What is Simvastatin? Uses, warnings & side effects

Take this medicine as directed. The dosage may need to change several times at the start of therapy.

Please read the Patient Information insert included with the medicine.

Follow the diet and exercise recommendations given by the physician.

Take only one dose daily in the evening.

How to take simvastatin tablets:

• Simvastatin tablets can be taken with or without food.

• Swallow the tablet with a drink of water.

• Store the tablets in a closed container at room temperature

How to take simvastatin oral suspension (FloLipid):

• Take simvastatin suspension doses on an empty stomach.

• Shake the bottle for 20 seconds to mix the medicine.

• Only use a calibrated oral syringe when measuring doses. Do not use kitchen measuring devices or tableware.

• Use all the medicine in the bottle within 30 days of opening the bottle for the first time. Throw away any remaining medicine after that time.

• Store simvastatin oral suspension at room temperature, protected from heat. Do not freeze or refrigerate.

Take a dose as soon as it’s remembered. 

If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. 

Do not take two doses to make up for a missed dose.

This medicine is not right for everyone. 

Do not use it if you are breastfeeding or have:

• Active liver disease

• Allergies to simvastatin

It is not safe to take simvastatin during pregnancy. It could harm an unborn baby. Tell the prescriber right away if you become pregnant.

Tell any doctor or other healthcare provider who treats you that you are using this medicine, especially before a medical or dental procedure.

Your doctor will require regular visits and blood tests to monitor treatment and spot possible side effects. Keep all appointments.

Before starting simvastatin, make sure the prescriber knows about your medical conditions, particularly:

• Kidney disease

• Liver disease

• Diabetes

• Thyroid problems

• Any history of unexplained muscle aches or muscle pain

• Myasthenia gravis

Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol regularly (two drinks or more daily).

This medicine may cause:

• Muscle pain, muscle weakness, or severe muscle damage which can lead to kidney problems, kidney failure, and possibly death

• Liver problems

• Increased blood sugar levels

Breastfeeding is not recommended in women taking simvastatin.

To avoid potentially hazardous drug interactions, tell the prescribing healthcare provider about all prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, and supplements being taken before starting simvastatin.

Tell other healthcare providers you are using simvastatin before they prescribe new medications.

Never take simvastatin with:

• The antibiotics clarithromycin or erythromycin

• The antifungal drugs itraconazole, ketoconaole, posaconazole, or voriconazole

• Antiviral drugs called protease inhibitors

• Cyclosporine, danazol, gemfibrozil, nefazodone, Paxlovid

Some drug interactions can interfere with the benefits of simvastatin or increase the risk of side effects. These include:

• Coumarin anticoagulants such as warfarin

• The heart drugs amiodarone, digoxin, or dronedarone

• The blood pressure drugs amlodipine, diltiazem, or verapamil pressure

• Fibric acid derivatives such as fenofibrate

• Colchicine, daptomycin, lomitapide, ranolazine 

Tell the doctor if you take large doses of niacin or nicotinic acid, especially if you are of Chinese descent.

Avoid grapefruit juice while taking simvastatin. Find more information about grapefruit and statins here.