Monograph Details

Cardiovascular System > Hyperlipoproteinemias
SIMCOR 750/20
Manufacturer
Abbott Laboratories
Legal Classification
Rx
Pharmacological Class
Nicotinic acid deriv. + HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor
Generic Name
Niacin ext-rel 750mg, simvastatin 20mg; tabs.
Also
SIMCOR 1000/20
SIMCOR 500/20
Indications
Adjunct to diet in primary hypercholesterolemia, mixed dyslipidemia, and hypertriglyceridemia if monotherapy is inadequate.
Children
Not recommended.
Adults
Take once daily at bedtime with low-fat snack. Swallow whole. Naive to or switching from immediate-release niacin: initially one 500/20 tab. May increase at 4-wk intervals by up to 500mg/day (ext-rel niacin component); maintenance: 1000/20 to 2000/40 once daily. May substitute for previously-titrated ext-rel niacin at equivalent doses. Re-titrate if therapy interrupted ≥7 days. To reduce flushing, pretreat with aspirin or an NSAID.
Contraindications
Active liver or peptic ulcer disease. Unexplained persistent elevated transaminases. Arterial bleeding. Pregnancy (Cat.X). Nursing mothers.
Precautions
Do not substitute for equivalent doses of immediate-release niacin. Substantial alcohol consumption. History of liver disease. Monitor transaminases (at baseline, every 12wks for 1st 6 mos, then periodically); discontinue if levels ≥3xULN persist or if signs/symptoms of liver disease occur. Discontinue if myopathy is diagnosed or suspected. Suspend therapy before surgery and if major medical event occurs. Renal dysfunction. Gout. Monitor blood glucose, PT, platelets.
Interactions
Avoid other niacin, potent CYP3A4 inhibitors (eg, azole antifungals, macrolides, HIV PIs, nefazodone, grapefruit juice >1qt/day), gemfibrozil, fenofibrate, cyclosporine, danazol. Potentiated by amiodarone and verapamil (limit simvastatin to 20mg/day). Separate dosing of bile acid sequestrants by 4–6hrs. Postural hypotension with ganglionic blockers, vasoactive drugs. Monitor warfarin, digoxin, antidiabetics.
Adverse Reactions
Flushing, headache, pruritus, GI upset, back pain; elevated ALT/AST, myopathy, rhabdomyolysis with renal failure.
How Supplied
Tabs—90
Additional Resources
Related Prescribing Note