Brand Names: Simcor

Generic Name: niacin and simvastatin (Pronunciation: NYE a sin and SIM va stat in)

• What is niacin and simvastatin (Simcor)?
• What are the possible side effects of niacin and simvastatin (Simcor)?
• What is the most important information I should know about niacin and simvastatin (Simcor)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking niacin and simvastatin (Simcor)?
• How should I take niacin and simvastatin (Simcor)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Simcor)?
• What happens if I overdose (Simcor)?
• What should I avoid while taking niacin and simvastatin (Simcor)?
• What other drugs will affect niacin and simvastatin (Simcor)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is niacin and simvastatin (Simcor)?

Niacin, also called nicotinic acid, is a B vitamin (vitamin B3). It occurs naturally in plants and animals, and is also added to many foods as a vitamin supplement. Niacin is also present in many multiple vitamins and nutritional supplements.

Simvastatin is in a group of drugs called HMG CoA reductase inhibitors, or "statins." Simvastatin reduces levels of "bad" cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein, or LDL) and triglycerides in the blood, while increasing levels of "good" cholesterol (high-density lipoprotein, or HDL).

The combination of niacin and simvastatin is used to lower cholesterol and triglycerides (types of fat) in the blood.

Niacin and simvastatin may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What are the possible side effects of niacin and simvastatin (Simcor)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop taking niacin and simvastatin and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness;
• fever, unusual tiredness, and dark colored urine;
• swelling, weight gain, urinating less than usual or not at all; or
• nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

Less serious side effects may include:

• headache, mild dizziness;
• diarrhea, mild nausea;
• mild skin rash;
• back pain; or
• flushing (warmth, redness, or tingly feeling).

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Read the Simcor (simvastatin niacin extended release) Side Effects Center for a complete guide to possible side effects »

What is the most important information I should know about niacin and simvastatin (Simcor)?

You should not take this medication if you are allergic to niacin (Niaspan, Niacor, and others) or simvastatin (Zocor, Vytorin), if you are pregnant or breast-feeding, or if you have liver disease, severe bleeding, or a stomach ulcer.

In rare cases, simvastatin can cause a condition that results in the breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue, leading to kidney failure. Call your doctor right away if you have unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness especially if you also have fever, unusual tiredness, and dark colored urine.

There are many other drugs that should not be used together with niacin and simvastatin. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. Keep a list of all your medicines and show it to any healthcare provider who treats you.

Before taking niacin and simvastatin, tell your doctor if you have ever had liver or kidney disease, diabetes, gout, or a thyroid disorder, if you are of Chinese descent, or if you drink more than 2 alcoholic beverages daily.