Generic Name: E: SIMVASTATIN (SIM-va-stat-in)

Drug Manufacturer: MERCK HUMAN HEALTH

Common Uses: This medicine is an HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor used to lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels in your blood or to raise HDL levels. It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.

How to use this Medicine: Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. This medicine may be taken on an empty stomach or with food. IF YOU ARE TAKING 1 DOSE A DAY, take your dose in the evening or at bedtime as directed by your doctor. Dosage is based on your medical condition, response to therapy, and use of certain interacting medicines. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details, since many of the medicines listed in the Before Using section may increase the chances of muscle injury when used with this medicine. AVOID DRINKING GRAPEFRUIT JUICE while taking this medicine. STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature, away from heat and light. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Cautions: FOLLOW THE DIETARY PLAN provided by your doctor. Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., liver funtion or CK muscle tests) may be performed to monitor your progress, especially if you are taking 80 milligrams of simvastatin or more per day. KEEP ALL DOCTOR AND LABORATORY APPOINTMENTS while you are using this medicine. BEFORE HAVING ANY KIND OF SURGERY, tell your doctor that you are taking this medicine. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. FOR WOMEN: DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE if you are pregnant. IF YOU SUSPECT THAT YOU COULD BE PREGNANT, contact your doctor immediately. IT IS UNKNOWN IF THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED in breast milk. DO NOT BREAST-FEED while taking this medicine.