Zocor (Simvastatin)

Simvastatin (generically known as Zocor) is a drug prescribed for patients with heart diseases to aid proper blood flow. As indicated, Zocor is a prescribed medicine for those suffering from coronary heart diseases and other heart diseases. Zocor is also used as a preventive medication for heart attacks, high cholesterol. It also reduces the risk of heart complications for those undergoing cardiac procedures.

Simvastatin, the active ingredient of Zocor, is an HMG CoA reductase inhibitor, which means it lowers the bad cholesterol in the body. It also lowers the production of cholesterol as it reduces the total amounts of apolipoprotein B - the protein essential for the making cholesterol in the body. It also reduces the production of triglycerides, a fat produced by the body that aids in the production of good cholesterol.

Zocor is a product of Merck & Co. Inc.

Zocor Warnings

Always take your Zocor medication as directly prescribed by your doctor and always follow instructions to the letter. If you have trouble understanding the directions, verify it with your pharmacist or nurse.

Blood tests are required to monitor and test your liver function before and after the treatment. Treatment will last for approximately six months, after which a blood test will determine if you need an increase in dosage. Please refer to your doctor if you are taking grape- or grapefruit juice as part of your diet. The interaction of grapefruit and grape juice with Zocor might be potentially hazardous to your health.

To realize the full effectiveness of Zocor, a proper diet consisting of low-fat, low-cholesterol foods and a regular exercise must be followed in addition to taking the medication.

Cessation of Zocor intake must be discussed with your doctor, as Zocor must be taken on a long term basis to ensure its efficiency in treating high cholesterol levels.

Zocor Missed Dosage

If a patient misses a Zocor dose, they do not resort to taking double doses. Just skip the missed one and proceed with the regular dosage the next day.

Zocor Side Effects

Muscle and liver problems are associated with the intake of Zocor and other Simvastatin drugs, so be on the lookout when you experience the following symptoms:

• Unusual muscle pains
• Tenderness and weakening, especially if accompanied by fever and flu like symptoms
• Signs of jaundice or yellowing of the skin and eyes
• Abdominal pain
• Unexplainable body fatigue
• Dark coloured urine and pale coloured stools

These symptoms might be early signs of serious liver problems.

When you experience other symptoms such as the ones listed below, consult your physician for advice as you might discontinue use or you they might lower your dosage.

Such symptoms are:

• Allergic reactions such as hives, swelling and difficulty breathing
• Less urine/darker urine. Rust coloured urine is a symptom of liver problems or dehydration
• Blurred vision

Some side effects which are not too serious include:

• Gas pains, bloating, nausea, stomach upsets, constipation, diarrhoea and other minor stomach disorders
• Coughing
• Headaches
• Insomnia

These effects are minimal and you do not necessarily have to discontinue your use of Zocor. However it is advised that you consult with your doctor for advice.

Some other side effects are not listed here but if you feel unusual symptoms while on Zocor medication, consult your doctor immediately.

Zocor Drug Interaction

Do not take Zocor when using other drugs, as it may have serious interactions. Inform your doctor when you are taking or about to take the following medicines while taking Zocor:

• Cyclosporine
• Gemfibrozil
• Niacin
• Erythromycin
• Cholestyramine
• Anti-Fungal Treatments such as Ketoconazole, Fluconazole, and Itraconazole
• Nefazodone
• Digoxin
• Warfarin
• Protease inhibitors such as Amprenavir, Indinavir, Nelfinavir, Ritonavir, Lopinavir-Ritonavir and Saquinavir
• Amiodarone
• Verapamil

You may be advised to lower your dosage or discontinue use if the above-mentioned drugs are taken alongside Zocor.

Zocor Drug Information

If you buy Zocor online you should make sure that the information is available on the same website. Canadian pharmacies also have information on certain drugs. Package inserts of this drug are also good sources of information. When you go to a drugstore, you can ask the pharmacist for added details about Zocor.

Buy Zocor

Buy Zocor through our Online Pharmacy Escrow Service or at any Canada Pharmacy selling online prescriptions.