About Side Effects From Simvastatin

Side Effects From Simvastatin Information

Side Effects From Simvastatin Information in Questions

Side effects of Simvastatin? Is there a website where ordinary people give their experiences? ? My father has dementia and while he was in hospital they doubled the dose of Simvastatin. His behaviour has deteriorated, and he has become very aggressive. Anyone else experienced this? I'd really appreciate some comments. Thanks

Avondrow replied: "I took it to control cholesterol - for which it is very effective. It had no effect on my behaviour, but I did suffer from severe cramps and muscle aches, so I came off it."

Jan409 replied: "Hi my husband takes 40 mg of statins a day The side effects are more along the lines of indigestion and a sore tummy occasionally However there is website where people discuss medications etc # See net doctor.uk"

durtydave2000 replied: "40mg a day dose gave me constipation and as directed to take at night gave me sleeping problems,with or without I am the same grumpy old git,your fathers condition is more to do with age I am afraid"

Zeep replied: "I sympathize with you and your father. I've had a parent with dementia, and it's difficult. As a son, I tend to think the way you are - what have they done to make him deteriorate, and is it this drug? As a scientist, I think ively that there are many reasons dementia can get worse, that we probably don't usually know why, and that keeping cholesterol down might help slow down dementia by reducing atherosclerosis and getting more blood flow to the brain. I also think, though, that old folks have a lot more side effects to many drugs, which often have to be given to them at lower doses. As a human, I think you're between a rock and a hard place trying to get good information from the web. The manufacturer's site will give you the prescribing information if you go to the area for professionals and download the PDF, and may tell something useful. But otherwise it's going to be positive. Websites about personal experiences with drugs tend to be full of nutballs who think all their problems are due to their pre ions, and there's just no evidence one way or the other. You may get a lot of common wisdom in a forum for people caring for relatives with dementia, but some of it may be dead wrong. The main thing you'll find there, I think, is emotional support. Personally, though, if it was my father and I noticed the deterioration happen at the same time as the change in pre ion, I'd want them to just stop the pre ion for a time and see if he improved, whether there's a scientific reason or not."

Is anyone taking Simvastatin and having side effects? It is the generic form of Evista for cholesterol. ? I am very sore in the lower back and stomach and it hurts to breathe. I am wondering if it is from this pill.

Jayaraman replied: "Yes- I have taken Simvastatin daily and regularly for 4 years for my cardiac and Cholesterol problems. I too have noticed back pain, body pain and pain in the leg joints. On reporting this he has changed the medication and given Storvas - another Vastatin group (Atovastin Calcium tablets) medicine but the problem continues. If you have more of the pain it is better you consult your doctor and let him give some alternate medication. However please note the side effects of Simvastatin as under and report if it is severe. Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible: allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue dark urine fever joint pain muscle cramps, pain redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth trouble passing urine or change in the amount of urine unusually weak or tired yellowing of the eyes or skin Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome): constipation heartburn stomach gas, pain, upset -"

gangadharan_nair replied: "Simvastatin is used together with lifestyle changes (diet, weight-loss, exercise) to reduce the amount of cholesterol (a fat-like substance) and other fatty substances in your blood. Simvastatin is in a class of medications called HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (statins). It works by slowing the production of cholesterol in the body. Buildup of cholesterol and fats along the walls of your arteries (a process known as atherosclerosis) decreases blood flow and, therefore, the oxygen supply to your heart, brain, and other parts of your body. Lowering your blood level of cholesterol and fats may help to decrease your risk of heart disease, angina (chest pain), strokes, and heart attacks. In addition to taking a cholesterol-lowering medication, making certain changes in your daily habits can also lower your cholesterol blood levels. You should eat a diet that is low in saturated fat and cholesterol, exercise 30 minutes on most, if not all days, and lose weight if you are overweight. Simvastatin may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if this symptom is severe or does not go away: * constipation If you experience the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately: * muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness * lack of energy * fever * yellowing of the skin or eyes * pain in the upper right part of the stomach * nausea * extreme tiredness * unusual bleeding or bruising * loss of appetite * flu-like symptoms * rash * hives * itching * difficulty breathing or swallowing * swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs * hoarseness Raloxifene is used to prevent and treat osteoporosis (condition in which the bones become thin and weak and break easily) in women who have undergone menopause (change of life; end of menstrual periods). Raloxifene is also used to decrease the risk of developing invasive breast cancer (breast cancer that has spread outside of the milk ducts or lobules into the surrounding breast tissue) in women who are at high risk of developing this type of cancer or who have osteoporosis. Raloxifene cannot be used to treat invasive breast cancer or to prevent invasive breast cancer from coming back in women who have already had the condition. Raloxifene also cannot be used to decrease the risk of developing non-invasive breast cancer. Raloxifene is in a class of medications called selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs). Raloxifene prevents and treats osteoporosis by mimicking the effects of estrogen (a female hormone produced by the body) to increase the density (thickness) of bone. Raloxifene decreases the risk of developing invasive breast cancer by blocking the effects of estrogen on breast tissue. This may stop the development of tumors that need estrogen to grow. Raloxifene may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away: * hot flashes (more common in the first 6 months of raloxifene therapy) * leg cramps * swelling of the hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs * flu-like syndrome * joint pain * sweating * difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of the symptoms mentioned in the IMPORTANT WARNING section, call your doctor immediately. Raloxifene may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you experience any unusual symptoms while you are taking this medication. Please see the web pages for more details on Simvastatin and Raloxifene (generic name) Evista (brand name). Consult your doctor."

