If you do not remember until the following day, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the usual time. If you forget to take your dose, take it as soon as you remember it. If you stop taking simvastatin without starting a different treatment, your cholesterol may rise again. The benefits will only continue for as long as you take it. Usually, treatment with a statin such as simvastatin is for life. It can increase the level of simvastatin in your blood. Swallow simvastatin tablets whole with a glass of waterĭo not drink grapefruit juice while you’re taking simvastatin. Simvastatin does not upset your stomach, so you can take it with or without food. This is because your body makes most of its cholesterol at night, so simvastatin works better at lowering cholesterol at night than in the morning. Take simvastatin once a day in the evening. This dose may be increased to a maximum of 40mg. The usual starting dose of simvastatin in children is 10mg. This will depend on their age and why they need simvastatin.
Your child’s doctor will work out the dose that is right for them. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice if you’re unsure how much to take.ĭo not reduce your dose without talking to your doctor first.
Your dose will depend on why you need the medicine, your cholesterol levels, and other medicines you’re taking. People with very high cholesterol levels may be prescribed a higher dose of 80mg a day. The usual dose of simvastatin for adults is between 10mg and 40mg once a day. However, it is important to use them in combination with lifestyle changes such as eating a heart-healthy diet, exercising regularly and reducing your alcohol intake.Always take simvastatin as instructed by your doctor and follow the instructions that come with your medicine. Statins help reduce your risk of a heart attack or stroke. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about what’s recommended for you. Grapefruit and grapefruit juice can affect the way your liver processes some statins and increase side effects, so you may need to avoid it or reduce your intake. These can sometimes make your heart medication less effective. Tell your health professionals if you’re taking any: Talk to your pharmacist about when is the best time to take your medication. Some statins work better if you take them with a meal. Studies show that statins work best if you take them in the evening. You will need regular blood tests to check your cholesterol levels. However, if it's almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue as normal.ĭo NOT take a double dose. If you forget to take a dose, take it immediately, then continue as normal the following day. It’s important to take your medication daily and not to skip a dose. However, the benefits of taking it to reduce your cholesterol usually outweigh the side effects.
There's a very small chance that taking a statin can increase your risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The benefit usually outweighs the side effects. Don't stop taking your medication without talking to your doctor first. Talk to your doctor if your side effects are worrying you.