Simvastatin tablets 5 mg for hyperlipidemia and familial hypercholesterolemia (statin, Zocor, Zocord, Lipovas)

General information on Japanese Simvastatin tablets 5 mg for hyperlipidemia and familial hypercholesterolemia (statin, Zocor, Zocord, Lipovas)

Package details: 100 tablets

Manufacturer: Takeda Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. / Sawai Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., Japan

Active ingredients: simvastatin (chemical formula C25H38O5)

Medical effect: Simvastatin tablets are effective for the treatment of hyperlipidemia and familial hypercholesterolemia.

Contraindications and precautions: do not use for pregnant, possibly pregnant or breastfeeding women. Do not use for patients with liver or renal disorder.

Avoid taking grapefruit juice during the treatment. The patient should strictly follow the instructions on dietary and exercise therapy.

If an allergic reaction occurs, stop taking the medicine and consult with your doctor. If you’re taking any other medication or receiving any other treatment, you have to consult with your doctor before use.

Dosage and administration

For adults, take 1 tablet (5 mg of the active ingredient) at a time, once a day. The doctor in charge may adjust the dosage according to the age or symptoms. If reduction in LDL-cholesterol level is insufficient, the dosage may be increased up to 4 tablets (20 mg) a day.

How effective are Simvastatin tablets 5 mg from Japan for hyperlipidemia and familial hypercholesterolemia (statin, Zocor, Zocord, Lipovas)?

Simvastatin is a medicine of a statin class derived from the fungus Aspergillus terreus. It works by inhibiting cholesterol synthesis in the liver and subsequently lowering cholesterol in the blood. Studies showed that simvastatin lowers LDL cholesterol by about 1·5 mmol/L, which results in substantial reductions in mortality rates (T. R. Pedersen, J. A. Tobert. "Simvastatin: a review". Expert Opinion on Pharmacotherapy, 2004, 5 (12): 2583–96).

Who should use Simvastatin tablets 5 mg from Japan?

This medicine is prescribed for the following purposes:

• Treatment of hyperlipidemia and familial hypercholesterolemia (the main indication of use of Simvastatin tablets),
• Prevention of heart attacks and strokes for patients in a high-risk group, including those with low level of LDL cholesterol,
• Reducing the risk of revascularizations and myocardial infarction.

Please note that it may interact with other medicines, especially the ones used for cardiovascular problems. Be sure to consult with your doctor about the possible counteractions before use.