QandAs: Health

What Is Simvastatin?

Answer:
Simvastatin is used to reduce the production of certain fatty substances in the body, including cholesterol.

It is prescribed in order to lower high cholesterol and triglyceride levels, while increasing good cholesterol (lipoprotein).

The name brand form of this medication is known as Zocor. It is a lipid lowering agent. This drug is a white to off-white nonhygroscopic crystalline powder that is nearly insoluble in water, but is freely soluble in chloroform, methanol, and ethanol. These tablets come in a variety of doses, including 5mg, 10mg, 20mg, 40mg or 80mg of simvastatin, to which additional inactive ingredients and fillers are added.

Generally, medications such as this are only one component of a multiple risk factor intervention for patients that at an increased risk for atherosclerotic vascular disease due to hypercholesterolemia. Drug therapy is often used when diet changes in itself are not enough. In patients that are at a high risk of coronary events due to existing coronary heart disease, diabetes, peripheral vessel disease, history of stroke, Zocor is helpful in reducing the risk of total mortality for coronary heart disease patients, reducing the risk on non-fatal myocardial infarction and stroke, and reducing the need for surgical procedures.

Make sure to tell your doctor immediately if, after taking this medicine, you have any unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness, as this can indicate the development of myopathy. If the patient consumes alcohol or has a history of liver disease, their doctor should monitor them closely after starting this medication. There are risks to a fetus if a pregnant woman continues to take this medication, and there is no indication of cholesterol lowering benefits to taking this medication while pregnant.