Zocor

What is Zocor?

Zocor is part of a class of medications known as HMG-coa reductase inhibitors, also known as "statins.Zocor is used to reduce the levels in the blood of "bad" cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein, commonly known as LDL), increase the levels of "good" cholesterol (high-density lipoprotein, or HDL), and reduce triglycerides (a type of fat that is found in the blood).

Zocor can also be utilized to decrease the chance of having a stroke, heart attack, or other heart-related complications in patients with coronary heart disease, diabetes, or other risk factors.Zocor is prescribed to both children and adults who are at least 10 years old.

Warnings

In rare instances, Zocor may cause an illness that causes the breakdown of skeletal tissue, which can lead the kidney to fail. Contact your physician immediately when you experience unprovoked muscle tenderness, pain, or weakness, particularly when you experience unusual tiredness, a fever, or dark colored urine.Do not consume Zocor in greater quantities or for longer periods than your doctor has recommended. Follow the doctor's instructions for dosing extremely carefully. Dosing excessive amounts of this medication could result in serious or life-threatening adverse reactions.

Before you take Zocor, consult your physician if you've ever suffered from kidney or liver disease, diabetes, or a thyroid condition, especially if you're of Chinese origin or drink more than two alcoholic drinks each day.Zocor could harm a newborn baby or result in a birth defect. Don't use it if you are expecting or planning to be pregnant.Grapefruit juice and grapefruit may be sources of simvastatin interaction and could cause potentially harmful side effects. Avoid drinking grapefruit juice when taking this medication.

Certain medicines may cause undesirable or hazardous effects when used together with Zocor. Your doctor might have to modify your treatment in the event that you take specific antifungal or antibiotic medications, such as hepatitis C medication, heart medications, or medications to treat HIV/AIDS.Do not take this medicine and inform your doctor if you are pregnant.

Before you take this drug

It is best not to use Zocor in the event that you are allergic to simvastatin, or:

• You have a liver disease that is active. You have liver disease that is active.
• You are breastfeeding or pregnant.

These drugs could increase your risk of developing serious muscular problems if you are taking them along with Zocor. These medicines are not to be taken when you are taking Zocor:

• Cyclosporine;
• Danazol;
• Gemfibrozil;
• Nefazodone;
• As an antibiotic: clarithromycin, erythromycin, and telithromycin
• Antifungal medication: itraconazole, ketoconazole, posaconazole, and voriconazole;
• Hepatitis C medicines: boceprevir, telaprevir,
• HIV/AIDS medication: atazanavir, cobicistat (Stribild, Tybost), darunavir, fosamprenavir, indinavir, nelfinavir, ritonavir, saquinavir, and tipranavir.

Before you begin taking Zocor, consult your physician if you're currently taking any of these medications:

• Lomitapide;
• Heart medication: amiodarone, amlodipine, diltiazem, dronedarone, ranolazine, and verapamil.

To ensure that Zocor is suitable for you, ask your doctor if you are suffering from:

• The history of liver disease;
• The history of kidney disease;
• Diabetes;
• An thyroid disorder;
• If you drink more than two drinks of an alcoholic nature every day.

Zocor can trigger an illness that causes the destruction of skeletal muscle tissue, which can lead to kidney dysfunction. This type of condition is more likely to be seen among older people and those suffering from kidney disease or hypothyroidism that is not properly controlled (underactive thyroid).

FDA pregnancy category FDA pregnancy category. This medication could cause harm to an unborn baby and cause a birth defect. Don't use Zocor when you are expecting. Stop taking this medicine and notify your doctor immediately if you find yourself pregnant. Use effective birth control methods to avoid becoming pregnant while taking this medication.

Simvastatin can be found in breast milk and cause harm to the nursing infant. Don't breastfeed while taking Zocor.

How to take  Zocor?

Use Zocor exactly as it is prescribed. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Don't take this medicine in greater quantities or for longer than the time prescribed. Intoxication with this medication can result in serious or life-threatening adverse reactions.

Zocor is generally taken before bed or after dinner. If you are taking this medication more often than every day, you should take it along with your meals. Your doctor might alter your dosage to ensure that you receive the best results.When you are taking Zocor, you might require frequent blood tests from the office of your doctor.

It is possible that you will require Zocor for a longer period of time to treat high cholesterol. You might have to stop using this drug for a brief period of time if you undergo surgery or suffer from an emergency medical condition. You should not discontinue taking the medication unless your physician tells you to.

Zocor is just a small part of a comprehensive treatment that includes exercise, diet, and weight management. Make sure you follow your diet, medications, and workout routines closely.Keep at room temperature, free of heat, moisture, and light.

What happens if I miss a dose?

You should take the missed dose as quickly as you can remember. Avoid any missed doses if you are nearing the time for the next dose. Take no additional medications in order to cover missing doses.

What happens if I overdose?

For medical emergencies, seek emergency medical attention or contact the Poison Help line toll-free at 1-800-222-1222.

Avoid this

Grapefruit juice and grapefruit may cause simvastatin to interact, which can cause adverse side effects. Beware of using products containing grapefruit while taking Zocor.

Beware of eating foods high in cholesterol or fat. Zocor is not as effective in lowering cholesterol if it is not followed by a cholesterol-lowering diet.Do not drink alcohol. It could raise triglyceride levels and increase your chance of suffering from liver damage.

Side effects of Zocor

Contact a medical professional immediately. If you are experiencing symptoms that indicate an allergy reaction to Zocor (hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of your throat or face) or a severe skin reaction (fever and burning eyes, sore throat, and skin irritation, as well as the skin being red or purple with peeling and blisters),

Simvastatin may cause the deterioration of muscles, which could result in kidney failure. Consult your doctor immediately when you experience unwelcome muscular pain, tenderness, or weakness, especially when you experience fatigue, an unusual fever, or dark or dark-colored urine.Make sure to contact your doctor at any time if you suffer from:

• Symptoms of kidney issues that are not urinary tract issues; painful or difficult urine flow; swelling in your ankles and feet and feeling exhausted, drowsy,
• Muscles that are weak in your shoulders, hips, neck, back, and hips;
• Difficulties lifting your arms or trouble getting up or standing; problems standing up or climbing;
• Liver issues nausea, stomach discomfort, itching, fatigue nausea, vomiting, dark urine, stools that are clay-colored, and jaundice (yellowing of the eyes or skin).

Some common side effects of Zocor include:

• Headache;
• Constipation, nausea, stomach pain,
• Cold symptoms like congestion, sneezing, and a sore throat.

This is not a comprehensive list of possible side effects, and other side effects could occur. Consult your physician for advice regarding medical adverse effects. You may report any adverse reactions to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Interaction with other drugs

Numerous drugs are incompatible with simvastatin. The list of possible interactions is not exhaustive. Included in this article. Inform your doctor of the medications you take and any medications you begin or stop taking during treatment with Zocor. Especially:

• Delavirdine;
• Fenofibrate

This list isn't complete, and a number of other drugs may cause interactions with simvastatin. This includes over-the-counter and prescription supplements, vitamins, and herbal remedies. Make a list of all your medications for any health professional who will treat you.