Type of medicine: vitamin B3/HMG CoA reductase inhibitor; statin
Generic and brand names: niacin/simvastatin, oral; Simcor
This medicine is taken by mouth to lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels when diet and exercise alone have not lowered them enough.
It is a combination of 2 medicines, niacin and simvastatin.
It may be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.
Niacin is also called nicotinic acid.
Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:
Tell your provider if you take any vitamins or supplements that might contain niacin or nicotinamide.
Females of childbearing age: Do not take this medicine if you are pregnant because it may harm the baby. If you are pregnant, tell your healthcare provider. Do not become pregnant during treatment with this medicine. Stop taking this medicine at the first sign that you may be pregnant and contact your healthcare provider right away. Do not breast-feed while you are taking this medicine.
Check the label on the medicine for directions about your specific dose. Take this medicine exactly as directed by your healthcare provider for the length of time prescribed. Take it regularly every day. Do not change your dosage or stop taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval. If you stop taking this medicine for longer than 7 days for any reason, contact your healthcare provider. You may need to restart the medicine at a lower dose.
This medicine should be taken at bedtime after a low-fat snack. This will lessen stomach upset. Do not break, crush, or chew the tablets. Swallow them whole. Do not drink alcohol or hot beverages with your dose.
You need to follow a low-fat diet and a regular exercise program to help reduce your cholesterol level. Follow your healthcare provider's directions.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed. Do not take double doses. If you are not sure of what to do if you miss a dose, or if you miss more than one dose, contact your healthcare provider.
If you or anyone else has intentionally taken too much of this medicine, call 911 or go to the emergency room right away. If you pass out, have seizures, weakness or confusion, or have trouble breathing, call 911. If you think that you or anyone else may have taken too much of this medicine, call the poison control center. Do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning. The poison control center number is 800-222-1222.
Symptoms of an acute overdose may include: nausea, dizziness, fainting, itching, vomiting, severe flushing, diarrhea, irregular heartbeat.
While you are taking this medicine, report any unusual muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness to your healthcare provider right away, especially if you also have a fever or feel ill.
The niacin in this medicine may cause flushing, tingling, or a sensation of warmth when you first start taking it. These effects usually stop with continued use. Taking aspirin or ibuprofen 30 minutes before taking this medicine may prevent this effect. Talk with your healthcare provider about this.
Your healthcare provider will want to see you regularly while you are taking this medicine. You will need blood tests to see if the medicine is working. You will also have liver function tests to see how the medicine may be affecting your liver. Keep all your appointments.
If you need emergency care, surgery, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you are taking this medicine.
This medicine may make you dizzy or cause blurred vision. Do not drive or operate machinery unless you are fully alert.
You may feel dizzy or faint when you get up quickly after sitting or lying down. Getting up slowly may help. Also, do not drink alcohol unless your healthcare provider approves.
Diabetics: This medicine may affect your blood sugar level and change the amount of insulin or other diabetes medicines you may need. Talk to your healthcare provider about this.
Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.
Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away. If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).
Serious (report these to your healthcare provider right away): Chest pain; irregular heartbeat, unusual muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness, especially if you also have a fever or vision changes; yellowing of your skin or eyes; dark urine; pale stools, vision changes, unusual bruising or bleeding.
Other: Flushing, tingling, feeling of warmth, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, back pain, stomach pain, heartburn, headache, dizziness, memory problems, trouble sleeping, runny nose.
When you take this medicine with other medicines, it can change the way this or any of the other medicines work. Nonprescription medicines, vitamins, natural remedies, and certain foods may also interact. Using these products together might cause harmful side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are taking:
The effects of this medicine may be increased if you drink large amounts of grapefruit juice. Talk with your healthcare provider about this.
Do not drink alcohol while you are taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval.
If you are not sure if your medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.
Store this medicine at room temperature. Keep the container tightly closed. Protect it from heat, high humidity, and bright light.
This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.
Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicine in the trash.
Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
Do not share medicines with other people.
