Simcor (niacin extended-release/simvastatin) is a prescription medication used for treating unhealthy triglyceride or cholesterol levels. It contains two different cholesterol medications - simvastatin (Zocor) and extended-release niacin (Niaspan).

Because of the effects of simvastatin and niacin, Simcor can help decrease the following "bad" forms of cholesterol and fats:

Total cholesterol
LDL cholesterol
Apo B cholesterol
Non-HDL cholesterol
Triglycerides.

Simcor also increases HDL cholesterol ("good" cholesterol)

Using Simcor to prevent heart or blood vessel disease (cardiovascular disease), heart attacks, strokes, or other such problems would be considered to be off-label uses of Simcor.

Some precautions and warnings to be aware of include:

Rhabdomyolysis (the severe breakdown of muscles) and other serious muscle problems have rarely been reported with Simcor and other statins. You are at greater risk for developing muscle problems, such as rhabdomyolysis, with Simcor if:

You have kidney damage
You are taking certain medications.
You drink grapefruit juice or use grapefruit products.
If you are an alcoholic or drink alcohol frequently, discuss this with your healthcare provider prior to starting Simcor. Alcohol can affect the way the liver works, indirectly affecting the Simcor.

Statins (such as simvastatin, one of the components of Simcor) have been known to cause an increase in liver enzymes. Therefore, it is recommended that you have a blood test that looks at your liver function before starting Simcor and several months after treatment has started. These tests may also be recommended if the Simcor dosage is changed.

Make sure to contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any muscle pain, weakness, or tenderness, especially if it is with a fever or if you feel ill.

Simcor can increase blood sugar in people with diabetes. If you have diabetes, check with your healthcare provider before taking this medication.

Simcor can increase the level of uric acid in the blood, which can worsen (and possibly even cause) gout.

Simcor must be started at a low dose and increased gradually, in order to avoid intolerable flushing due to the niacin component (see Simcor Dosage and Niacin Flush for more information).

Simcor may increase the risk of bleeding, possibly due to decreased blood platelets.

Simcor is a pregnancy Category X medicine, meaning that it could potentially cause harm to your unborn child. The safety of Simcor in pregnant women has not been established. If you are pregnant and taking Simcor, talk to your healthcare provider immediately.

If you are nursing, it is not known whether Simcor passes through your milk. Therefore, if you are taking the drug, discuss with your healthcare provider whether to stop nursing or stop taking Simcor.