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For the sake of simplicity, there are two sorts of cholesterol; a 'bad' sort called low density lipoprotein (LDL) and a 'good' sort called high density lipoprotein (HDL). LDL is deposited in the arteries and increases the risk of heart disease by clogging and narrowing the arteries (atherosclerosis), while HDL actually protects the arteries against this.
Simvastatin decreases the production of LDL cholesterol by blocking the action of the enzyme in the liver (called HMG-CoA reductase) that is responsible for its production. This decreases the amount of cholesterol in the liver cells, which causes them to take up LDL cholesterol from the blood. The decreased cholesterol production and increased removal of LDL cholesterol from the blood ultimately results in lowered blood cholesterol levels.
The body produces most cholesterol at night, so simvastatin is more effective when taken in the evening.
Simvastatin also causes a small decrease in the production of other 'bad fats' in the blood called triglycerides, and a small increase in the level of HDL cholesterol. This results in lowered levels of 'bad fats' and raised levels of 'good fats' in the blood.
Statins have an important role in the prevention of coronary heart disease because they reduce the risk of excess cholesterol being deposited in the major blood vessels of the heart. Any blockage in the blood vessels limits the amount of blood and therefore oxygen being carried to the heart muscle. This can cause angina (chest pain), and in severe cases can result in a heart attack (myocardial infarction).
Statins are normally prescribed by doctors to reduce the risk of heart attacks in people who are at high risk of having a heart attack due to various risk factors, or who already have coronary heart disease (angina or a past heart attack). Zocor heart-pro, however, contains a lower dose of statin than that normally prescribed, and can be bought without a prescription from pharmacies. It is licensed to be sold to people considered to be at moderate risk of a heart attack. Remember that the risk of a heart attack can be lowered through stopping smoking, eating healthily, losing weight and taking regular exercise. This medicine can be used in addition to lifestyle changes to further lower heart attack risk, but you should remember that for it to be effective it will need to be taken long-term.
What is it used for?
Your pharmacist can help you assess whether this medicine might be of benefit to you.
Warning!
Use with caution in
Not to be used in
This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy.
If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Side effects
The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer.
For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.
Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. Just because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine:
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