simvastatin

You can take simvastatin (Zocor) with or without food. But make sure to take the tablets whole.

Take your dose at night before going to sleep. This will help you get the most benefit from the medication. If it's challenging for you to take this medication at bedtime, ask your provider about taking it at a time that works best for you.

Limit the amount of alcohol you drink while taking simvastatin (Zocor). This is because alcohol can raise your risk of serious liver problems with simvastatin (Zocor). Ask your provider what's a safe amount of alcohol to drink while you're taking this medication.

Let your provider know right away if you experience muscle pain or weakness, especially if you also have fever or feel extremely tired. This can be a sign of a rare, but serious, breakdown of muscles called rhabdomyolysis.

Simvastatin (Zocor) interacts with many commonly prescribed medications. For example, amiodarone (Pacerone), amlodipine (Norvasc), and colchicine (Colcrys) can raise the level of simvastatin (Zocor) in your body and put you at higher risk for side effects, such as muscle damage. Make sure to let your provider know about all the medications you're taking (including vitamins and supplements) before starting simvastatin (Zocor).

Avoid grapefruit or grapefruit juice while taking simvastatin (Zocor) because it can raise the amount of the medication in your body, which raises your risk of side effects.

It's important that you eat a healthy and balanced diet low in fat and a maintain a regular exercise routine while taking simvastatin (Zocor). Doing so will help you get the most benefit out of the medication. Talk with your provider if you have questions about how to plan your meals and what kind of exercise is appropriate for you.

Make sure to mark your calendar with your appointments to see your provider and to get any blood work done when you take simvastatin (Zocor). Your provider will order blood work to check your cholesterol levels during treatment. They might change your dose of simvastatin (Zocor) based on your lab results.

If you're taking Flolipid (simvastatin) oral solution, you need to take it on an empty stomach.

Make sure to shake the bottle of Flolipid (simvastatin) for at least 20 seconds before using it. You need to measure your dose with a medication measuring device. Don't use household spoons to measure your dose because it might not be accurate.

Please properly dispose your bottle of Flolipid (simvastatin) 30 days after you open it, even if there's still medication left. The remaining medication might not work well if you continue to use it after 30 days.