Zocor

The active ingredient in Zocor is simvastatin and it works by blocking an enzyme (protein) in your liver that produces cholesterol. Simvastatin (Zocor) reduces your "bad" cholesterol (known as low-density lipoprotein, or LDL cholesterol). It can also increase your "good" cholesterol (HDL cholesterol) levels while decreasing your triglyceride levels.

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and read all documents provided, including the full Prescribing Information, FDA-Approved Product Labeling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide before using Zocor. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Zocor:

• Zocor is typically taken at bedtime or with an evening meal. If you take this medication more than once a day, take it with food. Your doctor may occasionally adjust your dose to provide the optimum results.
• While using Zocor, you may need regular blood tests at your doctor's office.
• To treat high cholesterol (hypercholesterolemia), you may need to take Zocor for an extended period. If you have surgery or a medical emergency, you may need to discontinue the use of this medication temporarily. Do not stop taking this medication unless your doctor instructs you to.
• Zocor is merely one of a comprehensive therapy plan that includes nutrition, exercise, and weight management. Follow your diet, medications, and exercise regimens.

The most common side effects of Zocor seen in clinical trials include:

• Stomach pain.
• Cough, headache, runny nose, or other symptoms of bronchitis.
• Nausea.
• Eczema.
• Dizziness.
• Constipation.
• Increased risk of diabetes.
• Difficulty sleeping.
• Sinus infection.
• Increased blood sugar levels.
• Muscle pain or muscle cramps.
• Swelling in the hands or feet.

Some individuals may experience serious side effects while using Zocor. These side effects may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical help:

• Rhabdomyolysis is a severe muscular injury. Dark dark urine, significant muscle weakness or discomfort, fever, fatigue
• Worsening liver issues or liver failure: Swelling of the stomach, yellowing of the skin (jaundice) or whites of your eyes, loss of appetite or weight loss, disorientation, black or brown urine.
• Allergic reaction to Zocor including skin rash, blistering, or hives.

These are not all of the possible side effects of Zocor. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before starting Zocor, it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including if you have:

• In rare situations, Zocor can cause skeletal muscle tissue disintegration, which could lead to kidney failure. If you have unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness, contact your doctor straight once, especially if you have a fever, unusual tiredness, or dark-colored urine.
• Never take Zocor in greater doses or for longer than prescribed by your doctor. Follow your doctor's dosing recommendations carefully. Taking too much of this drug may result in significant or fatal side effects.
• Before taking Zocor, inform your doctor if you have ever had liver problems (like liver damage) kidney problems, diabetes, or a thyroid issue, are of Chinese origin, or consume more than two alcoholic beverages per day.
• Grapefruit and grapefruit juice may interact with simvastatin, resulting in possibly harmful effects. Avoid grapefruit products while taking this medication.
• When Zocor is used with certain medications, it can have unintended or hazardous consequences. If you are on certain antibiotics or antifungal medications, hepatitis C medication, heart medication, or HIV/AIDS medications, your doctor may need to modify your treatment plan.
• Muscle problems, Zocor can cause muscle problems, including muscle pain, weakness, and tenderness called myopathy.

Contraindications are certain health problems or situations in which a person should avoid taking a drug for safety reasons. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, please notify your healthcare professional because Simvastatin (Zocor) is not safe for you to use.

• Simvastatin (Zocor) in combination with azole antifungals, macrolide antibiotics, some antiviral medicines, nefazodone, cyclosporine (Neoral, Gengraf, Sandimmune), or gemfibrozil (Lopid)
• Liver problems or liver disease.
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding (Flolipid-only)

Lower cholesterol readings can be noted within one to two months of starting the drug.

When Zocor is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Make sure that you tell your healthcare professional about anything that you are taking to avoid any negative drug interactions, including:

• Cyclosporine
• Danazol
• Niacin or a fibrate such as gemfibrozil, fenofibrate, or fenofibric acid
• Nefazodone
• An antibiotic - clarithromycin, erythromycin, and telithromycin

-Antifungal medications - itraconazole, ketoconazole, posaconazole, and voriconazole

• Hepatitis C medications such as boceprevir, telaprevir
• HIV/AIDS medications - atazanavir, cobicistat (Stribild, Tybost), darunavir, fosamprenavir, indinavir, nelfinavir, ritonavir, saquinavir, and tipranavir.
• Lomitapide
• Colchicine (commonly used for gout)
• Heart medications - amiodarone, amlodipine, diltiazem, dronedarone, ranolazine, digoxin, and verapamil

Zocor Tablets:

Adults: The normal dose varies from 20 mg to 40 mg taken orally once a day in the evening.

Children aged 10 and up: The normal dose varies from 10 mg to 40 mg orally once daily in the evening.

You may take a lower dose of Zocor if you have kidney problems or are taking certain medications.

If you miss a dose of simvastatin, take it as soon as you remember it. If your next planned dose is coming up soon, skip the missed dose. Do not take extra medication to make up for the missing dosage.

Store at room temperature and out of reach of children.

Merck & Co. is the manufacturer of Zocor.

There are several lower-cost generic versions available for Zocor, with the active ingredient of simvastatin.

If you want to discontinue taking Zocor for whatever reason, consult your doctor. If your doctor believes it is safe for you to explore changing your usage, they can advise you. Reducing your dosage, using supplements, or discontinuing the medicine completely may all be alternatives.

This medication may harm an unborn child or cause birth defects. If you are pregnant, do not take Zocor. Stop taking this medication and notify your doctor immediately if you become pregnant. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy while taking this medication.

Simvastatin may enter into breast milk and affect the infant's lipid metabolism. It is not recommended that you breastfeed while taking Zocor.