Brand name : Zocor
(Lipex, Simvastatin)
Pronounced: ZOH-core
Generic name: Simvastatin
Why is Zocor prescribed?
Zocor is a cholesterol-lowering drug. Your doctor may prescribe Zocor
in addition to a cholesterol-lowering diet if your blood cholesterol
level is too high, and if you have been unable to lower it by diet
alone. For people at high risk of heart disease, current guidelines
call for considering drug therapy when LDL levels reach 130. For people
at lower risk, the cut-off is 160. For those at little or no risk,
it's 190.
In people with high cholesterol and heart disease, Zocor reduces the
risk of heart attack, stroke, and "mini-stroke" (transient
ischemic attack) and can stave off the need for bypass surgery or angioplasty
to clear clogged arteries. Zocor can also reduce these risks in people
with diabetes, peripheral vascular disease, and a history of stroke.
Most important fact about Zocor
Zocor is usually prescribed only if diet, exercise, and weight-loss
fail to bring your cholesterol level under control. It's important
to remember that Zocor is a supplement to--not a substitute for--those
other measures. To get the full benefit of the medication, you need
to stick to the diet and exercise program prescribed by your doctor.
All these efforts to keep your cholesterol levels normal are important
because together they may lower your risk of heart disease.
How should you take Zocor?
Take Zocor exactly as prescribed.
If you miss a dose Zocor (Lipex, Simvastatin)
Take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next
dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule.
Do not take 2 doses at once.
Storage instructions...
Store at room temperature.
Zocor side effects
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity,
inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine
whether it is safe for you to continue taking Zocor.
* Side effects may include:
Abdominal pain, headache
Why should Zocor not be prescribed?
Do not take Zocor if you have ever had an allergic reaction to it
or are sensitive to it.
Do not take Zocor if you have active liver disease.
Do not take Zocor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
Special warnings about Zocor
Because Zocor may damage the liver, your doctor may order a blood
test to check your liver enzyme levels before you start taking the
drug. Blood tests will probably be done before your treatment is started
and at periodic intervals for a year after your final dosage increase.
If your liver enzyme levels rise too high, your doctor may tell you
to stop taking Zocor.
Since Zocor may cause damage to muscle tissue, be sure to tell your
doctor of any unexplained muscle tenderness, weakness, or pain right
away, especially if you also have a fever or feel sick. Your doctor
may want to do a blood test to check for signs of muscle damage.
If you are scheduled for major surgery, your doctor will have you
stop taking Zocor a few days before the operation.
Possible food and drug interactions when taking Zocor
Zocor tends to enhance the effects of the blood-thinning drug Coumadin
and the heart medication Lanoxin. Combining it with the following drugs
increases the chance of muscle damage:
Amiodarone (Cordarone)
Clarithromycin (Biaxin)
Clofibrate (Atromid-S)
Cyclosporine (Sandimmune, Neoral)
Erythromycin (PCE and others)
Fenofibrate (Tricor)
Gemfibrozil (Lopid)
Itraconazole (Sporanox)
Ketoconazole (Nizoral)
Nefazodone (Serzone)
Nicotinic acid or niacin (Niaspan)
Protease inhibitors (used in the treatment of HIV), including Agenerase,
Crixivan, Fortovase, Invirase, Norvir, and Viracept
Verapamil (Calan)
If you are taking Zocor with any of these drugs (or with large quantities
of grapefruit juice) alert your doctor immediately at the first sign
of muscle pain or weakness. If you need to take erythromycin, Biaxin,
Nizoral, or Sporanox, the doctor may temporarily take you off Zocor.
Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
You must not become pregnant while taking Zocor. This drug lowers
cholesterol, and cholesterol is needed for a baby to develop properly.
If you do become pregnant while taking Zocor, notify your doctor right
away. Based on studies of other cholesterol-lowering drugs, it is assumed
that Zocor could appear in breast milk and could cause severe adverse
effects in a nursing baby. Do not take Zocor while breastfeeding your
baby.
Recommended dosage for Zocor
You will have to follow a standard cholesterol-lowering diet before
starting treatment with Zocor and continue this diet while using Zocor.
All doses should be adjusted to your individual needs.
ADULTS
Overdosage
Although no specific information about Zocor overdose is available,
any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you
suspect an overdose of Zocor, seek medical attention immediately.
