A nurse is teaching a client who has a new prescription for simvastatin. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?
Explanation & Rationale
A. "You should expect brown-colored urine.": Brown-colored urine can be a sign of muscle breakdown (rhabdomyolysis), which is a serious side effect of simvastatin. This is not an expected or normal outcome and should be reported to a healthcare provider immediately. B. "You should avoid grapefruit juice.": Grapefruit juice can interact with simvastatin by inhibiting the enzyme CYP3A4, which is responsible for metabolizing the drug. This can lead to higher levels of simvastatin in the blood, increasing the risk of side effects, such as muscle damage. C. "You should take the medication in the morning.": Simvastatin is typically taken in the evening because the body produces more cholesterol during the night. Taking it in the evening allows it to be most effective. D. "You should monitor for ringing in the ears.": Ringing in the ears (tinnitus) is not a common side effect of simvastatin. The main concerns with simvastatin include muscle pain or weakness, liver dysfunction, and the potential for rhabdomyolysis.