what are the side effects of stopping the simvastatin (zocor) drug? my mother has stopped this and i wondered if there were any long or short term effects.

julius replied: "probably none... But her cholesterol will go up and puts her at an increase risk for heart disease. Why did she stop?"

mnvikes8484 replied: "there might be a little bit of rebound of her cholesterol (it could raise up a little quicker, especially if she had a high dose) but i dont think there are any serious effects. double check with a doc or pharmacist"

Amy P replied: "No side effects related to abrupt cessation of the drug. But her cholesterol will go back up to pretreatment levels. Good luck."

Side effects of Simvastatin.? My mother-in-law is prescribed Simvastatin for cholesterol. On the advice of a friend she has stopped taking it because of it's apparent side effects of memory loss and lack of alertness. I cannot find any info that suggests these are known side effects of Simvastatin. Has anyone else experienced these side effects?

JADE WIND replied: "WHEN THE MEDICATION WAS PICKED UP AT THE PHARMACY, A "POSSIBLE SIDE AFFECTS" PAPER CAME WITH IT. ASK FOR ANOTHER. SHE NEEDS TO CHECK WITH HER DOCTOR WHO ORDERED IT. ALL MEDICATIONS HAVE "POSSIBLE SIDE AFFECTS." EVEN THE OVER THE COUNTER ONES.... THAT DOESN'T MEAN EVERYONE IS GOING TO GET THE MENTIONED SIDE AFFECTS. SHE DOESN'T WANT TO HAVE A HEART ATTACK OR STROKE FROM HER ARTERIES BEING CLOGGED WITH PLAQUE, LIKE THEY ALREADY ARE....EITHER."

firebobby replied: "I have taken Simvastatin for 5 years and have not suffered any of those side effects. Get Mum in law to check with her GP as different drugs can affect people different ways, especially if taken in conjunction with other drugs."

michael s replied: "With firends like hers, she doesn't need enemies. First of all, is her friend a doctor, nurse, or other medical professional? I happen to take Simvastatin and have suffered no memory loss, etc. I consulted my Physician's Desk Reference prior to typing this, and found no neurological side effects listed. Does she take this for high LDL, or is it precautionary? My cholesterol is 106, but I've had scads of heart problems, and my cardiologist felt I should be on it anyway. Tell your mother-in-law that, while her friend may be well-meaning, her physician knows just a little more about these things, and she should take her medicine as prescribed."

diane p replied: "My mother has been taking these tablets for a while with no side effects, have googled this info. SIDE EFFECTS: Stomach upset may occur. If this effect persists or worsens, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly. This drug may infrequently cause muscle damage (which can rarely lead to a very serious, possibly fatal, condition called rhabdomyolysis). Seek immediate medical attention if you develop: muscle pain/tenderness/weakness (especially with fever or unusual tiredness). Tell your doctor immediately if any of these highly unlikely but very serious side effects occur: yellowing eyes and skin, dark urine, severe fatigue, stomach/abdominal pain, persistent nausea, change in the amount of urine. A serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. Hope it helps."

