Simvastatin

Simvastatin, sold under the brand name Zocor among others, is a <a href="/facts/Statin/ba4mes9W">statin</a>, a type of <a href="/facts/Lipid-lowering_medication/5vnk3W0m">lipid-lowering medication</a>. It is used along with exercise, diet, and weight loss to decrease <a href="/facts/Hyperlipidemia/3QNcXN9l">elevated lipid levels</a>. It is also used to decrease the risk of <a href="/facts/Cardiovascular_disease/HD420nMv">heart problems</a> in those at high risk. It is taken by mouth.
Common side effects include constipation, headaches, and nausea. Serious side effects may include <a href="/facts/Rhabdomyolysis/Cs08YHfR">muscle breakdown</a>, liver problems, and increased blood sugar levels. A lower dose may be needed in people with <a href="/facts/Chronic_kidney_disease/4YKH9wpo">kidney problems</a>. There is evidence of harm to the developing baby when taken during <a href="/facts/Pregnancy/vEKYGpep">pregnancy</a> and it should not be used by those who are <a href="/facts/Breastfeeding/cdWXyYDX">breastfeeding</a>. It is in the <a href="/facts/Statin/ba4mes9W">statin</a> class of medications and works by decreasing the manufacture of cholesterol by the liver.
Simvastatin is made from the fungus <a href="/facts/Aspergillus_terreus/reNUEpID">Aspergillus terreus</a>. It was patented by <a href="/facts/Merck_and_Co./8YD8dvwR">Merck</a> in 1980, and came into medical use in 1992. Simvastatin is available as a <a href="/facts/Generic_medication/IF6AXDVX">generic medication</a>, and is on the <a href="/facts/WHO_Model_List_of_Essential_Medicines/6kmu81Xm">World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines</a>. In 2022, it was the nineteenth most commonly prescribed medication in the United States, with more than 26 million prescriptions.

Simvastatin open-in-new

Simvastatin