home > drugs a-z list > simcor (simvastatin niacin extended release) drug center > simcor (simvastatin niacin extended release) drug - patient side effects and images

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)?

Simvastatin is a cholesterol-lowering medication that blocks the production of cholesterol (a type of fat) in the body.

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.

The combination of niacin and simvastatin is used to lower cholesterol and triglycerides (types of fat) in the blood. Lowering your cholesterol and triglycerides can help prevent heart disease and coronary artery disease (also called atherosclerosis), conditions that can lead to heart attack, stroke, and vascular disease.

Niacin and simvastatin may also be used for other 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 using this medication and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness with fever or flu symptoms and dark colored urine;
• feeling like you might pass out;
• fast or pounding heartbeats; or
• feeling short of breath.

Less serious side effects may include:

• warmth, redness, or tingly feeling under your skin;
• dizziness;
• sweating or chills;
• swelling;
• headache;
• stomach or back pain;
• runny nose or other cold symptoms;
• nausea, diarrhea, constipation; or
• itching or rash.

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.

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 simvastatin or niacin, if you are pregnant or breast-feeding, or if you have liver disease, a stomach ulcer, or active bleeding.

Niacin can cause certain side effects, such as flushing (warmth, itching, redness, or tingly feeling under your skin). These effects can be made worse if you drink alcohol or hot beverages shortly after you take niacin and simvastatin. These effects should disappear over time as you keep taking the medication.

In rare cases, simvastatin can cause a condition that results in the breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue. This condition can lead to kidney failure. Call your doctor at once if you have unexplained muscle pain or tenderness, muscle weakness, fever or flu symptoms, and dark colored urine.

To be sure this medication is not causing harmful effects, your liver function will need to be tested on a regular basis. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.

If you stop taking niacin and simvastatin for longer than 7 days in a row, talk with your doctor before restarting the medication. You may need to start with a lower dose.