Starstat 5mg Tablet
Product Info
| Prescription required | Yes |
| Marketer | Lupin Ltd |
| Active Ingredient | Simvastatin (5mg) |
| Storage | Store below 30°C |
| Chemical Class | Delta valerolactones derivative |
| Habit Forming | No |
| Therapeutic Class | CARDIAC |
| Action Class | HMG CoA inhibitors (statins) |
| User Rating | 4.5 |
| User Reviews | 559 |
FAQ
What foods should be avoided when taking Starstat 5mg?
Starstat 5mg is used to decrease your blood cholesterol levels. Therefore, to seek the best results of this medicine, you should avoid foods which are high in calories like fried food and junk food. It is recommended to eat a low-fat and low-cholesterol diet. Be sure to follow all the exercise and dietary recommendations made by your doctor or dietician.
When should I take Starstat 5mg?
Starstat 5mg is generally taken once a day preferably in the evening after dinner. Try taking this medicine at the same time every day to help remember when to take it.
Can I take alcohol with Starstat 5mg?
No, it is not advised to take alcohol with Starstat 5mg. This is because the risk of developing liver problems increases if you drink alcohol while taking this medicine. Moreover, there is a significant increase in the triglyceride levels if Starstat 5mg is taken along with alcohol. This can further lead to liver damage and also worsen some of the side effects such as muscle pain, muscle weakness and tenderness. People with liver problems are therefore advised not to take Starstat 5mg without consulting their doctor. They must also refrain from consuming alcohol while taking this medicine to get maximum benefit.
What is Starstat 5mg used for? How does it work?
Starstat 5mg belongs to a class of medicines called statins that lower the cholesterol in the blood. It is used along with a healthy diet and exercise to reduce bad cholesterol and increase the amount of good cholesterol in the blood. It works by slowing the production of cholesterol in the liver in order to decrease the amount of cholesterol that accumulates on the walls of arteries. Improving the levels of cholesterol in the blood helps to reduce the risk of heart attack or stroke.
What should I know about high cholesterol?
Cholesterol is a type of fat present in your blood. Total cholesterol is determined by the total amount of LDL and HDL cholesterol in the body. LDL cholesterol is called “bad” cholesterol. Bad cholesterol can build up in the wall of your blood vessels and slow or obstruct blood flow to your heart, brain, and other organs. This can cause heart disease and stroke. HDL cholesterol is called “good” cholesterol as it prevents the bad cholesterol from building up in the blood vessels. High levels of triglycerides are also harmful for you.
Does Starstat 5mg make you tired?
Yes, Starstat 5mg can make you feel tired. This is because they reduce the energy supply to the muscles in the body. However, the exact reason behind the phenomenon is unknown and needs more research. Tiredness usually occurs after exertion. Generalized fatigue is more often seen in people with heart disease or those suffering from liver illness. Starstat 5mg also causes muscle damage which further worsens the tiredness and so you must consult your doctor if you feel tired while taking Starstat 5mg.
Is Starstat 5mg safe to take?
Yes, Starstat 5mg is safe to use if used as prescribed by the doctor and if the doctor's instructions are followed. The side effects of this medicine are few and do not occur in everyone.
For how long should I take Starstat 5mg?
You may need to take Starstat 5mg for life or for as long as directed by your doctor. The cholesterol levels will be maintained only till you are taking Starstat 5mg. Stopping Starstat 5mg without starting a different treatment may increase your cholesterol levels again. This medicine has only a few side effects and is usually considered safe if taken as directed by the doctor.
What if you forget to take Starstat Tablet?
If you miss a dose of Starstat 5mg, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double the dose
Starstat 5mg Tablet Reviews
Starstat 5mg belongs to a group of medicines called statins. It is used to lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease. Cholesterol is a fatty substance that builds up in your blood vessels and causes narrowing, which may lead to a heart attack or stroke.
Starstat 5mg is usually taken in the evening, either with or without food. However, taking it with food may reduce the chances of nausea. Take it regularly for maximum benefit. Most people with high cholesterol do not feel ill, but stopping your medicine may increase your cholesterol levels, making your condition worse and increasing your risk of heart disease and stroke.
It is important to have your cholesterol levels checked regularly. This medicine is only one part of the treatment program which should also include a healthy diet, regular exercise, smoking cessation, moderation of alcohol intake, and weight reduction. You can eat normally while taking this medicine, but try to avoid foods that are high in fat.
