Safety Risks with High-Dose Simvastatin
Member Newsletter - Issue 4, 2011
In June, the FDA released new safety information about the cholesterol-lowering medication simvastatin (ZocorŪ). High doses of simvastatin (80 mg daily) have been shown to increase the risk of myopathy. Myopathy is a medical term used for muscle pain, tenderness and weakness. Lower doses of simvastatin (10 mg, 20 mg, and 40 mg) may also have a higher risk of myopathy when used with other medications. If you take simvastatin, you should review your medications with a health care professional to identify any that may interact with simvastatin. Rarely, simvastatin may cause a severe form of myopathy called rhabdomyolysis. Rhabdomyolosis can damage the kidneys and result in kidney failure and death.
If you are currently taking simvastatin 80 mg daily, you should follow these steps:
- Do not stop taking simvastatin unless told to do so by a health care professional
- Review your medication list with you health care professional to:
– Make sure that your dose of simvastatin is appropriate
– Review other medications that may interact with simvastatin
- Contact your health care professional immediately if you have any of the following symptoms:
– Muscle pain, tenderness, weakness
– Dark or red colored urine
– Unexplained tiredness
- Talk to your health care professional if you have questions or concerns about simvastatin-containing medications
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