Juvisync

1 What is Juvisync?

Brand: Juvisync

Generic: Sitagliptin and Simvastatin

Juvisync is used to lower cholesterol levels in the bloodstream. Cholesterol is a waxy substance with several important functions in the body such as producing certain hormones, produce vitamin D and helps digest fats from food.

Cholesterol is transported throughout the body through lipoproteins. There are two kinds of lipoproteins, the low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL).

High levels of LDL are what most people refer to as ‘high cholesterol’. Elevated LDL levels cause hardening of the arteries and increase the risk of heart disease. Simvastatin works by reducing LDL levels and triglycerides (another form of fat in the bloodstream that increases heart disease risk) while increasing HDL to lower cholesterol in the bloodstream.

Doctors prescribe Simvastatin to patients with high levels of LDL and triglycerides. Simvastatin is also prescribed to lower risk of stroke, heart attack and other types of heart disease to at-risk patients. Doctors also prescribe Simvastatin to adolescents with Familial Hypercholesterolemia, an inherited condition that cause persistent elevated LDL levels.

Note that you still have to stick to the diet and exercise recommendations while taking Simvastatin.

Simvastatin can only be given to patients at least 10 years old.

Simvastatin requires a prescription.

Rarely, treatment with Simvastatin causes rhabdomyolysis (breakdown of skeletal muscles) and liver problems. Only use Simvastatin according to doctor’s instructions.

2 What to know before using

Before using Juvisync, you must know all about the risks and complications associated with it.

Treatment with Simvastatin may cause rhabdomyolysis, a condition that causes skeletal muscles to break down and result in kidney failure if not addressed quickly. Though very rare, the risk is higher in patients taking Simvastatin 80 mg/day.

Call the doctor right away if you experience symptoms such as

  • unexplained muscle pain,
  • weakness and tenderness with fever,
  • back pain,
  • unusual tiredness,
  • passing out,
  • dark urine.

Follow your doctor’s instructions in taking Simvastatin very carefully to reduce chances of side effects.

Before receiving Simvastatin, you need to tell the doctor if the following applies to you:

  • Consuming at least two standard alcoholic drinks per day. One drink is equivalent to 14 grams of pure alcohol, equivalent to 12 fluid oz. beer, 8-9 fluid oz. malt liquor, 5 fluid oz. table wine, or 1.5 fluid oz. shots of distilled spirits (gin, rum, tequila, vodka or whiskey)
  • If you were previously prescribed with Simvastatin before
  • Problems in the liver
  • Problems in the kidneys
  • If you belong to Chinese decent. Simvastatin may cause higher risk of rhabdomyolysis in these individuals when given at higher doses
  • Having diabetes
  • Having problems with the thyroid

Simvastatin is highly contraindicated in pregnant and breastfeeding patients. Tell the doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding before receiving Simvastatin. Simvastatin is an FDA pregnancy category X drug, which means it is known to cause serious harm to the unborn baby when given to pregnant patients. Do not breastfeed when receiving Simvastatin because it may be expressed in breast milk.

Do not consume or drink grapefruit, grapefruit juice or anything containing grapefruit when receiving Simvastatin. Grapefruit can interact with Simvastatin and cause serious side effects.

Tell the doctor all the medicines you take before receiving Simvastatin.

Simvastatin should not be taken with the following drugs:

  • Itraconazole
  • Ketoconazole
  • Posaconazole
  • Voriconazole
  • Erythromycin
  • Clarithromycin
  • Medications for HIV
  • Boceprevir
  • Teleprevir
  • Nefadozone
  • Cobicistat
  • Gemfibrozil
  • Cyclosporine
  • Danazol

Tell the doctor if you take the following medications before receiving Simvastatin.

The doctor may have to adjust your dose of Simvastatin if you are taking these medicines:

  • Verapamil
  • Diltiazem
  • Dronedarone
  • Amiodarone
  • Amlodipine
  • Ranolazine
  • Lomitapide
  • Esomeprazole
  • Colcichine
  • Niacin
  • Isoniazid
  • Rifampin

3 Proper usage

To use Juvisync properly, you must follow all instructions given by your doctor.

The doctor will determine your dose of Simvastatin. The doctor will occasionally change your dose from time to time to achieve the best effect. Always follow the doctor’s dose.

Take Simvastatin tablets with meals. Simvastatin is usually taken at bedtime.

The doctor will order you to have regular blood tests when you receive Simvastatin.

Treatment with Simvastatin takes a long time, and you need to take it continuously to lower your LDL cholesterol and triglycerides. Also, you also have to stick to diet restrictions and fulfill daily exercise requirements.

If you missed a dose of Simvastatin, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and stick to the original scheduled dose. Do not take more tablets to make up for the missed dose.

Simvastatin tablets are stored at room temperature. Keep them away from heat, moisture and light.

4 Precautions to take

Before using Juvisync, there are some precautions you must take.

Do not consume grapefruit, grapefruit juice, or any food containing grapefruit while receiving Simvastatin.

It is highly recommended that you avoid alcohol while receiving Simvastatin. Alcohol increases triglyceride levels and taking them with Simvastatin can cause problems to the liver.

You must avoid food items high in fats and cholesterol when receiving Simvastatin. Simvastatin is most effective if you stick to a low-fat diet and regular exercise.

5 Potential side effects

As with many medications, there are several potential side effects associated with Juvisync.

Call the doctor right away if you experienced these serious side effects:

  • Severe allergic reaction symptoms such as difficulty breathing, chest tightness, hoarseness, swelling of the lips, mouth, tongue or throat
  • Kidney problem signs such as passing too little urine, painful or difficult urination, swelling of the feet or ankles, shortness of breath and tiredness
  • Liver problem symptoms such as nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, tiredness, loss of appetite, passing out dark urine or clay-colored stools, and jaundice
  • Rhabdomyolysis signs and symptoms such as muscle pain, tenderness and weakness, fever, unusual tiredness and passing out dark-colored urine

Simvastatin may cause minor side effects such as:

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