Simvastatin 10mg, 20mg, 40mg, 80mg

Simvastatin contains the active substance simvastatin and is a medicine used to lower levels of total cholesterol, "bad" cholesterol (LDL cholesterol), and fatty substances called triglycerides in the blood. In addition Simvastatin raises levels of "good" cholesterol (HDL cholesterol). Simvastatin is a member of the class of medicines called statins.

Do not take Simvastatin:

• if you are allergic (hypersensitive) to simvastatin or any of the other ingredients listed in the patient information leaflet
• if you currently have liver problems
• if you are pregnant or breast-feeding

You must tell your doctor if you are taking, have recently taken or might take other medicines. Do not take Simvastatin if you are taking medicine(s) with any of the following active ingredients:

• itraconazole, ketoconazole, posaconazole or voriconazole (used to treat fungal infections)
• erythromycin, clarithromycin or telithromycin (used to treat infections)
• HIV protease inhibitors such as indinavir, nelfinavir, ritonavir, and saquinavir (HIV protease inhibitors are used for HIV infections)
• boceprevir or telaprevir (used to treat hepatitis C virus infection)
• nefazodone (used to treat depression)
• cobicistat
• gemfibrozil (used to lower cholesterol)
• ciclosporin (used in organ transplant patients)
• danazol (a man-made hormone used to treat endometriosis, a condition in which the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus).
• fusidic acid (a medicine for bacterial infection) orally or by injection
• lomitapide (used to treat a serious and rare genetic cholesterol condition)

• nausea
• gastrointestinal discomfort
• diarrhoea, constipation
• skin reactions
• muscle cramps
• muscle weakness

Simvastatin belongs to a group of medicnes called statins. Other statins are available, such as atorvastatin.