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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Does Taking Amlodipine And Simvastatin Cause Any Drug Interaction?

My husband was on 40 mg. simvastatin and his cardiologist changed his bp meds to amlodipine 5mg along with the 40 mg. simvastatin - our pharmacy would not fill the RX for 40 mg. simvastatin as they said there was a interaction with these meds and the 40 mg. simvastatin - Cardiologist said to take anyways- my husband got so weak and he could hardly walk had to go to hospital and passed away!!!I feel it was the interactions in the meds??
Tue, 6 Feb 2018
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Dear Ma'am, Hi & Welcome.

Yes, the use of this combination can cause serious muscle and liver injuries.

Taking the BP lowering medication along with the cholesterol lowering medication like Simvastatin can increase the blood levels of Simvastatin. This can increase the risk of side effects such as muscle and liver damage.

In serious condition it can also cause the breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue (rhabdomyolysis) which can result in kidney damage and even death.

Based on the history given I am of the opinion that your husband seems to have developed muscle injury apparently due to these drug interaction.

He should stop taking Simvastatin and consult his treating doctor for an alternate effective but a safer medication for his high blood cholesterol.

His doctor may also adjust the dose of these medications to prevent this harmful interaction.

Hope I could answer your queries.

Wishing your husband a smooth and quick recovery.
A feed back is appreciated.
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Does Taking Amlodipine And Simvastatin Cause Any Drug Interaction?

Dear Ma am, Hi & Welcome. Yes, the use of this combination can cause serious muscle and liver injuries. Taking the BP lowering medication along with the cholesterol lowering medication like Simvastatin can increase the blood levels of Simvastatin. This can increase the risk of side effects such as muscle and liver damage. In serious condition it can also cause the breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue (rhabdomyolysis) which can result in kidney damage and even death. Based on the history given I am of the opinion that your husband seems to have developed muscle injury apparently due to these drug interaction. He should stop taking Simvastatin and consult his treating doctor for an alternate effective but a safer medication for his high blood cholesterol. His doctor may also adjust the dose of these medications to prevent this harmful interaction. Hope I could answer your queries. Wishing your husband a smooth and quick recovery. A feed back is appreciated.