Simvastatin Side Effects and Warnings

What are the precautions when taking this medicine?

• If you have kidney disease, talk with healthcare provider.

• Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.

• Do not take colestipol or cholestyramine within 4 hours of this medicine.

• Avoid or limit alcohol intake (includes wine, beer, and liquor) to less than 3 drinks a day. Drinking too much alcohol may increase the risk of liver disease.

• Avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice.

• You can get sunburned more easily. Avoid sun, sunlamps, and tanning beds. Use sunscreen; wear protective clothing and eyewear.

• Use birth control that you can trust to prevent pregnancy while taking this medicine.

What are some possible side effects of this medicine?

• Headache.

• Belly pain.

• Diarrhea.

• Constipation. More liquids, regular exercise, or a fiber-containing diet may help. Talk with healthcare provider about a stool softener or laxative.

• Muscle weakness.

• Joint pain.

Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately

• If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center or emergency department immediately.

• Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.

• Severe muscle pain or weakness.

• Flu-like symptoms.

• Unusual bruising or bleeding.

• Dark urine or yellow skin or eyes.

• Any rash.

• No improvement in condition or feeling worse.