Simvastatin
Also known as: Zocor
What it's for
Simvastatin lowers cholesterol in your blood. This reduces your risk of heart attack and stroke. It works best alongside a healthy diet and exercise.
Comes as: Tablets
How to take it
- Adults: Usually 20mg to 40mg once a day.
- Take in the evening, as your body makes most cholesterol at night.
- You can take it with or without food.
- It may take a few weeks to see the full effect on your cholesterol.
Doses here are typical. Always follow the instructions from your prescriber or on the packet — they come first.
Common side effects
- Headache
- Feeling sick or stomach pain
- Muscle aches (usually mild)
The leaflet inside the packet lists all known side effects.
Important safety points
- Avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice
- Tell your doctor immediately if you get unexplained muscle pain or weakness
- Not suitable if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Tell your doctor if you have liver or kidney problems
- Avoid drinking too much alcohol
Get medical help urgently if…
- You have unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness
- Your urine turns dark brown
- You have severe tiredness or weakness
- You notice yellowing of your skin or eyes
Call NHS 111 for urgent advice, or 999 if someone is seriously unwell.
Before you act on anything here
This page is general information, written to help you understand — it is not personal medical advice and it cannot tell you what is right for you. Talk to your own GP, pharmacist or nurse about your own health.
- Need help now but it's not an emergency? Call NHS 111 or use 111.nhs.uk.
- Emergency? Call 999 or go to A&E.