Simvastatin belongs to the statin class. Its main effect is lowing of the elevated cholesterol, triglycerides and LDL (low density lipoproteins, or so called “bad” lipoproteins). Also Simvastatin increases HDL (high density lipoproteins or so called “good” lipoproteins). These effects help to prevent or even reverse coronary artery disease.
Simvastatin can be prescribed to patients with coronary artery disease, diabetes mellitus, peripheral vessel disease, and a history of cerebrovascular disease (stroke) who have high levels of the blood’s fats for reducing the risk of mortality due to reducing death from coronary artery disease, reducing nonfatal myocardial infarction (heart attack) and stroke incidence, and reducing the necessity of the coronary and noncoronary revascularization procedures. Also Simvastatin can be used by young people who suffer of familial (heritable) hypercholesterolemia.
Side effects
In clinical studies was revealed that only about 1.4% of the patients who use Simvastatin can experience side effects.
The most widespread side effects of the Simvastatin are:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Weakness (asthenia)
- Lack of energy
- Headache (usually slight)
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Upper respiratory infections
- Abdominal pain
- Dyspepsia
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Flatulence
- Tenderness
- Itching
Also if you are taking Simvastatin rarer but still can develop such adverse effects as:
- Joint pain
- Muscle cramps
- Muscle aches
- Gastritis
- Hepatitis (usually cholestatic that can manifest in itching skin, pale stools and jaundice)
- Pancreatitis
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- Fever
- Persistent sore throat
- Bronchitis
- Sinusitis
- Fast or irregular heartbeat
- Shortness of breath
- Swelling of the legs
- Vertigo
- Spinning sensation
- Tiredness
- Depression
- Memory loss
- Insomnia
- Anxiety
- Eczema
- Rashes
- Blisters
- Sensitivity to light
- Infections of the urinary tract
- Impotence (decreased sexual ability)
- Breast development in boys (gynecomastia)
- Worsening of cataracts
- Diabetes mellitus
Besides from the above mentioned side effects in patients who were prescribed Simvastatin some allergic reactions can occur. They include: anxiety, rash, hives, itching, anaphylaxis and angioedema that can manifest in difficulty breathing, tightness in the chest, swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue, unusual hoarseness.
Serious side effects
The most serious and dangerous side effect of the Simvastatin is rhabdomyolysis – breakdown of muscles. This adverse effect mostly happens when Simvastatin is mixed with different other drugs. When it occurs muscle’s proteins run into the bloodstream and without urgent medical help this can result in kidney failure (fatal sometimes). Breakdown of muscles manifests in muscles pains, dark-colored urine, weakness, stiffness and myoglobinuria.
Also in patients who use Simvastatin can develop muscle damage (myopathy). Usually it occurs while overdosing. Symptoms of this condition are muscle cramps, stiffness, spasms, tenderness, and general weakness.
In addition cirrhosis of the liver can arise. This causes serious liver damage and can be fatal. Clinical presentations include fatigue, loss of appetite, jaundice, itching of skin, and a tendency to bruise easily.
Laboratory test’s changes
Simvastatin can cause positive ANA and elevation of the liver enzymes. So if in your laboratory rates your doctor will find increasing of the alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase and γ-glutamyl transpeptidase you should know that it is very possible that such changes can be result of the Simvastatin’s intake. Also this medicine can invoke of the noncardiac fraction of the creatine kinase elevation.
During Simvastatin intake hematological tests can present such changes as hemolytic anemia, increased ESR, thrombocytopenia, and leukopenia. Also thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura can develop.
All these changes are reversible when Simvastatin is discontinued in proper time.
Rare side effects
When the patient uses Simvastatin rare but still can occur such side effects as: skin changes (eczematous, pruritic rash, erythema multiforme, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, alopecia, nodules, discoloration, dryness of skin/mucous membranes, changes to hair/nails), neurogical problems (paresthesias, peripheral neuropathy, and peripheral nerve palsy), psychiatric changes (suicidal thoughts, delusions, paranoia, and agitation), rheumatoid manifestations (lupus-like syndrome polymyalgia rheumatica, and vasculitis ophthalmoplegia depression), testicular pain, bilateral leg compartment syndrome, myonecrosis eczematous, thyroid function abnormalities.
Also it was shown that sometimes Simvastatin can induce tumor growth especially liver, thyroid, and lung adenomas and carcinomas.
Side effects in pregnant women
Simvastatin is contraindicated for pregnant women because it can and breast-feeding mothers.
Side effects in children
In children and adolescents (10 – 17 years) the most widespread side effects of Simvastatin were headache, abdominal pain and nausea. Incidence of the rest adverse effects was the same as in adult patient. Children before 10 years old shouldn’t use this medicine.
Conclusions
You may never experience any of listed above side effects. And your doctor cannot predict reaction of your body to Simvastatin until you will try it. That’s why don’t forget to let your physician know if something in your health condition alert you. So when it seems that anything going wrong, ask your doctor for advice and he or she will diagnose if your problem is connected with medicine intake. And be careful because some of Simvastatin’s side effects require emergent medical help.