage should I use?

euroClinix offers Simvastatin in 4 doses: 10 mg, 20 mg, 40 mg, and 80 mg. The dosage you are prescribed will depend on many factors, including cholesterol levels and risk of cardiovascular health events.

When do I take it?

Simvastatin is taken once daily. It is usually taken in the evening because your body produces more cholesterol at night, making the medication more effective.

How long should I take it for?

Simvastatin is safe for long-term use, and some people take the medication for life.

How long you take the medication will depend on individual health goals and risk factors. Simvastatin is only effective for as long as you take it. This means that when you stop taking it, your cholesterol levels may rise again.

How do I take it?

There are no special instructions for how to take this medication, but there are some general guidelines you can follow for maximum effectiveness:

• Take at the same time every day (in the evening is best)
• You can take it with or without food, but keep it consistent for better absorption
• Take your medication exactly as prescribed

What if I miss a dose?

Missing a dose occasionally is normal and is rarely a cause for concern. If you miss a dose of Simvastatin, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the usual time. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

How do I stop taking Simvastatin?

Simvastatin is only effective for as long as you are taking it, and stopping treatment may cause your cholesterol levels to rise again.

If you wish to stop using this medication, you must consult your doctor first. Stopping treatment without letting them know can increase your risk of heart problems.

Simvastatin typically starts to work within a few days, but you will need to take it for around 4-6 weeks before the effects become apparent.

This medication works best when taken regularly and consistently. It is important to continue treatment even if you feel better and your cholesterol levels are normal.

Simvastatin side effects are rare, and most go away on their own after stopping treatment.

Serious side effects

The following side effects can be serious. If you experience any of the following, stop taking the medicine and call your doctor immediately.

This is not an exhaustive list. For a full list of side effects, consult the patient information leaflet sent with your order.

Muscle pain associated with simvastatin should be promptly evaluated, as it may indicate myopathy or a more serious condition like rhabdomyolysis. Monitoring symptoms closely is important to ensure early detection of complications, as rhabdomyolysis can lead to kidney damage and other systemic effects.

Dr. Caroline Fontana Lead Prescribing Doctor

There are some medications that may change the way simvastatin works or increase the risk of adverse effects. Tell your doctor about any other medication you currently take or plan to take alongside simvastatin.

• Certain antibiotics and antifungals (e.g. clarithromycin, ketoconazole)
  • These can increase the risk of muscle damage.
• HIV and hepatitis C medications (e.g. ritonavir, boceprevir)
  • These raise levels of simvastatin in the blood, increasing the risk of side effects.
• Blood thinners (e.g. warfarin)
  • Simvastatin can affect how these medicines work, and so dose adjustments may be required.
• Calcium channel blockers (e.g. amlodipine)
  • These medications may increase levels of simvastatin in the blood. This means simvastatin and amlodipine are generally unsafe to take together, as the risk of simvastatin-induced myopathy (muscle damage) is increased.
• Immunosuppressants (e.e. cyclosporine)
  • Can increase the risk of simvastatin side effects.
• Medication for an irregular heartbeat (e.g. amiodarone)
  • These medications significantly increase the blood levels of simvastatin.
• Other cholesterol-lowering medications
  • These will increase the risk of muscle damage, as the effects of these medications are compounded.

Avoid grapefruit juice, as it interferes with the absorption of statins in the body. This makes the medicine stay in the bloodstream for longer, increasing the risk of side effects like muscle pain and liver damage.

Dr. Caroline Fontana Lead Prescribing Doctor

This list does not cover all possible interactions. For a comprehensive list, please visit the simvastatin interactions checker on BNF.

Storage

This medication does not require any special storage instructions. Follow these general steps to safely and effectively store your medication:

• Keep out of the sight and reach of children
• Do not use this medication after the expiry date
• Do not throw away medicines via wastewater or household waste.*

*Take any unused medication to your local pharmacy for proper disposal. These measures help to protect the environment.

No, Simvastatin can only be obtained with a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider.

Prescriptions are necessary because they:

• Ensure appropriate use for your specific condition.
• Prevent potential misuse and associated health risks.
• Allow for monitoring of side effects and interactions with other medications.

Ordering Simvastatin online from euroClinix is convenient.

Follow these simple steps:

1. Complete a quick online consultation to check your eligibility.
2. UK-registered doctors review your responses to ensure the medication is right for you.
3. Upon approval, an e-prescription will be issued.
4. Enjoy free delivery from our licensed pharmacy with tracking details.

Your privacy is our top priority. euroClinix uses secure, encrypted transactions and complies with UK medical standards to keep your information confidential.

Start your online consultation today to enjoy professional care from the comfort of your home.

euroClinix is trusted by thousands of British users for its safe and convenient service. Here’s why:

• Experienced doctors manage your consultations and prescriptions.
• Online consultations, quick approvals, and discreet doorstep delivery add to the convenience.
• A supportive team is on hand to answer treatment-related questions or concerns.
• Patients can manage their prescriptions hassle-free through our secure platform.

Join thousands who trust euroClinix for their healthcare needs and take control of your health today.

The price of Simvastatin at euroClinix includes everything you need:

• Free online consultation with our experienced doctors
• Free prescription, if approved
• Free delivery straight to your door

Our pricing is transparent, with no hidden fees. Order today and benefit from our complete, all-inclusive service.

Simvastatin vs Atorvastatin: Key differences?

While both medications are used to treat high cholesterol, Atorvastatin is considered the more potent statin. Because of this, it is more likely to be prescribed to those who need to significantly reduce their cholesterol levels.

Since the potency differs, the dosages available differ as well. Atorvastatin is typically prescribed at a lower dosage than Simvastatin.