Simvastatin

The Basics

What is Simvastatin?

Used together to treat high cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood.

Brand names for Simvastatin

Zocor

How Simvastatin is classified

Anticholesteremic Agents, Antilipemic Agents, Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors

Simvastatin During Pregnancy

Simvastatin pregnancy category

Category XNote that the FDA has deprecated the use of pregnancy categories, so for some medications, this information isn’t available. We still think it’s useful to list historical info, however, given what a common proxy this has been in the past.

What we know about taking Simvastatin while pregnant

N/A

Taking Simvastatin While Breastfeeding

What are recommendations for lactation if you're taking Simvastatin?

No relevant published information exists on the use of simvastatin during breastfeeding. Because of a concern with disruption of infant lipid metabolism, the consensus is that simvastatin should not be used during breastfeeding. However, others have argued that children homozygous for familial hypercholesterolemia are treated with statins beginning at 1 year of age, that statins have low oral bioavailability, and risks to the breastfed infant are low, especially with rosuvastatin and pravastatin.[1] Until more data become available, an alternate drug may be preferred, especially while nursing a newborn or preterm infant.

Maternal / infant drug levels

No relevant published information exists on the use of simvastatin during breastfeeding. Because of a concern with disruption of infant lipid metabolism, the consensus is that simvastatin should not be used during breastfeeding. However, others have argued that children homozygous for familial hypercholesterolemia are treated with statins beginning at 1 year of age, that statins have low oral bioavailability, and risks to the breastfed infant are low, especially with rosuvastatin and pravastatin.[1] Until more data become available, an alternate drug may be preferred, especially while nursing a newborn or preterm infant.

Possible effects of Simvastatin on milk supply

Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.

Possible alternatives to Simvastatin

Cholestyramine, Colesevelam, Colestipol.