Skip to main content

Flolipid

Generic name: simvastatin [ SIM-va-sta-tin ]
Brand names: Flolipid, Zocor
Drug class: Statins

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Jul 12, 2022. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is Flolipid?

Flolipid is used together with diet to lower blood levels of "bad" cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein, or LDL), to increase levels of "good" cholesterol (high-density lipoprotein, or HDL), and to lower triglycerides (a type of fat in the blood).

Flolipid is also used to lower the risk of stroke, heart attack, and other heart complications in people with diabetes, coronary heart disease, or other risk factors.

Flolipid is used in adults and children who are at least 10 years old.

Flolipid may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Flolipid side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction (hives, difficult breathing, swelling in your face or throat) or a severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash with blistering and peeling).

Flolipid can cause the breakdown of muscle tissue, which can lead to kidney failure. Call your doctor right away if you have unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness especially if you also have fever, unusual tiredness, or dark urine.

Also call your doctor at once if you have:

Common side effects of Flolipid may include:

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

FloLipid side effects (more detail)

Warnings

Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any you start or stop using. Many drugs can interact, and some drugs should not be used together.

Before taking this medicine

You should not take Flolipid if you are allergic to it, or if:

Some medicines can cause unwanted or dangerous effects when used with Flolipid. Your doctor may change your treatment plan if you also use medicine such as:

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

Flolipid can cause a condition that results in the breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue, leading to kidney failure. This condition may be more likely to occur in older adults and in people who have kidney disease or poorly controlled hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid).

Do not use Flolipid if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn baby or cause birth defects. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy while you are using Flolipid. Stop taking this medicine and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.

Do not breastfeed.

How should I take Flolipid?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Flolipid is usually taken in the evening or at bedtime.

Take Flolipid oral suspension (liquid) on an empty stomach.

Shake the liquid for at least 20 seconds before you measure a dose. Use the dosing syringe provided, or use a medicine dose-measuring device (not a kitchen spoon).

You may need to take Flolipid on a long-term basis. You may need to stop using this medicine for a short time if you have surgery or a medical emergency. Do not stop taking this medicine unless your doctor tells you to.

Flolipid is only part of a complete program of treatment that also includes diet, exercise, and weight control. Follow your diet, medication, and exercise routines very closely.

You will need frequent medical tests.

Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.

Do not refrigerate or freeze the liquid medicine. Throw away any liquid that has not been used within 1 month after you first opened the bottle.

Detailed FloLipid dosage information

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while taking Flolipid?

Grapefruit may interact with Flolipid and lead to unwanted side effects. Avoid the use of grapefruit products.

Avoid eating foods high in fat or cholesterol, or Flolipid will not be as effective.

Avoid drinking alcohol. It can raise triglyceride levels and may increase your risk of liver damage.

What other drugs will affect Flolipid?

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

This list is not complete and many other drugs may affect Flolipid. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

FloLipid drug interactions (more detail)

Popular FAQ

The best time to take simvastatin is in the evening. This is because your body makes most of its cholesterol at night when you are not eating. One study that measured people’s total cholesterol and low-density lipoproteins found that concentrations of these two lipids were significantly lower when simvastatin was taken in the evening, than when it was taken in the morning. Continue reading

You should not drink grapefruit juice with simvastatin because it can significantly increase blood levels of simvastatin and increase the risk of side effects such as liver damage and a condition called rhabdomyolysis, which is the excessive breakdown of muscle tissue. Occasionally, rhabdomyolysis can cause kidney damage and death. Continue reading

More FAQ

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

Copyright 1996-2024 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 20.01.