Simvastatin Skin Alert: Call 111 for Liver Damage Sign

Brits taking the common cholesterol-lowering drug simvastatin are advised to contact NHS 111 if they develop a concerning skin symptom. This particular sign may indicate liver damage, a potentially serious side effect of the medication. Simvastatin is prescribed to approximately seven million people across the UK to reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

While simvastatin offers significant health benefits, it can cause side effects. The NHS highlights that inflammation of the liver, known as hepatitis, is a rare but serious possibility. This condition can manifest as yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes, although this may be less apparent on darker skin tones. Other rare but serious side effects are also possible with simvastatin use.