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Proper Use
Take this medicine only as directed by your doctor. Do not use more of it, do not use it more often, and do not use it for a longer time than your doctor ordered.
In addition to this medicine, your doctor may change your diet to one that is low in fat, sugar, and cholesterol. Carefully follow your doctor's orders about any special diet.
If you are taking diltiazem (Cardizem®), or verapamil (Calan®, Isoptin®, Verelan®) together with simvastatin, your simvastatin dose should not be higher than 10 milligrams (mg) per day, unless otherwise directed by your doctor. Do not use more than 20 mg per day of simvastatin together with amiodarone (Cordarone®), amlodipine (Norvasc®) or ranolazine (Ranexa®). When used together with higher doses of simvastatin, these medicines may increase your risk of muscle injury and could result in kidney problems.
Avoid large amounts of grapefruit juice (more than 1 quart each day) while you are taking this medicine. Grapefruit juice may increase your risk of muscle injury and could result in kidney problems.
Do not drink large amounts of alcohol with simvastatin. This could cause unwanted effects on the liver.
This medicine comes with a patient information insert. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Ask your doctor if you have any questions.
Dosing
The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.
The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.
- For oral dosage form (tablets):
- For high cholesterol:
- Adults—At first, 10 to 20 milligrams (mg) once a day in the evening. For high risk patients who may develop heart disease, your doctor may start your dose at 40 mg per day. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 40 mg per day.
- Children 10 to 17 years of age—At first, 10 mg once a day in the evening. Your doctor may increase your dose as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 40 mg per day.
- Children younger than 10 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
- For high cholesterol:
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.
Storage
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.
Keep out of the reach of children.
Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.
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