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Treatment to lower Cholesterol

PCPdirect online service for lipid- lowering medication

This service has been developed for use by adults from 18 years to 70 years. Patients suffering from diagnosed high cholesterol, heart disease or diabetes should seek treatment from their own doctor.

Who can use this service?

The service is available to  be part of other lipid-lowering activities such as exercise and healthy diet. The service does NOT support those with diagnosed high cholesterol, heart disease or diabetes who will need higher strength or alternative medication. Overseas purchasers may be restricted by legislation in their own country.

How the service works

The following information explains  what simvastatin is used for and whether it is appropriate as an addition to life style and dietary changes which help reduce cholesterol. Other options will also be discussed so that you  may decide if you would like to participate in an online consultation to see whether the online GP considers simvastatin treatment appropriate.

If the online GP decides statins are appropriate our service will allow you to purchase simvastatin 10mg on a repeat prescription allowing you up to 6 packs of simvastatin in 6 months.

What are the benefits of taking simvastatin?

Coronary Heart Disease is the single leading cause of death for adults in the UK. Treatment with lipid-lowering medication , life style and dietary changes can significantly reduce this risk, with benefits seen within the first months of taking. The reduction in risk of a major coronary event is about 10% after a year’s treatment rising to up to 33% after 3 years.

How safe is simvastatin?

Simvastatin has been available in the UK for the last 19 years and has been licensed in the past as a medicine available to purchase from pharmacies.

When should you not use this service.

You should not use this service if you

  • Have diagnosed coronary heart disease
  • Liver or renal problems
  • Take interacting medication such as erythromycin or other macrolides, antifungals
  • Muscular weakness, or numbness
  • High blood pressure

Monitoring

The service does not require  cholesterol testing, however, this can be arranged at some pharmacies and doctors surgeries.

 

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