Statin (cholesterol-lowering medicine)
Last reviewed July 2026
Who is this for?
Simvastatin is a cholesterol-lowering medicine that works by blocking an enzyme in your liver that produces cholesterol, helping to reduce the amount of bad cholesterol and fats in your blood.
Inhibits HMG-CoA reductase, the rate-limiting enzyme in cholesterol synthesis, thereby reducing hepatic cholesterol production and increasing LDL receptor expression on liver cells to enhance LDL clearance from the bloodstream.
High cholesterol, prevention of heart attack, prevention of stroke, reducing risk of heart disease in people with diabetes or other risk factors
Prescription Required
You need a doctor's prescription to buy this drug.
Explore this drug
If you forget to take your dose at night, skip it and take your next dose the following evening at the usual time. Do not take two tablets to make up for the missed one.
Avoid drinking grapefruit juice while on simvastatin as it can dangerously increase the drug level in your blood. Avoid taking it with certain antibiotics like erythromycin or antifungals like ketoconazole. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about all other medicines you are using. Limit alcohol intake as it increases the risk of liver problems when combined with this drug.
Check your specific combination
Is it safe to take Simvastatin with your other drugs?
Simvastatin is NOT safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding, as it can cause serious harm to your unborn baby, so stop taking it and inform your doctor immediately if you become pregnant.
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat. Nigerian weather can be very hot, so do not leave it on a windowsill or in your car. Keep the tablets in their original pack and far from the reach of children.
For information only: not medical advice. Always talk to a doctor or pharmacist before changing your medication.
Names this drug is sold under, especially in Nigerian and West African pharmacies
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Counterfeit Drug Warning
Fake drugs are a serious problem in Nigeria. Always buy from a registered pharmacy. If the packaging looks different from what is described above, do not use it.