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Simvastatin 
DescriptionSimvastatin is used to lower levels of cholesterol and other fats in the blood. This may help prevent medical problems caused by cholesterol clogging the blood vessels. This medication belong to the group of medicines called 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitors. They work by blocking an enzyme that is needed by the body to make cholesterol. Thus, less cholesterol is made.
Simvastatin (generic Zocor) Reviewbrand name: Zocorgeneric name: Simvastatin How does it work?Zocor tablets contain the active ingredient simvastatin, which is a type of medicine called a statin. (NB. Simvastatin is also available without a brand name, ie as the generic medicine.) Simvastatin works by reducing the production of cholesterol by the liver.For the sake of simplicity, there are two sorts of cholesterol; a 'bad' sort called low density lipoprotein (LDL) and a 'good' sort called high density lipoprotein (HDL). LDL is deposited in the arteries and increases the risk of heart disease by clogging and narrowing the arteries (atherosclerosis), while HDL actually protects the arteries against this. Simvastatin decreases the production of LDL cholesterol by blocking the action of the enzyme in the liver (called HMG-CoA reductase) that is responsible for its production. This decreases the amount of cholesterol in the liver cells, which causes them to take up LDL cholesterol from the blood. The decreased cholesterol production and increased removal of LDL cholesterol from the blood ultimately results in lowered blood cholesterol levels. As the body produces most cholesterol at night, statins are generally more effective if taken at night. Simvastatin also causes a small decrease in the production of other 'bad fats' in the blood called triglycerides, and a small increase in the level of HDL cholesterol. This results in lowered levels of 'bad fats' and raised levels of 'good fats' in the blood. Statins have an important role in the prevention of coronary heart disease. They reduce the risk of excess cholesterol being deposited in the major blood vessels of the heart (atherosclerosis). Any blockage in the blood vessels limits the amount of blood and therefore oxygen being carried to the heart muscle. This can cause chest pain (angina) and in severe cases can result in a heart attack (myocardial infarction). Simvastatin is used to lower cholesterol in people who have high levels either due to genetics (familial hypercholesterolaemia) or as a result of diet and lifestyle. This helps to reduce the risk of atherosclerosis, angina and heart attacks (coronary heart disease). Simvastatin can also be used to reduce the risk of coronary heart disease in people who have already had a heart attack, or who suffer from angina or diabetes. In these people simvastatin slows down hardening of the arteries, regardless of your cholesterol level. It reduces the risk of needing procedures to improve blood supply to the heart, such as a balloon dilation of an artery or a heart bypass graft. It also reduces the risk of heart attack and death. It is important to continue to follow a cholesterol-lowering diet and exercise regime while taking simvastatin. Discuss this with your doctor. General information:
This information is summary only. It does not contain all information about Simvastatin (Zocor) . If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, pharmacist, check with your doctor, or other health care provider. Issue Date: September 5, 2007 Database Edition 07.3.1.003 Copyright © 2007 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.What if I miss a dose?If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses. Why is Zocor prescribed?Zocor is a cholesterol-lowering drug. Your doctor may prescribe Zocor in addition to a cholesterol-lowering diet if your blood cholesterol level is too high, and if you have been unable to lower it by diet alone. For people at high risk of heart disease, current guidelines call for considering drug therapy when LDL levels reach 130. For people at lower risk, the cut-off is 160. For those at little or no risk, it's 190. In people with high cholesterol and heart disease, stroke, Zocor reduces the risk of heart attack, and "mini-stroke" (transient ischemic attack) and can stave off the need for bypass surgery or angioplasty to clear clogged arteries. Zocor can also reduce these risks in people with diabetes, peripheral vascular disease, and a history of stroke. How can this medicine affect other medicines?It is important to tell your pharmacist what medicines you are already taking, including those bought without a prescription and herbal medicines, before you start treatment with this medicine. Similarly, check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any new medicines while taking this one, to ensure that the combination is safe . If your doctor prescribes you any new medicines make sure he knows that you are taking this one.This medicine should not be taken by people who are already taking any of the following medicines:
If OVERDOSE is suspected:Call 1-800-222-1222 to the American Association of Poison Control Centers, your local poison control center ( http://www.aapcc.org/findyour.htm ), or emergency room immediately. Proper storage of Simvastatin (Zocor) :Store Simvastatin at room temperature, between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Simvastatin (Zocor) out of the reach of children and away from pets. |
