Simcor

What Is Simcor?

Simcor^® (niacin extended-release/simvastatin) is a prescription medication used for treating unhealthy triglyceride or cholesterol levels. It contains two different cholesterol medications -- simvastatin (Zocor^®) and extended-release niacin (Niaspan^®).

 

 

Who Makes This Medicine?

Simcor is made by Abbott Laboratories.

 

How Does Simcor Work?

Simcor is a combination of extended-release niacin and simvastatin. Niacin, or nicotinic acid, is also used as a cholesterol-lowering medicine. How niacin works is not completely understood. It probably works in several ways to improve cholesterol levels. It is thought that niacin works to increase HDL cholesterol ("good" cholesterol) levels by preventing the liver from removing HDL from the bloodstream. Additionally, niacin seems to decrease the liver's production of LDL and VLDL, two types of "bad" cholesterol. Niacin also helps decrease the release of fatty acids (from body fat) into the bloodstream.

 

Simvastatin is part of a class of drugs called statins. It works by blocking a particular enzyme (HMG-CoA reductase) that controls the rate of cholesterol production in the body. This causes the liver to make less cholesterol. It also increases the liver's ability to collect and get rid of LDL cholesterol.

 

Because of the effects of simvastatin and niacin, Simcor can help decrease the following "bad" forms of cholesterol and fats:

 

Simcor also increases HDL cholesterol ("good" cholesterol).

 

Effects

In one clinical study, people taking Simcor 1000/20 mg once daily were able to, on average, decrease LDL cholesterol by 11.9 percent, decrease triglycerides by 26.5 percent, and increase HDL by 20.7 percent. Generally, the effects of Simcor on cholesterol and triglyceride levels were greater with higher doses of Simcor.

 

When and How Should I Take Simcor?

Some general considerations for when and how to take the medication include:

 

Dietary Instructions

It is recommended that people who are on Simcor avoid drinking large quantities of grapefruit juice because it can increase the levels of simvastatin (one of the active ingredients) in the blood. This could increase the risk of developing serious muscle problems. If you want to continue drinking grapefruit juice, talk to your doctor about other cholesterol-lowering medications that you can take.

 

 

As with any cholesterol medication, you should continue to eat a low-fat, low-cholesterol diet as part of your cholesterol-lowering treatment program.

 

Simcor Dosing

The dose of Simcor that your healthcare provider recommends will vary, depending on a number of factors, including:

 

As is always the case, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.

 

 

Potential Side Effects

As with any medicine, there are possible side effects with Simcor, but not everyone who takes it will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate the drug quite well. When people do develop side effects, in most cases, they are minor, meaning they require no treatment or are easily treated by you or a healthcare professional. If side effects do occur, most people do not need to stop their medicine.

 

Some of the most common side effects thought to be related to Simcor include:

 

Keep in mind that if you experience unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness, (especially if these symptoms are accompanied by a fever or a feeling of illness), it is important to contact your healthcare provider immediately. This could be a sign of a serious, life-threatening muscle problem (see Simcor and Muscle Pain for more information).

 

 

Drug Interactions With Simcor

Simcor may potentially interact with a number of other medications (see Simcor Drug Interactions for more information).

 

What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?

If you have any of the following conditions, you should talk to your healthcare provider prior to taking Simcor:

 

Let your healthcare provider know if you are:

 

Also, tell your healthcare provider about all other medicines you may be taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

 

 

Simcor Alternatives

In general, cholesterol treatment begins with lifestyle changes (weight loss, exercise, and a low-cholesterol diet). If lifestyle changes do not lower cholesterol to a desirable level, however, cholesterol medication, such as Simcor, may be necessary.

 

The main goal of high cholesterol medications is to lower LDL cholesterol levels enough to reduce your risk for developing problems such as heart disease or a heart attack (see Effects of High Cholesterol). The higher your risk, the lower your LDL goal will be.

 

 

For most people, Simcor is quite effective in lowering cholesterol. Side effects can occur, however, and people may wish to consider a substitute for Simcor. These substitutes could include other statins or other cholesterol medicines.

 

 

What If I Take an Overdose?

If you happen to overdose on Simcor, seek medical attention immediately (see Simcor Overdose for more information).

 

Storage Methods

Simcor should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture. Keep this and all other medications out of the reach of children.

 

What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose of Simcor?

If you do not take your dose as scheduled, take it as soon as you remember, unless it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. If it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the one you forgot and take your next dose instead. Do not take double the dose.

 

Strengths

Several strengths of Simcor tablets are available, including:

 

Is There A Generic Version of Simcor?

This medication is not available in generic form (see Generic Simcor).