When it comes to your cholesterol numbers, not all fat is the same.
"Saturated fat" is the main cholesterol offender because it raises your bad cholesterol (LDL) level more than anything else you eat. Saturated fat is found primarily in animal products, such as fatty cuts of meat, poultry with the skin, and whole milk dairy products. But it is also found in tropical oils like coconut and palm oils. Most other vegetable oils are low in saturated fats. Cholesterol, which also contributes to raising your LDL levels, is also found in animal products such as organ meats, egg yolks, butter and whole milk dairy products.
"Trans fat" is another type of fat that can raise your LDL levels. Trans fat is found mainly in baked products such as cookies and doughnuts, and in fried foods like french fries and fried chicken. It also is found in some types of margarine. Trans fat is commonly listed on a product's "Nutrition Facts" label, but if you don't see it there, check the ingredients list. Look for terms such as shortening or hydrogenated vegetable oil. These terms are different names used to indicate types of trans fat.1
Uses for SIMCOR® (niacin extended-release/simvastatin)
SIMCOR is used when treatment with simvastatin alone or niacin extended-release alone is not enough, and when a low-fat diet and exercise alone have not been successful.
SIMCOR is a prescription medication that is used along with diet to lower levels of total cholesterol, LDL “bad” cholesterol, and triglycerides, and to increase HDL “good” cholesterol in people with abnormal cholesterol levels.
No additional benefit of SIMCOR on heart disease over and above that shown for simvastatin alone and niacin alone has been demonstrated.
Important Safety Information for SIMCOR
SIMCOR is not for people with liver problems, stomach ulcers, or serious bleeding problems; for women who are pregnant, may become pregnant, or are nursing; or for those allergic to any product ingredient.
Contact your health care provider about any unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness, as this may be a sign of a serious but rare muscle disorder, from which rare cases of death may occur. This risk is increased when SIMCOR is taken with certain types of medications.
Because some medications may interact with SIMCOR, tell your health care provider about all the medications you are taking, including vitamins and nutritional supplements.
SIMCOR contains extended-release niacin. All forms of niacin are not the same. SIMCOR should not be substituted for immediate-release niacin, as severe liver damage can occur.
SIMCOR is associated with increases in liver enzymes. Your health care provider should do blood tests before and during treatment with SIMCOR to check for liver problems. SIMCOR should be used with caution if you drink large amounts of alcohol or have a history of liver disease.
Tell your health care provider if you experience increased tiredness, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, dark-colored urine, or yellowing of the skin or eyes, as these may be signs of liver problems.
SIMCOR may cause an increase in blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes, check blood sugar levels more frequently during the first few months of SIMCOR use.
Tell your health care provider if you have a history of kidney problems or gout. SIMCOR may cause an increase in uric acid levels.
Women of childbearing age should use an effective method of birth control to prevent pregnancy while using SIMCOR. If you are pregnant, stop SIMCOR and contact your health care provider.
Flushing (warmth, redness, itching, and/or tingling of the skin) is a common side effect that may subside after several weeks of consistent use. Flushing may vary in severity and is more likely to occur when starting therapy or during dose increases. Talk to your doctor about how the symptoms of flushing are different from symptoms of a heart attack. If you take SIMCOR at bedtime, flushing will most likely occur during sleep. If flushing wakes you up, take your time getting up, especially if you feel dizzy or faint, or if you take blood pressure medications.
Other common side effects include headache, itching, nausea, back pain, and diarrhea.
For more information, talk with your health care provider.
Please click here (http://rxabbott.com/pdf/simcor_pi.pdf) for full Prescribing Information.
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
If you cannot afford your medication, contact: www.pparx.org or call the toll-free phone number (1-888-4PPA-NOW) for assistance.