Niacin; Simvastatin

Drug Forms:
• Niacin; Simvastatin tablets (below)
• Niacin (Vitamin B3), Simvastatin Oral tablet, extended-release

Espa�ol:
• Niacina (Vitamina B3), Simvastatina Tableta oral de liberación prolongada

Niacin; Simvastatin tablets

What are Niacin; Simvastatin tablets?

NIACIN; SIMVASTATIN is used in combination with a healthy diet to lower bad cholesterol and raise good cholesterol.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
• bleeding problems
• frequently drink alcoholic beverages
• kidney disease
• liver disease
• muscle aches or weakness
• ulcers of intestine or stomach
• an unusual or allergic reaction to niacin, simvastatin, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying or get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should this medicine be used?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Do not crush, break, or chew. It should be taken in the evening with a low-fat snack. Do not take this medicine with grapefruit juice, hot beverages, or alcohol-containing beverages. If you also take cholestyramine or colestipol to lower your cholesterol, take it at least 4—6 hours after this medicine. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

Contact your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What drug(s) may interact with Niacin; Simvastatin?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:
• certain antibiotics like clarithromycin, erythromycin, telithromycin
• certain medicines for HIV, AIDS
• medicines for fungal infections like fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole
• nefazodone
• other cholesterol medicines like gemfibrozil
• other niacin products
• red yeast rice

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:
• alcohol
• amiodarone
• cyclosporine
• danazol
• diltiazem
• grapefruit juice
• medicine for blood pressure or heart disease
• verapamil
• warfarin

What should I watch for while taking Niacin; Simvastatin?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. You may need regular tests to make sure your liver is working properly.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells.

Alcohol may interfere with the effect of this medicine. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

Do not drink hot drinks or alcohol at the same time you take this medicine. Hot drinks and alcohol can increase the flushing caused by this medicine, which can be uncomfortable.

This drug is only part of a total heart-health program. Your doctor or a dietician can suggest a low-cholesterol and low-fat diet to help. Avoid alcohol and smoking, and keep a proper exercise schedule.

If you are diabetic, close monitoring of your blood sugars can help your blood fat levels. This medicine may change the way your diabetic medicine works, and sometimes will require that your dosages be adjusted. Check with your doctor or health care professional.

Tell you doctor or health care professional right away if you get any unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness, especially if you also have a fever and tiredness.

Do not use this drug if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. Serious side effects to an unborn child or to an infant are possible. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

If you are going to have surgery tell your doctor or health care professional that you are taking this drug.

What side effects may I notice from receiving Niacin; Simvastatin?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
• breathing problems
• chest pain or palpitations
• dark urine
• feeling faint or lightheaded, falls
• fever or chills
• high blood sugar, ask your doctor for symptoms
• joint pain
• muscle cramps, pain
• nausea, vomiting
• redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
• stomach pain and loss of appetite
• unusually weak or tired
• yellowing of skin or eyes

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
• constipation
• diarrhea
• headache
• heartburn
• stomach upset or bloating

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

Important Disclaimer: The drug information provided here is for educational purposes only. It is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the diagnosis, treatment and advice of a medical professional. This drug information does not cover all possible uses, precautions, side effects and interactions. It should not be construed to indicate that this or any drug is safe for you. Consult your medical professional for guidance before using any prescription or over the counter drugs.