Simvastatina

About simvastatin

Los lípidos, o grasas, se producen de forma natural en el organismo a partir de los alimentos. Se almacenan fácilmente en el organismo y sirven como fuente de energía. El colesterol y los triglicéridos son tipos de lípidos. Si la concentración de estos lípidos en la sangre es demasiado alta, se produce una enfermedad llamada hiperlipidemia. Si la concentración de colesterol es demasiado elevada, se habla de hipercolesterolemia. Aunque una concentración elevada de lípidos en la sangre no le hará sentirse mal, puede causarle problemas si no se trata.

Las personas con niveles elevados de lípidos pueden desarrollar pequeñas manchas de grasa denominadas ateromas. Estas manchas se forman cuando se deposita un exceso de grasa en las paredes de los vasos sanguíneos. Con el tiempo, estas manchas pueden estrechar los vasos sanguíneos, lo que se conoce como aterosclerosis (a veces denominada "endurecimiento de las arterias"). El estrechamiento reduce el flujo sanguíneo a través de la arteria y aumenta el riesgo de padecer diversas enfermedades cardiacas y vasculares, como infarto de miocardio e ictus.

Simvastatin belongs to a group of medicines known as statins (or HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors). It regulates the amount of cholesterol and other lipids made by your body. It does this by blocking the action of a certain enzyme (called HMG-CoA reductase) which your body needs to make the fats. This lowers your risk of heart and blood vessel disease. It can also reduce this risk, even if your cholesterol levels are normal, if you are at an increased risk of heart disease as a result of other healthcare problems (such as if you have diabetes mellitus).

Before taking simvastatin

Some medicines are not suitable for people with certain conditions, and sometimes a medicine may only be used if extra care is taken. For these reasons, before you start taking simvastatin it is important that your doctor knows:

• Si está embarazada, esperando un bebé o en período de lactancia.

• Si tiene algún problema con el funcionamiento de su hígado o si ha padecido alguna enfermedad que haya afectado a su hígado.

• Si tiene una glándula tiroides hipoactiva.

• Si tiene problemas de dolores musculares inexplicables o si usted (o un pariente cercano) ha padecido alguna vez un trastorno muscular.

• Si bebe regularmente grandes cantidades de alcohol.

• Si tiene algún problema con el funcionamiento de sus riñones.

• Si alguna vez ha tenido una reacción alérgica a un medicamento.

• If you are taking any other medicines. This is particularly important because there are a number of medicines that should not be taken with simvastatin, and there are also some medicines that will affect the dose of simvastatin that your doctor prescribes for you. Please also make sure that your doctor knows of any medicines you are taking which are available to buy without a prescription, as well as herbal and complementary medicines.

How to take simvastatin

• Before you start the treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside the pack. It will give you more information about simvastatin and will provide you with a full list of the side-effects which you may experience from taking it.

• Take one dose of simvastatin each day, in the evening. There are several different strengths of tablet available (10 mg, 20 mg, 40 mg and 80 mg) - your doctor will tell you which strength of tablet is right for you. Swallow the tablet with a drink of water. If you have any difficulties swallowing, let your doctor know about this as a liquid medicine may be more suitable for you.

• You can take simvastatin before or after food.

• Do not drink grapefruit juice at any time while you are taking simvastatin. This is because a chemical in grapefruit juice increases the amount of simvastatin in your bloodstream. This makes side-effects more likely and increases the risk of them being more serious.

• If you forget to take a dose, leave out the missed dose but make sure that you remember to take your next dose on the following evening. Do not take two doses together to make up for a forgotten dose.

Aproveche al máximo su tratamiento

• Try to keep your regular appointments with your doctor. This is so that your doctor can check on your progress. You will need to have some blood tests from time to time. These are to measure your lipid levels and also to check that your liver has not been affected by taking simvastatin.

• Su médico le aconsejará que siga una dieta sana, reduzca la cantidad de alcohol que bebe normalmente, disminuya la cantidad de sal en su dieta, deje de fumar y haga ejercicio con regularidad. Seguir estos consejos también le ayudará a reducir el riesgo de desarrollar enfermedades del corazón y de los vasos sanguíneos.

• Women taking simvastatin must avoid getting pregnant. Make sure you have discussed with your doctor which types of contraception are suitable for you and your partner.

• Treatment with simvastatin is usually long-term unless you experience an adverse effect. You should continue to take it regularly.

Can simvastatin cause problems?

Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. The table below contains some of the side-effects associated with simvastatin, although these tend to occur only rarely and are usually mild in nature. You will find a full list in the manufacturer's information leaflet supplied with your medicine. Unwanted effects often improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following continue or become troublesome.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to simvastatin, speak with your doctor or pharmacist for further advice.

How to store simvastatin

• Mantenga todos los medicamentos fuera del alcance y de la vista de los niños.

• Almacenar en un lugar fresco y seco, lejos del calor y la luz directos.

• The oral liquid medicine may be used for one month once the bottle has been opened. After this time, get a fresh supply.

Información importante sobre todos los medicamentos