Simvastatin: Uses, Side Effects & Brands in Pakistan
Simvastatin is a statin that lowers cholesterol. It is a prescription medicine used for high cholesterol and prevention of heart attack and stroke. In Pakistan it is available as tablets, made by 5 different manufacturers. On this page you can read how it works, its common side effects and precautions, and compare the brands and prices available at Medimart.
How Simvastatin works
Simvastatin blocks HMG-CoA reductase, the enzyme the liver uses to make cholesterol. As the liver makes less cholesterol, it pulls more LDL cholesterol out of the bloodstream, gradually lowering blood levels and slowing the build-up of fatty plaques in the arteries.
What is Simvastatin used for?
- High cholesterol and prevention of heart attack and stroke
Simvastatin is used alongside a healthy diet to lower LDL ('bad') cholesterol and triglycerides and to raise HDL ('good') cholesterol. Doctors prescribe it for people with high cholesterol and for those at higher risk of heart disease, such as people with diabetes or a previous heart attack or stroke. Lowering cholesterol reduces the chance of future heart attacks and strokes.
Side effects of Simvastatin
Simvastatin is taken by many people without problems. Possible side effects include:
- Headache
- Stomach pain or constipation
- Nausea
- Muscle aches
- Tiredness
Contact your doctor promptly about unexplained muscle pain, tenderness or weakness, especially with fever or dark urine. Also report yellowing of the skin or eyes.
Precautions and warnings
- It is usually taken in the evening, and grapefruit juice should be avoided as it raises simvastatin levels.
- It interacts with several medicines, including clarithromycin, some antifungals, HIV medicines, gemfibrozil, amlodipine, diltiazem and amiodarone, so tell your doctor about everything you take.
- Tell your doctor about liver disease, kidney problems, an underactive thyroid, heavy alcohol use or previous muscle problems with statins.
- It must not be used in pregnancy or breastfeeding, so stop and speak to your doctor if you become pregnant.
- Keep following a healthy diet, as the medicine works best alongside it.
Frequently asked questions about Simvastatin
What is the price of Simvastatin in Pakistan?
At Medimart, Simvastatin products currently in stock range from Rs 183 to Rs 1,039 per pack, depending on the brand, strength and pack size. The lowest-priced option right now is Simvazaf Tablets 10mg at Rs 183. Prices are updated regularly, so the product list on this page always shows the latest price.Which brands of Simvastatin are available in Pakistan?
Simvastatin is sold in Pakistan under brand names such as Survive (Werrick Pharmaceuticals Pakistan Ltd), Simvazaf (Zafa Pharmaceutical Labortories Ltd), Simva (Nabiqasim Industries Ltd), Recol (Barrett Hodgson Pakistan Ltd) and Zocor (Merck Sharp & Dohme Of Pakistan Ltd (Msd)).Do I need a prescription for Simvastatin?
Yes. Simvastatin is a prescription medicine in Pakistan. Use it only when a doctor has prescribed it, at the dose and for the time they advise.
Can Simvastatin be used during pregnancy?
It must not be used in pregnancy or breastfeeding, so stop and speak to your doctor if you become pregnant.
Are all Simvastatin brands the same?
Brands that contain the same amount of Simvastatin in the same form are expected to work in the same way, although inactive ingredients, pack sizes and prices differ. Ask your doctor or pharmacist before switching from one brand to another.
Simvastatin brands and prices in Pakistan
Medimart lists 9 products containing Simvastatin from different manufacturers. Compare strengths, pack sizes and prices below and order online with cash on delivery.
