Know your treatment goals. Your doctor will set target cholesterol numbers as part of your treatment plan. Write down your current cholesterol numbers as well as your target cholesterol numbers. Knowing your target levels can help you stay committed to your treatment plan.
Keep track of your progress. Get copies of your test results so you can discuss your progress with your doctor. Be ready to discuss how you are responding to treatment and whether any changes need to be made. Use the SIMCOR Cholesterol Tracker to record your test results over time.
Review your treatment plan. Go over your treatment plan with your doctor. Be sure you understand all instructions related to diet, physical activity and medication.
Know your medication. Make sure you understand how to take SIMCOR correctly, including information on possible side effects, such as flushing and how to help manage it. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist, and be sure to notify your doctor if you experience any side effects.
Contact your health care provider, if symptoms of unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness occur, as this may be a sign of a serious but rare muscle disorder, from which rare cases of death have occurred.
Tell your doctor about other medications or supplements you are taking. Bring a list of all the medicines and supplements you are taking, including vitamins, herbs and any over-the-counter treatments.
Be open and honest. Answer your doctor's questions honestly. Your doctor makes treatment decisions based on the information you give, so it is in your best interest to be open.
Ask for help with diet and exercise. If you need more support for staying on your diet plan or an exercise program, talk with your doctor.
Join the SIMCOR Heart Alliance. The SIMCOR Heart Alliance patient support program provides access to a SIMCOR 24-hour nurse helpline, cholesterol information and much more.
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.
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.
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. 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.