simvastatin (cont.)
PREGNANCY: Pregnant women should not use simvastatin because the
developing fetus requires cholesterol for development, and simvastatin reduces
the production of cholesterol. Simvastatin should only be administered to women
of child bearing age if they are not likely to become
pregnant.
NURSING MOTHERS: Because of the risk of adverse effects to the
developing infant, simvastatin should not be administered to
nursing mothers.
SIDE EFFECTS: The most common side effects of simvastatin are
headache, nausea,
vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, muscle pain, and abnormal
liver tests. Hypersensitivity reactions have also been reported. The most
serious potential side effects are liver damage and muscle inflammation or
breakdown.
Simvastatin is a statin. Therefore it shares side effects, such as liver and
muscle damage associated with all statins. Serious liver damage caused by
statins is rare. More often, statins cause abnormalities of liver tests, and,
therefore, periodic measurement of liver tests in the blood is recommended for
all statins. Abnormal tests usually return to normal even if a statin is
continued, but if the abnormal test value is greater than three times the upper
limit of normal, the statin usually is stopped. Liver tests should be measured
before simvastatin is started and periodically thereafter or if there is a
medical concern about liver damage. Liver tests should be performed before the
80 mg dose of simvastatin is initiated, three months after initiation and then
periodically thereafter.
Inflammation of the muscles caused by statins can lead to a serious breakdown
of muscle cells called rhabdomyolysis. Rhabdomyolysis causes the release of
muscle protein (myoglobin) into the blood. Myoglobin can cause kidney failure
and even death. When used alone, statins cause rhabdomyolysis in less than one
percent of patients. To prevent the development of rhabdomyolysis, patients
taking simvastatin should contact their healthcare provider immediately if they
develop unexplained muscle pain, weakness, or muscle tenderness.
Reference: FDA Prescribing Information
Last Editorial Review: 9/16/2008
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
- Statins - Read about statins, cholesterol lowering medications like Levacor, Zocor, Pravachol, Lipitor, Crestor, and more. Side effects, drug interactions, and patient information is also provided.
- Liver Blood Tests - Learn about liver blood tests used to detect liver damage disease such as fatty liver, cirrhosis, hepatitis, Tylenol liver damage, and more. This includes measuring the aminotransferases enzymes (AST and ALT levels)
- Stroke - Learn about strokes symtoms like sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arms, or legs, confusion, vision problems, problems with walking or coordination, or severe headache.
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