Can I take Omeprazole and Simvastatin together?
Drug interaction guide
Originally published 25 Jan 2026
Meets Patient’s editorial guidelines
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Taking omeprazole and simvastatin together can increase the amount of simvastatin in your blood. This may increase the risk of side effects, particularly muscle pain, weakness, or a rare but serious condition called rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown).
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You can take omeprazole and simvastatin together, but with medical supervision.
If you experience any unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness, contact your doctor immediately. Your doctor may choose to limit your simvastatin dose to 20mg or 40mg daily, or monitor you more closely.
Why this happens
Both drugs are processed by the same enzymes in the liver. Omeprazole can slow down the breakdown of simvastatin, leading to higher levels of the statin remaining in your body.
How to know if you're having a drug interaction
Back to contentsYou may be experiencing an interaction between omeprazole and simvastatin if:
You develop new or worsening muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness.
You feel unusually tired or weak without a clear reason.
You notice dark-coloured urine.
You experience nausea or upper abdominal discomfort.
Blood tests show raised muscle enzymes (CK levels) or changes in liver function.
Symptoms start after starting omeprazole or increasing the dose while taking simvastatin.
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What you should do
Back to contentsIf you have any of the above symptoms, you should:
Contact your GP or pharmacist for advice as soon as possible.
Do not stop taking simvastatin suddenly unless advised by a healthcare professional.
Seek urgent medical help if you develop severe muscle pain, weakness, or dark urine.
Attend any blood tests arranged to check muscle enzymes or liver function.
Tell your healthcare professional about all medicines and supplements you are taking.
Using other medicines
Back to contentsTaking multiple medicines? Our Medicines Interaction Checker helps you check whether your prescriptions, over-the-counter medicines, and supplements are safe to take together. Simply search for your medicines to see potential interactions and what to do about them.
Disclaimer
This information is for general educational purposes only and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your GP, pharmacist, or another qualified healthcare professional before making decisions about your medications. Individual circumstances may vary, and only a healthcare professional who knows your medical history can provide personalised guidance.
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Article history
The information on this page is written and peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.
25 Jan 2026 | Originally published
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