Zocor

Generic name: Simvastatin

What is Zocor?

Zocor works in your body to lower cholesterol. It is for people who are at risk for coronary heart disease (CHD) due to existing heart disease, diabetes, vascular disease, or a history of stroke. Zocor, along with a healthy diet and exercise, can reduce your risk of a heart attack or stroke, death from CHD, or the need for revascularization procedures. Zocor lowers high cholesterol and triglycerides while simultaneously increasing "good" high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels.

What is the most important information I should know about Zocor?

Zocor may cause a serious muscle condition that may lead to kidney damage, especially if you are taking a high dose or certain other medicines with it (see "What are possible food and drug interactions associated with this medication?"). You should tell your doctor right away if you feel any muscle weakness, pain, or tenderness, especially if you also have a fever or general body discomfort.

Zocor may cause liver injury if you have any pre-existing liver problems or drink large amounts of alcohol.

Zocor should not take the place of exercise and a healthy low-fat, low-cholesterol diet. Follow the diet and exercise program given to you by your health care provider.

Stop taking Zocor a few days prior to any elective major surgery or if you experience any sudden serious medical or surgical condition. Tell your doctor or dentist that you take Zocor before you receive any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery.

Who should not take Zocor?

Do not take Zocor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, nursing, or have active liver disease or a damaged liver. Also avoid it if you are allergic or sensitive to any of its ingredients.

What should I tell my doctor before I take the first dose of Zocor?

Mention all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications you are taking. Also, talk to your doctor about your complete medical history, especially if you have liver or kidney problems; have ever experienced muscle weakness or pain in the past (especially if due to a medication); if you drink alcohol or have a history of alcohol abuse; have low blood pressure, diabetes, a serious infection, a history of seizures, or problems with your metabolism, hormones, or electrolytes.

What is the usual dosage?

The information below is based on the dosage guidelines your doctor uses. Depending on your condition and medical history, your doctor may prescribe a different regimen. Do not change the dosage or stop taking your medication without your doctor's approval.

Adults: The usual dose ranges from 5 to 80 milligrams (mg) taken once daily. The recommended starting dose is 20 to 40 mg once a day. If you have a high risk for coronary heart disease, the recommended staring dose is 40 mg. Your doctor should check your lipids 4 weeks after therapy is initiated and periodically thereafter.

Adolescents 10 to 17 years old with a family history of high cholesterol: The recommended usual starting dose is 10 mg once a day in the evening. The recommended range is 10 to 40 mg/day, with a maximum of 40 mg/day. Adjustments should be made at intervals of 4 weeks or more.

How should I take Zocor?

Take it at the same time every day, usually in the evening, with or without food.

Continue to take Zocor even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses.

What should I avoid while taking Zocor?

You should not drink grapefruit juice or large amounts of alcohol while taking Zocor. Eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice may increase the amount of Zocor in your blood, which may increase your risk for serious side effects. Moreover, the risk may be greater with if you consume large amounts of grapefruit or grapefruit juice. (eg, more than one quart daily). Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions.

What are possible food and drug interactions associated with Zocor?

If Zocor is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. Check with your doctor before combining Zocor with the following: alcohol, amiodarone, anticoagulants such as warfarin, bosentan, carbamazepine, clarithromycin, cyclosporine, danazol, delavirdine, digoxin, diltiazem, erythromycin, fibrates such as niacin (greater than 1,000 mg or 1 gram per day), fluconazole, grapefruit juice (greater than 1 quart daily), itraconazole, ketoconazole, macrolide immunosuppressants such as tacrolimus, mibefradil, nefazodone, other cholesterol lowering medicines, rifampin, risperidone, ritonavir, spironolactone, streptogramins such as dalfopristin, St. John's wort, telithromycin, verapamil, and voriconazole.

What are the possible side effects of Zocor?

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, tell your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking this drug.

Side effects may include: allergic reactions, blurred vision, constipation, diarrhea, gas, headaches, heartburn, liver or pancreas injury, muscle cramps/weakness/pain, rash, upset stomach

Tell your doctor right away if you feel any muscle weakness, pain, or tenderness, especially if you also have a fever or general body discomfort.

Rarely, changes to the skin, hair, and nails (such as discoloration, dryness, hair loss) may occur. Check with your doctor if these effects become bothersome or concern you.

Can I receive Zocor if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

Do not take Zocor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or if you are nursing, due to the harmful effects it may have on your unborn or nursing baby. You should not take Zocor if you are of a child-bearing age unless it is highly unlikely that you will become pregnant. Check with your doctor if you have questions about using birth control in conjunction with Zocor.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Zocor?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and return to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the dose.

How should I store Zocor?

Store at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store Zocor in the bathroom.