Elmer F replied: "Hello, My nursing has included six years in cardiology. I've never heard of those side effects being attributed to Zocor (Simvastatin). Your mother-in-law should resume taking it. If she's concerned about it. She should listen to her Doctor, not a well-intentioned (but misinformed) friend. The greatest concern w/Zocor, & many other meds, is elevated liver enzymes, & BUN/Crtn levels. These are screened for w/periodic blood work. If the numbers do start to go up. The regimen is adjusted. No problem. The other concern has been greatly overblown by laymen: Rhabdomyolysis. That results in the break-down of muscle tissue within the body. It's very serious, & very rare. Once people hear about it. They're obviously scared. Suddenly, every little muscle cramp & ache becomes a harbinger of doom. If Rhabdomyolysis were to occur. The muscles affected would be the large skeletal muscles, the thighs or ribs. If muscle cramping occurs here. Patients are asked to stop the med for two weeks. If the pain goes away, another med may be in order. The problem w/this, is many muscle strains also resolve in two weeks' time. It boils down to trusting your Doctor. You either do, or you don't. If you don't? Move on. You're wasting your time w/your current Doc. Be Well."

searndipity replied: "As with any medication, if someone is concerned about side effects, they should discuss it with their doctor. While it is a minute percentage of the population that may have memory loss due to medication, she may want to discuss her concern with her doctor. Many people advancing in age are concerned about cognition and memory loss. To simply say, "don't worry about it, your doctor knows what he is doing" is discounting her concerns. Encourage her to talk to her doctor. She may find that the very real chance that she could have a stroke or heart attack (and be permanently impaired) is worse than the possibility that she could have some memory loss. And, as always, if she does notice side effects, she needs to go to her doctor immediately, some alternative medications can be substitued. Many people advancing in age tend to just "stop" taking medications instead of talking to their doctors. It is the doctor's responsibility to inform her as well as prescribe to her."

oracle replied: "Perhaps it has not been documented to be a potential side effect or this memory loss and lack of alertness is not related to the medication - a discussion with your GP would help"

Dr Frank replied: "Statistically drugs like simvastatin save countless lives, reducing the risks of heart attacks and strokes. Each pack contains a patient leaflet outlining possible side effects. It is pretty daft to stop taking a drug, given on medical advice, due to listening to an unqualified pal whose knowledge, or more likely lack of it, comes from god knows where, because of an unlikely ill effect that she is unlikely to suffer from!"

zaba replied: "I have never heard of these, but the two most common are elevated liver enzymes and muscle pain. Both of which are serious, but not to worry about if she sees her doctor regularly."

Mike G replied: "Tell your mother-in-law to stop listening to her yenta friends."

spider 1 replied: "Rare side effects listed for Simvastatin includes joint pain, memory loss, and muscle cramps,but as it says they are RARE. I understand her worry but she should speak to her Doctor about any concerns and not just stop taking them. I've been on them a while and have had no side effects at all,not even the common ones."

goforit replied: "I have been on Simvastatin for years. The only problem I have is dry skin."

Are these simvastatin (zocor) side effects serious? I am 19 years old and just recently started taking simvastatin for my familial hypercholesterol -- LDL is 198 -- I am very healthy, both with nutrition and exercise (I am actually a "nutrition and fitness" major). So medication was the only thing left. I am aware of the side effects, but I wanted to know when are the side effect severe enough to stop taking the medication? I occasionally experience muscle spasms on a daily basis and tend to have slight pain in biceps from time to time recently as well. It has been not quite 2 weeks yet that I have started taking the medication.

ilse72 replied: "While the side effects of muscle pain and spasms rarely lead to a serious condition, it is still advisable that you notify your doctor about these symptoms. In rare cases, it can lead to rhabdomyolysis, a very serious condtion. He may wish to try you on a different medication but he can only determine that based on the frequency and severity your spams/pain. Please notify your doctor asap."

Has anyone ever had bad side effects as a result of taking Simvastatin? I hear they can damage your liver.

Tango replied: "I have been taking Simvastatin for about four years now but I have not had any side effects from the medication. It is to control the Cholesterol in your blood."

chowbaby replied: "yes i had really bad cramps .but i take another called atavastatin its good"

firebobby replied: "Similar question was posted a few days ago. I have been taking simvastatin for nearly 10 years without any side effects.I answered 5 to the last question, but when I counted it is 10."

Alan replied: "There are potentially serious side effects for all the statins, so yes. I haven't taken them personally, but those warnings that fly by in the commercials are there for a reason."

imsety replied: "I've been taking Zocor ( Simvastatin ) for 8 years now, have no side effects: This drug may infrequently cause muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness ( which can rarely lead to a very serious condition called rhabdomyolysis ). Tell your doctor immediately if any of these highly unlikely but very serious side effects occur: yellowing eyes and skin, dark urine, severe fatigue, stomach/abdominal pain, persistent nausea, change in the amount of urine. And good luck."

Grandmaster replied: "If you are worried of side effects talk to your doctor as listening to your thoughts is part of a doctor's job. But also sometimes with medication the benefits produced outweigh the side effects cause."