Simvastatin ( Zocor ) is prescribed as an addition to a diet to many patients with high cholesterol levels. It reduces the amount of cholesterol and fats accumulated along the walls of the arteries which decreases the blood flow and the oxygen supply for the hart, brain and other parts of the body. This process known as atherosclerosis increases the risk of a heart attack, stroke and coronary death.

Simvastatin comes in tablets ( of 5 mg,10 mg, 20 mg, 40 mg ) to take by mouth. When taking this drug you should follow strictly the instructions of your doctor and the directions on the prescription label.

Simvastatin should not be used by pregnant women and nursing mothers.

Simvastatin is well tolerated by most patients and side effects are rare. Less than 1.5% of the patients in the clinical trials dropped out because of side effects.

Up to this date there is no generic version of Merck’s Zocor ( Simvastatin ), but they have given Dr. Reddy’s exclusive rights for an authorized generic.

Note : This is only a short summary of the basic information about Simvastatin. If you want to know more about this drug, consult your doctor or pharmacist