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Simvastatin Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Dec 3, 2024.

Applies to simvastatin: oral suspension, oral tablet.

Serious side effects of simvastatin

Along with its needed effects, simvastatin may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking simvastatin:

More common side effects

  • dizziness
  • fainting
  • fast or irregular heartbeat

Less common side effects

  • bladder pain
  • bloody or cloudy urine
  • blurred vision
  • body aches or pain
  • chills
  • cough
  • dark-colored urine
  • difficult, burning, or painful urination
  • difficulty with breathing
  • difficulty with moving
  • dry mouth
  • ear congestion
  • fever
  • flushed, dry skin
  • frequent urge to urinate
  • fruit-like breath odor
  • headache
  • increased hunger
  • increased thirst
  • increased urination
  • joint pain
  • loss of consciousness
  • lower back or side pain
  • muscle cramps, spasms, stiffness, pain, tenderness, wasting, or weakness
  • nausea
  • runny or stuffy nose
  • sneezing
  • sore throat
  • stomachache
  • sweating
  • swelling
  • swollen joints
  • trouble breathing
  • unexplained weight loss
  • unusual tiredness or weakness
  • vomiting

Incidence not known

  • blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin
  • bloating
  • burning, crawling, itching, numbness, prickling, "pins and needles", or tingling feelings
  • chest tightness
  • constipation
  • diarrhea
  • difficulty with chewing, swallowing, or talking
  • double vision
  • drooping eyelids
  • general tiredness and weakness
  • indigestion
  • large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs
  • light-colored stools
  • loss of appetite
  • muscle pain or weakness
  • pains in the stomach, side, or abdomen, possibly radiating to the back
  • pale skin
  • puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
  • red skin lesions, often with a purple center
  • red, irritated eyes
  • skin rash, hives, or itching
  • sores, ulcers, or white spots in the mouth or on the lips
  • unusual bleeding or bruising
  • upper right abdominal or stomach pain
  • weakness in the arms, hands, legs, or feet
  • yellow eyes or skin

Other side effects of simvastatin

Some side effects of simvastatin may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Less common side effects

  • acid or sour stomach
  • belching
  • burning feeling in the chest or stomach
  • dizziness or lightheadedness
  • excess air or gas in the stomach or intestines
  • feeling of constant movement of self or surroundings
  • full feeling
  • heartburn
  • lack or loss of strength
  • pain or tenderness around the eyes and cheekbones
  • passing gas
  • sensation of spinning
  • skin rash, encrusted, scaly, and oozing
  • stomach discomfort, upset, or pain
  • tenderness in the stomach area
  • trouble sleeping

Incidence not known

  • being forgetful
  • depression
  • discoloration of the skin
  • hair loss or thinning of the hair
  • inability to have or keep an erection
  • loss in sexual ability, desire, drive, or performance

Managing side effects (general information)

For healthcare professionals

Applies to simvastatin: oral suspension, oral tablet.

General adverse events

The more commonly reported adverse effects have included upper respiratory infection, headache, abdominal pain, constipation, and nausea.[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

This drug causes dose-related myopathy which, in rare cases maybe severe and sometimes take the form of rhabdomyolysis with or without renal failure secondary to myoglobinuria; rarely fatalities have occurred. The incidence of myopathy with the 80 mg dose has been reported as disproportionately higher than that observed at lower doses and the risk of myopathy with simvastatin 80 mg/day is greater compared with other statins with similar or greater LDL-C lowering efficacy.[Ref]

Hepatic

Persistent elevations in transaminases of up to 3 times the upper limit of normal (3xULN) have been reported in 1% of patients. With therapy discontinuation or interruption, transaminase levels generally returned to pretreatment levels. There have been rare postmarketing reports of hepatic failure.[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

Hematologic

Nervous system

Renal

Cardiovascular

Dermatologic

Hypersensitivity

Immunologic

Ocular

Psychiatric

Genitourinary

Oncologic

Metabolic

Respiratory

Other

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Frequently asked questions

Further information

Simvastatin side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.

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