Brand name :SIMCARD (Simvastatin, Simcard rx)
Pronounced: ZOH-core
Generic name: Simvastatin
Why is Simcard rx prescribed?

Simcard rx is a cholesterol-lowering drug. Your doctor may prescribe Simcard rx in addition to a cholesterol-lowering diet if your blood cholesterol level is too high, and if you have been unable to lower it by diet alone. For people at high risk of heart disease, current guidelines call for considering drug therapy when LDL levels reach 130. For people at lower risk, the cut-off is 160. For those at little or no risk, it's 190.

In people with high cholesterol and heart disease, Simcard rx reduces the risk of heart attack, stroke, and "mini-stroke" (transient ischemic attack) and can stave off the need for bypass surgery or angioplasty to clear clogged arteries. Simcard rx can also reduce these risks in people with diabetes, peripheral vascular disease, and a history of stroke.
Most important fact about Simcard rx

Simcard rx is usually prescribed only if diet, exercise, and weight-loss fail to bring your cholesterol level under control. It's important to remember that Simcard rx is a supplement to--not a substitute for--those other measures. To get the full benefit of the medication, you need to stick to the diet and exercise program prescribed by your doctor. All these efforts to keep your cholesterol levels normal are important because together they may lower your risk of heart disease.
How should you take Simcard rx?

Take Simcard rx exactly as prescribed.

If you miss a dose Simcard rx (Lipex, Simvastatin)

Take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Storage instructions...

Store at room temperature.
Simcard rx side effects

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine whether it is safe for you to continue taking Simcard rx.

* Side effects may include:
Abdominal pain, headache

Why should Simcard rx not be prescribed?

Do not take Simcard rx if you have ever had an allergic reaction to it or are sensitive to it.

Do not take Simcard rx if you have active liver disease.

Do not take Simcard rx if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
Special warnings about Simcard rx

Because Simcard rx may damage the liver, your doctor may order a blood test to check your liver enzyme levels before you start taking the drug. Blood tests will probably be done before your treatment is started and at periodic intervals for a year after your final dosage increase. If your liver enzyme levels rise too high, your doctor may tell you to stop taking Simcard rx.

Since Simcard rx may cause damage to muscle tissue, be sure to tell your doctor of any unexplained muscle tenderness, weakness, or pain right away, especially if you also have a fever or feel sick. Your doctor may want to do a blood test to check for signs of muscle damage.

If you are scheduled for major surgery, your doctor will have you stop taking Simcard rx a few days before the operation.
Possible food and drug interactions when taking Simcard rx

Simcard rx tends to enhance the effects of the blood-thinning drug Coumadin and the heart medication Lanoxin. Combining it with the following drugs increases the chance of muscle damage:

Amiodarone (Cordarone)
Clarithromycin (Biaxin)
Clofibrate (Atromid-S)
Cyclosporine (Sandimmune, Neoral)
Erythromycin (PCE and others)
Fenofibrate (Tricor)
Gemfibrozil (Lopid)
Itraconazole (Sporanox)
Ketoconazole (Nizoral)
Nefazodone (Serzone)
Nicotinic acid or niacin (Niaspan)
Protease inhibitors (used in the treatment of HIV), including Agenerase, Crixivan, Fortovase, Invirase, Norvir, and Viracept
Verapamil (Calan)

If you are taking Simcard rx with any of these drugs (or with large quantities of grapefruit juice) alert your doctor immediately at the first sign of muscle pain or weakness. If you need to take erythromycin, Biaxin, Nizoral, or Sporanox, the doctor may temporarily take you off Simcard rx.
Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

You must not become pregnant while taking Simcard rx. This drug lowers cholesterol, and cholesterol is needed for a baby to develop properly. If you do become pregnant while taking Simcard rx, notify your doctor right away. Based on studies of other cholesterol-lowering drugs, it is assumed that Simcard rx could appear in breast milk and could cause severe adverse effects in a nursing baby. Do not take Simcard rx while breastfeeding your baby.
Recommended dosage for Simcard rx

You will have to follow a standard cholesterol-lowering diet before starting treatment with Simcard rx and continue this diet while using Simcard rx.

All doses should be adjusted to your individual needs.

ADULTS
Overdosage

Although no specific information about Simcard rx overdose is available, any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you suspect an overdose of Simcard rx, seek medical attention immediately.