Tablets
Chemical Name: SIMVASTATIN (SIM-va-stat-in)

Common uses
This medicine is an HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor used to lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels in your blood or to raise HDL levels. It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Before using
Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE if you are also taking mibefradil, HIV protease inhibitors (e.g., ritonavir, lopinavir, nelfinavir), macrolide antibiotics (e.g., erythromycin, clarithromycin, troleandomycin), or nefazodone. Use caution if the following medicines are combined with simvastatin because serious side effects such as muscle injury (myopathy) infrequently could occur: fibrates (e.g., gemfibrozil, fenofibrate), high-dose niacin (1 gram or more per day). ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF YOUR DOSE OR CONDITION may be needed if you are taking amiodarone, colestipol, cholestyramine, cyclosporine, dalfopristin, digoxin, drugs which decrease metabolism by the liver (inhibitors of cytochrome 3A4 enzymes), verapamil, blood thinners (e.g., warfarin), diltiazem, rifamycins (e.g., rifampin), or azole antifungals (e.g., itraconazole, ketoconazole). Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. USE OF THIS MEDICINE IS NOT RECOMMENDED if you have a history of liver disease. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about taking this medicine.

Directions
Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. This medicine may be taken on an empty stomach or with food. IF YOU ARE TAKING 1 DOSE A DAY, take your dose in the evening or at bedtime as directed by your doctor. Dosage is based on your medical condition, response to therapy, and use of certain interacting medicines. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details, since many of the medicines listed in the Before Using section may increase the chances of muscle injury when used with this medicine. AVOID DRINKING GRAPEFRUIT JUICE while taking this medicine. STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature, away from heat and light. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Cautions
FOLLOW THE DIETARY PLAN provided by your doctor. Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., liver funtion or CK muscle tests) may be performed to monitor your progress, especially if you are taking 80 milligrams of simvastatin or more per day. KEEP ALL DOCTOR AND LABORATORY APPOINTMENTS while you are using this medicine. BEFORE HAVING ANY KIND OF SURGERY, tell your doctor that you are taking this medicine. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. FOR WOMEN: DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE if you are pregnant. IF YOU SUSPECT THAT YOU COULD BE PREGNANT, contact your doctor immediately. IT IS UNKNOWN IF THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED in breast milk. DO NOT BREAST-FEED while taking this medicine.

Possible side effects
NO COMMON SIDE EFFECTS HAVE BEEN REPORTED with the proper use of this medicine. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE if you experience muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness, especially if associated with fever and a general feeling of discomfort; rash; yellow skin or eyes; or unusual bleeding or bruising. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience the following side effects or symptoms of toxicity: swelling of hands, face, lips, eyes, throat, or tongue; difficulty swallowing or breathing; or hoarseness. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

Drug interactions
Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job. Use our drug interaction checker to find out if your medicines interact with each other.

If you take too much
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.

Additional information
FOR BEST RESULTS, this medicine should be used along with exercise, a low-cholesterol/low-fat diet, and a weight loss program if you are overweight. Consult with your doctor. DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others for whom it was not prescribed. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other health conditions. KEEP THIS MEDICINE out of the reach of children and pets. IF USING THIS MEDICINE FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, obtain refills before your supply runs out.