Brand Name
pms-Simvastatin
Common Name
simvastatin
In this drug factsheet:
DIN (Drug Identification Number)| 02269260 | PMS-SIMVASTATIN 10 MG TABLET |
| 02269279 | PMS-SIMVASTATIN 20 MG TABLET |
| 02269287 | PMS-SIMVASTATIN 40 MG TABLET |
| 02269252 | PMS-SIMVASTATIN 5 MG TABLET |
| 02269295 | PMS-SIMVASTATIN 80 MG TABLET |
How does this medication work? What will it do for me?
Simvastatin belongs to the family of medications known as HMG CoA reductase inhibitors ("statins"). It is used in addition to diet and exercise to lower cholesterol levels. It is also used by people who have coronary heart disease, other arterial diseases, or diabetes and are over the age of 40; and to decrease the risk of heart attack, stroke, or death regardless of whether they have high cholesterol or not.
It works by blocking an enzyme that helps create cholesterol in the body. Therefore, less cholesterol is made and levels of cholesterol in the blood decrease. Reduction of cholesterol levels in the blood has been shown to reduce the risks associated with heart disease, such as heart attack.
Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than the ones listed in these drug information articles. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.
Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.
How should I use this medication?
Before starting simvastatin, you should be placed on a cholesterol-lowering diet. If appropriate, a program of weight control and physical exercise should be implemented.
The recommended dose range of simvastatin for most people is 10 mg to 40 mg once daily, in the evening. The usual starting dose is 10 mg to 20 mg once daily. Some people with mild to moderately elevated cholesterol may be started on 5 mg daily. The maximum recommended daily dose is 80 mg, which may be required for some people who are unable to achieve a desired cholesterol level using lower doses.
For best results in lowering your cholesterol, it is very important that you closely follow the diet suggested by your doctor.
Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.
It is important to use this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
Store this medication at room temperature and keep it out of the reach of children.
Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.
What form(s) does this medication come in?
5 mg
Each buff (yellow-orange) coloured, shield-shaped, film-coated tablet, printed with "P" on one side and "5" on the other, contains simvastatin 5 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: ascorbic acid, butylated hydroxyanisole, citric acid, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, iron oxide yellow, lactose, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, polydextrose, polyethylene glycol, polysorbate 80, starch, titanium dioxide, and triacetin.
10 mg
Each peach coloured, shield-shaped, film-coated tablet, printed with "P" on one side and "10" on the other, contains simvastatin 10 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: ascorbic acid, butylated hydroxyanisole, citric acid, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, iron oxide red, lactose, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, polydextrose, polyethylene glycol, polysorbate 80, starch, titanium dioxide, and triacetin.
20 mg
Each tan coloured, shield-shaped, film-coated tablet, printed with "P" on one side and "20" on the other, contains simvastatin 20 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: ascorbic acid, butylated hydroxyanisole, citric acid, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, iron oxide red, iron oxide yellow, lactose, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, polydextrose, polyethylene glycol, polysorbate 80, starch, titanium dioxide, and triacetin.
40 mg
Each pink coloured, shield-shaped, film-coated tablet, printed with "P" on one side and "40" on the other, contains simvastatin 40 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: ascorbic acid, butylated hydroxyanisole, citric acid, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, FD&C Blue No.2, FD&C Red No.40, FD&C Yellow No.6, hydropropyl methylcellulose, lactose, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, polydextrose, polyethylene glycol, polysorbate 80, starch, titanium dioxide, and triacetin.
80 mg
Each pink coloured, capsule-shaped, film-coated tablet, printed with "P" on one side and "80" on the other, contains simvastatin 80 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: ascorbic acid, butylated hydroxyanisole, citric acid, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, FD&C Blue No.2, FD&C Red No.40, FD&C Yellow No.6, hydropropyl methylcellulose, lactose, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, polydextrose, polyethylene glycol, polysorbate 80, starch, titanium dioxide, and triacetin.
Some medications may have other generic brands available. Always ask your doctor or pharmacist about the safety of switching between brands of the same medication.
Who should NOT take this medication?
Simvastatin should not be taken by anyone who:
- is allergic to simvastatin or to any of the ingredients of the medication
- is pregnant or plans to become pregnant
- is breast-feeding
- has active liver disease or unexplained increases in liver function tests
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