Zocor (Simvastatin)

Zocor Information:

Zocor (generic name: Simvastatin) is a prescription medication used for patients who are at risk of high cholesterol and atherosclerosis which can lead to heart disease. It is a HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor, or statin, and works by reducing the amount of fats (lipids) in the blood. It is also used to lower the risk of stroke and other heart complications in diabetics. If a patient has high lipid content in their blood and this is not treated, the fats build up in the blood vessels and this can lead to the vessels becoming narrower. This in turn restricts blood flow and can cause heart disease, angina, heart attack or stroke. The drug is proven to lower bad cholesterol levels (LDLs) and triglycerides in the blood. Some of your cholesterol is carried as high density lipoprotein (HDL), which is mostly protein and a small amount of cholesterol. Most of your cholesterol is carried as low density lipoprotein (LDL), which is mostly cholesterol with a smaller amount of protein. Very low density lipoproteins (VLDLs) are another type of fat called triglyceride which is fat from your diet. A healthy person has plenty of HDL, and less LDL and VLDL. Higher levels of LDL and VLDL can cause fatty deposits in the blood vessels.

Zocor Side Effects:

Although not very common in Zocor, you may experience side effects which can include headache, muscle pain, joint pain, constipation, nausea, stomach pain, indigestion, mild skin rash, insomnia, tenderness or weakness of the muscles, fever, unusual fatigue, dark urine, pain or burning during urination, swelling, weight gain, severe nausea, itching, loss of appetite, and jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes). If you experience any side effects it is important that you contact a doctor immediately for safety.

Zocor Directions:

Zocor comes in tablet form, and you should take Zocor as directed by the doctor who prescribed it to you. Dosage and directions are also stated on the leaflet included in the pack. You must not take more than the stated daily dose. Do not crush, break or chew tablets as this may result in too much of the drug being released at once which may have undesirable effects. If you accidentally overdose you should seek medical attention immediately. Zocor should be stored in a cool, dry place.

Zocor Precautions:

If you are allergic to any of the ingredients you must not take Zocor, and should inform your doctor. You must also inform your doctor if you have any pre-existing conditions such as kidney or liver disease, diabetes, thyroid conditions or alcoholism. Those of Asian origin generally absorb the ingredients of Zocor more quickly and you must therefore consult your doctor if you are Asian as you may require a smaller dosage. Consult your doctor before taking Zocor if you are taking any other medications as some medicines may interact with Zocor. Medicines that may interact include amiodarone, danazol, nefazodone, gemfibrozil, antibiotics, antifungals, heart or blood pressure medications, HIV/AIDs medications, niacin medications and drugs that weaken the immune system. If you are pregnant, planning to conceive or breastfeeding you must not take Zocor. Zocor can cause birth defects and can seriously harm an unborn child or cause miscarriage.