Shortage of Zimstat (simvastatin) 5 mg tablets and substitution approval extended

Pharmaceutical company Alphapharm has told us that the shortage of Zimstat (simvastatin) 5 mg tablets has been extended until end of April 2026. Although other brands and strengths of simvastatin will remain available, Zimstat 5 mg is the only tablet of that strength supplied in Australia. 

To help patients have continuous access to this medicine, we have extended the Serious Scarcity Substitution Instrument - external site (SSSI) until 31 May 2026. The SSSI allows a pharmacist to dispense an equivalent quantity of simvastatin 10 mg tablets, if appropriate, without a new prescription. 

Simvastatin is used:

• as an adjunct to diet for treatment of hypercholesterolaemia
• in patients at high risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) (with or without hypercholesterolaemia) including patients with diabetes, history of stroke or other cerebrovascular disease, peripheral vessel disease, or with existing CHD to reduce the risk of cardiovascular death, major cardiovascular events including stroke, and hospitalisation due to angina pectoris
• as an adjunct to diet in adolescent boys and girls who are at least one year post-menarche, 10-17 years of age, with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolaemia (HeFH). 

For detailed information about the shortage, the SSSI and important factors when considering a substitution, visit About the shortage of Zimstat (simvastatin 5 mg) tablets.

For more information about SSSIs see Substituting scarce medicines and Serious Scarcity Substitution Instruments (SSSIs).