Simvastatin 20mg Tablets

Simvastatin is a tablet used to reduce cholesterol levels. Simvastatin helps to prevent circulatory problems by reducing the activity of an enzyme in the liver that produces cholesterol. It is most effective when combined with exercise and a diet low in cholesterol. These tablets are swallowed whole and are available in varying strengths. You will likely be given a weaker tablet to start, usually 10 or 20mg.

High cholesterol can lead to a number of serious circulatory problems, including heart attack and stroke. It is important to be conscious of your levels of cholesterol, especially because there are no obvious external symptoms. Lifestyle factors, such as fatty diets, smoking, alcohol consumption and lack of exercise can all raise your cholesterol levels. High cholesterol can also occur as a consequence of medical conditions like diabetes. Some people may be more susceptible to cholesterol problems due to family history.

At lower levels, cholesterol is essential in the bloodstream – it transports fats throughout the body, leading to healthy cell tissue growth. This is known as high-density lipoprotein (HDL), or “good” cholesterol. However, this amount is produced naturally in the liver. When there is excess cholesterol in the blood, due to poor diet and other lifestyle factors, fats group together and can stop blood from flowing. This is low-density lipoprotein or “bad” cholesterol.

Simvastatin works by reducing the activity of an enzyme found in the liver that produces cholesterol. This lowers the cholesterol levels in the body, which reduces your risk of heart attack, stroke, and angina.

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Non-Prescription Alternatives for treating High Cholesterol are;

• Becoming more active will help lower cholesterol levels.
• Adjusting your diet to avoid foods that are high in saturated fats and generally eating healthier
• Aspirin can help prevent blood clotting and help lower Cholesterol
• Giving up smoking
• Reducing Alcohol intake

Reading the following warnings carefully will help to ensure you are selecting an appropriate product.

Simvastatin is unsuitable for you if:

• You are allergic to Simvastatin, to any of its inactive ingredients, or to similar medicines
• You have liver problems
• You are breastfeeding, pregnant, or may become pregnant

Some other medicines may interact with Simvastatin. This could impact the effectiveness of either (or both) of the medicines. Otherwise, the combination could increase your risk of certain side effects. These medicines include:

• Immunosuppressant drugs (Ciclosporin)
• Certain antibiotic or antifungal agents (erythromycin, clarithromycin, ketoconazole, telithromycin, itraconazole, fluconazole, voriconazole, posaconazole, rifampin, fusidic acid)
• Other medicines which regulate lipid levels (gemfibrozil, colestipol, other fibrates)
• HIV medicines (ritonavir, atazanavir, lopinavir, indinavir, darunavir)
• Endometriosis drugs (Danazol)
• Hepatitis C medicines (boceprevir, telaprevir)
• Lomitapide
• Medicines which regulate the rhythm of the heart (digoxin, amiodarone, verapamil)
• Certain antidepressants, especially nefazodone
• Medicines which contain cobicistat
• Colchicine
• Anticoagulants (warfarin, phenprocoumon)
• Rifampicin

The above list is not exhaustive. Please read all packaging and the Patient Information Leaflet before taking any new medicine and inform your doctor of medicines you are taking or intend to take.

Your doctor will advise you on the appropriate dosage of Simvastatin.

The tablets are to be swallowed whole with a sip of water. Take one per day, ideally in the evening. This is because the liver most actively produces cholesterol at night.

If you stop taking Simvastatin, your body will likely resume producing large quantities of cholesterol, which may lead to complications. So, it must be taken long-term.

Your doctor may adjust your dosage going forward, especially if you are at risk of coronary heart disease.

All statins are most effective if combined with regular exercise and a healthy diet. Prescription medicines should only be one part of a healthy lifestyle.

The active ingredient contained in Simvastatin is:

Simvastatin

Simvastatin also contains the following inactive ingredients to make up the complete product:

Lactose monohydrate, pregelatinised maize starch, ascorbic acid (E300), citric acid monohydrate (E330), microcrystalline cellulose (E460(i)), butylhydroxyanisole (E320), croscarmellose sodium, magnesium stearate (E572)

Not everyone will experience side effects when they take Simvastatin, however, if you do they can include:

Problems during sexual intercourse

If you are overweight with high blood pressure, you may be at risk of diabetes while taking these tablets. Your doctor will monitor you while you take Simvastatin, and stop the prescription if complications develop.

If you are concerned about these effects, or if the product affects you in any other way, stop using it and talk to your doctor or pharmacist.