Simvastatin – uses, health risks, and side effects at NaturalPedia.com

Tuesday, September 18, 2018 by Michelle Simmons

Simvastatin is a drug used to reduce low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or bad cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood and to increase the amount of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) or good cholesterol in the blood. It is also used to reduce the risk of stroke, heart attack, and other heart complications in people with diabetes, coronary heart disease, or other risk factors.

Simvastatin belongs to a class of drugs called HMG CoA reductase inhibitors, also known as statins. It works by slowing the production of cholesterol in the body to reduce the amount of cholesterol that may accumulate on the walls of the arteries and block blood flow to the heart, brain, and other parts of the body.

Simvastatin is sold under the brand name Zocor. It comes in tablet form and is taken orally once a day in the evening. It is used together with diet, weight-loss, and exercise to be more effective.

Simvastatin is not appropriate for some people. Tell the doctor if you:

Have had an allergic reaction to simvastatin or any other medicines in the past
Have liver or kidney problems
Are trying to get pregnant, might be pregnant, already pregnant, or breastfeeding
Have severe lung disease
Regularly drink excessive amounts of alcohol
Have an underactive thyroid
Have, or have had, a muscle disorder

Known side effects of simvastatin

The common side effects of simvastatin include:

Constipation
Headache
Joint pain
Muscle pain or weakness
Nausea
Stomach pain
Upper respiratory infections

Simvastatin also causes serious side effects, such as:

Diarrhea
Extreme sensitivity to the sun
Feeling weak or very tired
Jaundice (yellowing of the skin)
Kidney failure
Liver toxicity
Muscle spasms
Rash of any kind
Rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown)
Severe allergic reaction, with symptoms such as fever and trouble breathing
Severe anemia
Severe muscle pain or weakness
Severe nausea or vomiting
Severe stomach pain
Severe swelling of the hands, feet, and ankles

Body systems that may be harmed by simvastatin

The body systems harmed by simvastatin include the musculoskeletal, hepatic, digestive, hematologic, nervous, and cardiovascular systems.

Food items or nutrients that have similar effects to simvastatin

The following food items lower cholesterol like simvastatin:

Apples
Beans
Citrus fruits
Eggplants
Fatty fish
Grapes
Nuts
Oats
Okra
Soy
Strawberries
Vegetable oils, such as canola, safflower, and sunflower oils
Whole grains, such as barley and oats

Treatments, management plans for the simvastatin’s side effects

The following are some natural remedies for some of the side effects of simvastatin:

Constipation: Natural remedies for constipation include drinking more water, eating more fiber, exercising more, drinking coffee, eating probiotic foods or taking probiotic supplements, eating prunes, and avoiding dairy.
Upper respiratory infections: Upper respiratory infections can be treated by inhaling steam, gargling with salt water solution, drinking ginger tea, and eating garlic.