Simvastatin Side Effects
Before launching into the Simvastatin side effects here is some background information. Simvastatin (Zocor), belongs to the class of drugs known as HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors... better known as the "statins". It is usually taken to lower triglycerides, total cholesterol and LDL "bad" cholesterol and raise HDL "good" cholesterol. It also has some other more medical sounding uses but we get into that... we assume that if it's been prescribed for you then you probably already know why. That said, let's get down to it.
Commonly Occuring Simvastatin Side Effects
- Abdominal pain
- Constipation
- Headache
- Nausea
- Upper respiratory infections
Other Simvastatin Side Effects
- Abdominal pain
- Asthenia - general muscle weakness/loss of strength and/or energy
- Atrial fibrillation - a type of abnormal heart rhythm
- Bronchitis
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Diabetes mellitus
- Dyspepsia - indigestion
- Eczema
- Edema/swelling
- Flatulence - passing gas
- Gastritis - inflammation of the stomach lining
- Headache
- Increase in liver enzyme levels
- Insomnia
- Myalgia - muscle pain
- Rash
- Sinusitis
- Urinary tract infection
- Vertigo - a dizzying/reeling sensation, like one is about to fall
It is a mathematical fact that fifty percent of all doctors
graduate in the bottom half of their class.- Author Unknown
Most Common Simvastatin Side Effects in Adolescents
- Abdominal pain
- Headache
- Nausea
- Upper respiratory infection
Post-Marketing Simvastatin Side Effects
The following side effects of Simvastatin were reported after Simvastatin was approved and being used by the general population. You should note though that they were reported voluntarily by folks in the general population so there is therefore no way to determine how often they occur or if there is even really a true connection between them and Simvastatin. They are as follows: - Alopecia - hair loss
- Anemia
- Depression
- Dizziness
- Hepatitis/jaundice
- Hypersensitivity syndrome which includes some of the following symptoms - anaphylaxis, angioedema, lupus erythematous-like syndrome, polymyalgia rheumatica, dermatomyositis, inflammation of blood vessels, bleeding under the skin which causes a purple discoloration, low platelet count, low white blood cell count, hemolytic anemia, positive ANA, ESR increase (an indication of possible infection in the body), eosinophilia (a type of low white blood cell count), arthritis, joint pain, hives, general weakness, sensitivity to light, fever, chills, flushing, malaise, difficulty breathing, toxic epidermal necrolysis, erythema multiforme, including Stevens-Johnson syndrome
- Liver failure
- Memory impairment
- Muscle cramps
- Myalgia - muscle pain
- Pancreatitis
- Paresthesia - skin numbness/tingling; "pins and needles" sensation
- Peripheral neuropathy - nerve damage in the arms and legs
- Pruritus - itching
- Rhabdomyolysis
- Skin changes (things like nodules, discoloration, dryness of skin/mucous membranes, changes to hair/nails)
- Vomiting
Taking a lady's hand gives her confidence
in her physician
- William Osler
Drug Manufacturer Information
Merck & Co., Inc.
One Merck Drive
P.O. Box 100
Whitehouse Station, NJ 08889-0100
908-423-1000
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October 1, 2009
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