Simvastatin (Zocor)
Simvastatin (Zocor) is a generic statin taken in the evening. In STELLAR, simvastatin lowered LDL cholesterol by 28% at 10 mg daily to 39% at 40 mg daily. Study results
How much does simvastatin lower LDL cholesterol?
Simvastatin lowered LDL cholesterol by 28% at 10 mg, 35% at 20 mg, and 39% at 40 mg daily in the six-week STELLAR trial. Read the evidence.
| Dose and treatment context | LDL result |
|---|---|
| 10 mg daily | |
| 20 mg daily | |
| 40 mg daily |
These are average reductions from baseline. The 80 mg dose is restricted because of muscle-injury risk and is not a dose to start or increase to.
Individual responses vary. LDL and ApoB measure different things; these LDL percentages should not be used as ApoB estimates. Compare ApoB-lowering treatments.
How is simvastatin taken?
Simvastatin is taken once daily in the evening. Patients who need more LDL lowering than 40 mg provides generally need a different regimen rather than an increase to 80 mg. The 80 mg dose is reserved for certain patients who have already tolerated it long term. Prescribing information.
How does simvastatin compare with other medications?
Atorvastatin and Rosuvastatin can produce larger LDL reductions than the usual simvastatin doses. Simvastatin also has more dose-limiting interactions with common medicines, including amlodipine, diltiazem, and amiodarone.
Which medications can be combined with simvastatin?
A statin can be combined with Ezetimibe or a PCSK9-directed treatment such as Repatha when additional LDL lowering is needed. These medicines act through different mechanisms. Their percentage reductions should not be added together: an added treatment lowers the LDL that remains. Ezetimibe is also available in a fixed-dose combination with simvastatin. Bempedoic acid should not be combined with simvastatin doses above 20 mg daily.
How much does simvastatin cost?
Cost Plus Drugs lists simvastatin 20mg, 30 tablets, at $5.48 before shipping ($10.73 with standard shipping). Prices were checked October 6, 2026; the quantity is not necessarily a month’s supply.
Cost Plus Drugs
Simvastatin 20mg, 30 tablets: $5.48 including the dispensing fee, or $10.73 with standard shipping.
GoodRx
Compare local coupon prices for the same 20mg strength and 30 tablets. The pharmacy, ZIP code, and coupon can change the price; this is a live comparison, not a second fixed quote.
Compare the cash price with your plan’s out-of-pocket quote for the same strength and quantity. Coupon purchases may not count toward your insurance deductible.
Does insurance cover simvastatin?
Coverage for simvastatin varies by plan and formulation. These named formularies and medical policies were checked October 6, 2026; your plan’s rules and cost sharing may differ.
| Insurer | Coverage policy |
|---|---|
| UnitedHealthcare | UnitedHealthcare lists simvastatin at Tier 1; 5–40 mg carry a preventive-benefit prior-authorization marker. The 80 mg row has no listed restriction, but its clinical prescribing restrictions still apply. Commercial PDL, September 2026. |
| Aetna | Copay-exempt preventive pathway for eligible adults aged 40–75 at 5–40 mg; otherwise preferred generic. The 80 mg strength is preferred generic. Advanced Control, October 2026. |
| Cigna | Cigna lists generic simvastatin at Tier 1, with a possible home-delivery requirement. The 10–40 mg strengths have a preventive pathway; 80 mg is limited to one tablet daily. California Standard 4-Tier (DMHC), July 2026. |
| Anthem | Anthem lists simvastatin at Tier 1. The 5–20 mg strengths have dose optimization; 40 and 80 mg are limited to one tablet daily. Preventive $0 coverage excludes 80 mg. California Individual Select, October 2026. |
| Blue Shield of California | Blue Shield of California lists simvastatin at Tier 1, limited to one tablet daily; 5–40 mg have a preventive-coverage pathway. Standard Formulary. |
| BCBS of Texas | BCBS of Texas lists simvastatin as a preferred generic, with no prior-authorization, step-therapy, or quantity-limit marker listed. Performance Annual, 2026. |
What are the side effects of simvastatin?
Muscle pain can occur; severe muscle injury and serious liver injury are uncommon but important risks. Report unexplained weakness, dark urine, or jaundice promptly. A clinician should review liver disease, pregnancy plans, and the full medication list before treatment. Gemfibrozil and strong CYP3A4 inhibitors are contraindicated with simvastatin. Avoid grapefruit juice. Interaction-related dose caps may be much lower than the usual maximum dose. Full safety information.
Does simvastatin reduce heart attacks or strokes?
Simvastatin reduced major vascular events in the Heart Protection Study and improved survival in the Scandinavian Simvastatin Survival Study. These results support cardiovascular prevention in appropriate patients, even though simvastatin lowers LDL less than high-intensity atorvastatin or rosuvastatin. Read the supporting evidence.
Is simvastatin right for you?
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