Type: HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor
Active ingredient: Simvastatin
Common use: Zocor is an HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor (“statin”) chiefly used to lower bad cholesterol (LDL) and triglyceride levels in the blood of adults, or to raise good cholesterol (HDL) levels in adults. Zocor is typically use in combination with a special diet.
Zocor can also be used in patients aged 10-17 years who have genetically caused cholesterol problems.
Zocor works by blocking an enzyme that is necessary for your body to make cholesterol.
How to use: Unless otherwise ordered by your doctor, Zocor can be taken with or without food. If you have been prescribed one dose a day, take it at bedtime. For best results, take Zocor regularly.
If you miss a dose of Zocor, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time to take your next dose, skip the missed dose permanently and stick to your regular dosing schedule. Do no take two doses at once or near each other in time.
How to store: Store Zocor at room temperature in a tightly-closed container, and keep away from heat, light and moisture.
Warnings:
- Always inform your doctor about your health situation, any medical treatments and previous medical history.
- Do not exceed the recommended dose of Zocor. Taking extra Zocor will not make you healthier.
- Do not drink more than 1 liter of grapefruit juice per day while being treated with Zocor.
- It is important to combine Zocor with a suitable dietary plan. Discuss your options with your doctor or a dietitian.
- It can take several weeks for Zocor to take effect. Do not stop using Zocor simply because it hasn’t start working yet.
- Do not stop taking Zocor just because you feel well. Do not stop taking Zocor without first discussing it with your doctor.
- Keep all doctor appointments and laboratory appointments while being treated with Zocor. Your doctor will probably prescribe regular testing to check your blood cholesterol levels, liver function and muscle function.
- Do not take Zocor if you are allergic to any of the ingredients. Seek immediate medical attention if you develop symptoms of an allergic reaction to Zocor, such as trouble breathing, swelling, dizziness, rash or itching.
- Always inform medical and dental staff that you are being treated with Zocor.
- Zocor increases the risk of liver problems. Drinking alcohol while being treated with Zocor increases the risk even more. Discuss this issue with your doctor to find out if you need to abstain completely from alcohol or if limited alcohol use is permissible.Contact your doctor right away if you experience fatigue, fever, yellowing of the skin, yellowing of the eyes, dark urine, change in the amount of urine, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, blurred vision, easy bruising or easy bleeding.
- Zocor may cause injury to your muscles, especially when taken at a high dose or together with certain other medicines. Contact your doctor right away if you experience muscle weakness or muscle pain, especially if combined with a fever.
- Do not take any medicine (prescription medicine, over-the-counter medicine or alternative medicine) while being treated with Zocor without checking with your doctor first.
- Zocor should not be used during pregnancy. Effective birth control is strongly recommended for women that could otherwise become pregnant while taking Zocor.
- It is unknown if Zocor is excreted in breast milk. Using Zocor while breastfeeding is not recommended.
Examples of reported side-effects of Zocor:
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Stomach upset
- Liver problems (see above)
- Muscle damage (see above)