Simvastatin

( ARTG ) Simvastatin is indicated as an adjunct to diet for treatment of hypercholesterolaemia.​​​‍​​‍​​​​‍​​‍‍ Prior to initiating therapy with simvastatin, secondary causes of hypercholesterolaemia (eg poorly controlled diabetes mellitus, hypothyroidism, nephrotic syndrome, dysproteinaemias, obstructive liver disease, other drug therapy, alcoholism) should be identified and treated. Simvastatin is indicated in patients at high risk of CHD (coronary heart disease) (with or without hypercholesterolaemia), including patients with diabetes, history of stroke or other cerebrovascular disease, peripheral vessel disease, or with existing CHD to reduce the risk of cardiovascular death, major cardiovascular events including stroke, and hospitalisation due to angina pectoris. These effects do not replace the need to independently control known causes of cardiovascular mortality and morbidity such as hypertension, diabetes and smoking.