Simcor (Niacin & Simvastatin) Oral: Uses, Dosage & Side Effects

Simcor is a combination of Simvastatin and Niacin prescribed to treat high cholesterol and triglycerides. Simcor is used together with a proper diet to lower cholesterol and triglyceride (fat) levels in the blood. High cholesterol and triglycerides promote blockage and hardening of the arteries in the body. Simcor may help prevent medical problems caused by clogged blood vessels, such as heart attacks and strokes.

Simvastatin and niacin in Simcor work together to treat cholesterol and lipid (fat) disorders. Simvastatin belongs to the group of medicines called HMG-CoA inhibitors or statins. It works to reduce the amount of cholesterol in the blood by blocking an enzyme that is needed to make cholesterol. Niacin is vitamin B3, which reduces the amount of cholesterol in the blood.

Simcor is available only with doctor's prescription.

Health conditions

Tell all of your health problems to the doctor before starting on Simcor. You cannot take Simcor if you have allergies to Niacin or Simvastatin, have liver problems, stomach ulcer, or have severe bleeding.

The doctor needs to know if you have any of the following conditions before prescribing Simcor:

Diabetes
Gout
History of liver problems
History of kidney problems
Thyroid problems
If you are taking at least two alcoholic drinks daily, or consuming lots of alcohol
If you are switched to this medication from regular niacin, nicotinic acid, or nicotinamide (or vitamin supplements that contain niacin).
If you are taking the medicines Amlodipine or Ranolazine
If you are taking any supplement or medicines containing Niacin

Contraindicated drugs

Certain drugs should not be taken with Simcor. Tell your doctor if you use the following drugs before taking Simcor:

Cyclosporine
Danazol
Gemfibrozil
Nefadozone
Antibiotics, especially Clarithryomycin, Erythromycin, and Telithromycin
Medicines for treating fungal infections such as Fluconazole, Itraconazole, Ketoconazole, and Posaconazole
Medicines for the heart and for treating high blood pressure, such as Amiodarone, Diltiazem, and Verapamil.
Hepatitis C medicines such as Boceprevir and Telapravir
Medicines for treating HIV or AIDS, such as Atazanavir, Cobicistat, Darunavir, Delavirdine, Fosamprenavir, Indinavir, Nelfinavir, Ritonavir, Saquinavir, And Tipranavir

Pregnancy

Do not use Simcor if you are or suspected to be pregnant. Simcor is an FDA pregnancy category X drug, which means it is known and proven to cause serious harm or birth defects to the unborn fetus when given to pregnant patients. If you are a female of reproductive age, the doctor may first perform a pregnancy test before giving Simcor.

Breastfeeding

Simcor may pass into breastmilk, so do not nurse a baby when taking the drug.

Alcohol

Alcohol may enhance the side effects of Simcor. Do not drink alcohol when taking Simcor.

Food

Taking Simcor with grapefruit can cause serious side effects. Also, taking hot beverages while using Simcor may trigger uncomfortable adverse reactions.

Simcor is available in tablet that you take by mouth. The doctor will determine your dosage of Simcor. Simcor is usually taken only for the maximum of 7 days. Follow the prescribed dose of Simcor and do not take more or less.

Simcor is usually taken once a day at bedtime. To enhance absorption, take Simcor with a low-fat meal. Do not take Simcor on an empty stomach, and do not chew or break the tablet if you are prescribed with an extended-release tablet.

The doctor may prescribe Aspirin to reduce side effects of Simcor. Take Aspirin 30 minutes before taking Simcor. You can take Aspirin with food to prevent stomach upset.

If you missed a dose of Simcor, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to original dosing. Do not take more Simcor to make up for the missed dose. You will be only using Simcor for 7 days, so make sure not to miss any doses.

You could experience an overdose if you took too much Simcor. If that happens, call emergency hotlines or poison control centers right away.

Store Simcor at room temperature and keep away from heat and light.

Note that you still have to follow a diet low in fat and cholesterol so Simcor will work. Follow the diet plan prescribed by your doctor while taking Simcor.

The Niacin in Simcor may cause side effects such as dizziness, nausea, flushing, rapid and pounding heart rate, shortness of breath, or lightheadedness. These side effects may be enhanced if you take Simcor with alcohol or with hot drinks. These side effects tend to disappear after few days of taking Simcor.

Grapefruit and grapefruit juice can trigger side effects of Simcor. Avoid grapefruit and products containing grapefruit juice.

If you have diabetes, make sure to monitor blood sugar levels while taking Simcor. Simcor may cause changes in blood sugar levels, and if they became too high or too low, call your doctor right away. Tell your doctor that you are taking Simcor.

If you are prescribed with the drugs Cholestyramine or colestipol, take them 6 to 8 hours before or after taking Simcor.

While taking Simcor, do not take any medicine, supplement, or over-the –counter drug without the advice of the doctor.

Simcor may cause side effects. Call your doctor if you experience the following while taking Simcor:

Severe allergic reaction symptoms such as hives, skin rash, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, mouth, lips, or tongue.
Severe side effects associated with muscle breakdown and kidney failure (rare), such as unusual or unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, weakness, which may be accompanied by fever, tiredness, and passing out dark urine.
Symptoms caused by high blood sugar such as increased thirst, urination, hunger, dryness of the mouth and skin, fruity odor of breath, drowsiness, blurring of vision, and weight loss.
Confusion or trouble remembering things.
Swelling or gaining weight
Passing out too little, or no urine

Simcor may cause minor side effects such as: