|
Why is
Zocor prescribed?
Zocor
(Simvastatin) is an
hmg-coa reductase
inhibitor or
"statin" used to
lower bad
cholesterol (LDL)
and triglyceride
levels in your blood
or to raise good
cholesterol (HDL)
levels in adults.
Simvastatin is used,
along with a
cholesterol-lowering
diet, to help lower
cholesterol and fats
(triglycerides) in
the blood. Reducing
cholesterol and
triglycerides helps
prevent strokes and
heart attacks.
How to take Zocor?
Take this medication
by mouth usually
once daily in the
evening, with or
without food.
Certain medical
conditions (e.g.,
familial
hypercholesterolemia)
may require more
frequent dosage
instructions as
directed by your
doctor. The dosage
is based on your
medical condition
and response to
therapy. It may take
up to 4 weeks before
the full benefit of
this drug takes
effect. It is
important to
continue taking this
medication even if
you feel well. Most
people with high
cholesterol or
triglycerides do not
feel sick.
Zocor Side effects.
Headache, nausea,
diarrhea,
constipation, gas,
or stomach
upset/pain may
occur. If any of
these effects
persist or worsen,
notify your doctor
promptly. Tell your
doctor immediately
if any of these
unlikely but serious
side effects occur:
joint pain, muscle
pain or weakness,
fever, unusual
tiredness, chest
pain, swelling in
the arms or legs,
dizziness. Tell your
doctor immediately
if any of these
highly unlikely but
very serious side
effects occur:
yellowing eyes and
skin, dark urine,
change in amount of
urine, vision
problems, black
stool, severe
stomach pain. An
allergic reaction to
this drug is
unlikely, but seek
immediate medical
attention if it
occurs. Symptoms of
an allergic reaction
include: rash,
itching, swelling,
severe dizziness,
trouble breathing.
If you notice other
effects not listed
above, contact your
doctor or
pharmacist.
Precaution.
This medication is
not recommended for
use if you have the
following medical
conditions: liver
problems. Tell your
doctor your medical
history, especially
of: heart disease,
kidney problems, eye
problems (e.g.,
cataracts), thyroid
problems,
uncontrolled
seizures, recent
serious infection,
recent major
surgery, low blood
pressure, alcohol
use, any allergies
(especially to other
"statin" drugs).
Daily use of alcohol
may increase your
chance for serious
side effects. Limit
alcoholic beverages.
This medication must
not be used during
pregnancy. If you
become pregnant or
think you may be
pregnant, inform
your doctor
immediately. It is
recommended that
women of
child-bearing age
use effective birth
control measures
while taking this
drug since
simvastatin may
cause fetal harm. It
is not known whether
this drug passes
into breast milk.
Because of the
potential risk to
the infant,
breast-feeding while
using this drug is
not recommended.
Consult your doctor
before
breast-feeding.
Zocor Drug interactions.
This drug is not
recommended for use
with: mibefradil,
protease inhibitors
(e.g., ritonavir,
amprenavir,
lopinavir), azole
antifungals (e.g.,
itraconazole,
ketoconazole). Ask
your doctor or
pharmacist for more
details. Tell your
doctor of all
prescription and
nonprescription
medication you may
use, especially:
colestipol,
cholestyramine,
niacin (nicotinic
acid) or
niacin-containing
products,
cyclosporine,
macrolide
antibiotics (e.g.,
clarithromycin,
erythromycin,
troleandomycin),
fibrates (e.g.,
gemfibrozil),
nefazodone, digoxin,
verapamil, "blood
thinners" (e.g.,
warfarin),
diltiazem,
rifamycins (e.g.,
rifampin). Do not
start or stop any
medicine without
doctor or pharmacist
approval.
Missed dose.
If you miss a dose,
use it as soon as
you remember. If it
is near the time of
the next dose, skip
the missed dose and
resume your usual
dosing schedule. Do
not double the dose
to catch up.
Storage.
Store at room
temperature between
59 and 86 degrees F
(15 and 30 degrees
C) away from light
and moisture.
|