Common side effects of Starstat 5mg include upper respiratory infections, headache, abdominal pain, constipation, and nausea. These are usually mild and temporary. Consult your doctor if they persist. Inform your doctor or if you notice any yellowing of your eyes or get repeated or unexplained muscle pains.
Starstat 5mg should not be used in individuals with severe liver disease. Also, pregnant and breastfeeding women should not take this medicine as it may harm the baby. Diabetic patients should monitor their blood sugar levels while taking this medicine, as it may lead to an increase in blood sugar levels.
How Starstat 5mg Tablet Works
Starstat 5mg is a lipid-lowering medication (statin). It works by blocking an enzyme (HMG-CoA-reductase) that is required in the body to make cholesterol. It thus lowers "bad" cholesterol (LDL) and triglycerides, raising the level of "good" cholesterol (HDL).
How to Use Starstat 5mg Tablet
Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. Starstat 5mg may be taken with or without food, but it is better to take it at a fixed time.
Benefits of Starstat 5mg Tablet
- In Prevention of heart attack and stroke: High levels of cholesterol can cause your blood vessels to narrow (atherosclerosis) and put you at risk of having a stroke or heart disease. Lowering the amount of this fat reduces the chances of this happening and helps you remain healthier for longer. Keep taking this medicine even if you feel well.
- In High cholesterol: Starstat 5mg works by reducing the amount of “bad” cholesterol (LDL) and raising the amount of “good” cholesterol (HDL) in your blood. Lowering the amount of cholesterol reduces the chances of heart diseases and helps you remain healthier for longer.Take it regularly and make appropriate lifestyle changes (such as eating healthy and staying active) to maximize the effectiveness of this medicine. Keep taking it even if you feel well.
Uses of Starstat 5mg Tablet
- High cholesterol
- Prevention of heart attack and stroke
Starstat 5mg Tablet Side Effects
Safety Tips
Kidney
CAUTION
Starstat 5mg should be used with caution in patients with severe kidney disease. Dose adjustment of Starstat 5mg may be needed. Please consult your doctor.
Pregnancy
UNSAFE
Starstat 5mg is highly unsafe to use during pregnancy. Seek your doctor's advice as studies on pregnant women and animals have shown significant harmful effects to the developing baby.
Alcohol
UNSAFE
It is unsafe to consume alcohol with Starstat 5mg.
Liver
CAUTION
Starstat 5mg should be used with caution in patients with liver disease. Dose adjustment of Starstat 5mg may be needed. Please consult your doctor.Use of Starstat 5mg is not recommended in patients with severe liver disease and active liver disease.
Driving
UNSAFE
Starstat 5mg may decrease alertness, affect your vision or make you feel sleepy and dizzy. Do not drive if these symptoms occur.
Breast feeding
UNSAFE
Starstat 5mg is unsafe to use during breastfeeding. Data suggests that the drug may cause toxicity to the baby.
Quick Tips
- It should be taken in addition to regular exercise and low-fat diet to lower levels of fat in the blood.
- Your doctor may check your liver function before starting the treatment and regularly thereafter. Inform your doctor if you notice signs of liver problems such as stomach pains, unusually dark urine or yellowing of skin or eyes.
- Inform your doctor if you have kidney disease, liver disease or diabetes before starting treatment with this medicine. If you are diabetic, monitor your blood sugar level regularly as Starstat 5mg may cause an increase in your blood sugar level.
- Do not take Starstat 5mg if you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy or breastfeeding.
- Inform your doctor if you experience fatigue, muscle weakness or muscle pain.
- It should be taken in the evening after dinner and before sleeping.
References
- Simvastatin [FDA Label]. Cramlington, Northumberland, UK: Merck Sharp & Dohme Ltd.; 2012.
- Briggs GG, Freeman RK, editors. A Reference Guide to Fetal and Neonatal Risk: Drugs in Pregnancy and Lactation. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer Health; 2015. pp. 1266-67.
- Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO).
- Simvastatin [Drug Label]. Whitehouse Station, NJ: Merck & Co. Inc.; 2012.
- Gotto AM Jr, Opie LH. Lipid-Modifying Antiatherosclerotic Drugs. In: Opie LH, Gersh BJ, editors. Drugs for the Heart. 8th ed. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: Elsevier Saunders; 2013. pp. 418-19.
- Bersot TP. Drug Therapy for Hypercholesterolemia and Dyslipidemia. In: Brunton LL, Chabner BA, Knollmann BC, editors. Goodman & Gilman’s: The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics. 12th ed. New York, New York: McGraw-Hill Medical; 2011. pp. 893-902.
- Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); 2006. Simvastatin. [Updated 2018 Oct 31].