General Info: Uses and Effects

Zocor Generic (Simvastatin) belongs to the class of HGM-CoA reductase enzyme inhibitors, the category of drugs known as statins. The medicine is used in the case of atherosclerosis caused by the accumulation of bad cholesterol and fat on the internal walls of the arteries, this causes constriction of the arteries and reduces the supply of oxygen to the body parts, especially the heart and brain.

Zocor Simvastatin also increases the level of high-density lipoprotein (HDL), known as beneficial cholesterol, in the body. The Zocor tablets reduce the level of harmful cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein (LDL)) and triglyceride in the blood, which helps to prevent artery disease, angina, and heart attacks by slowing down the body's production of cholesterol.

Zocor can be used in the case of hypercholesterolemia in adolescents between the ages of 10-17 years because their bodies cannot get rid of cholesterol naturally.

The use of this drug should be accompanied with a diet to lose weight and exercises to prevent a heart disease and avoid having to undergo surgery. It is known that the body excreted cholesterol at night significantly, so it is best to take this medicine at night.

There are no direct symptoms for the high cholesterol level therefore people should visit the doctor periodically to measure the level of cholesterol in their blood to control it.

Contraindication: Important to Know

Precautions which should be considered before taking Zocor Simvastatin are:

• You should tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to any ingredients of this medicine.
• Don't eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice during taking Simvastatin because they may interact with it.
• If you are suffering from liver or kidney problems, as well as a decrease in thyroid activity, don't take this medicine.
• As Zocor contains lactose, ask your doctor before taking it if you have any problems with sugar (diabetes).
• Don't drink alcohol if you are taking this medicine.
• People of the Asian ethnic may be at risk if they take Zocor more than others.
• Researches on animals have shown that taking Zocor Simvastatin during pregnancy leads to skeletal deformity of the fetus.

The Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration (AU TGA) has classified Zocor generic as a class D drug, which is expected to cause serious damage to the fetus.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classifies Simvastatin as a class X drug, meaning that animal or human research has shown clear mutilation of the fetus. It has not been tested whether the drug is passed through breast milk but you should be careful and ask your doctor first.

List of drugs which are not allowed to be taken with Zocor Simvastatin:

1. Some antifungal agents such as Itraconazole or Electroconazole.
2. Antibiotics with active substance Clarithromycin or Erythromycin.
3. Proteins for protease used in the treatment of HIV, such as Nefazodone, Ritonavir, Indinavir, Sakuenavir, Ataznavir, and Nelfinavir.
4. Medications containing Cobicistat or Cyclosporine.
5. Cholesterol-lowering drugs such as Gamfibrozil
6. Danazol hormone which is used to treat endometriosis.
7. Antidepressants such as Nefazodone.
8. Cyclosporine is given to patients who have received organ transplantation.

Instructions on Taking

Zocor Simvastatin comes in the form of tablets for swallowing by mouth.

Follow your doctor's instructions about a dose and the recommended diet during the treatment.

Although the mild effect of Zocor on focus, some people suffer from attention deficit and dizziness during their treatment, so you should be careful while driving and operating the mechanisms.

Dosage

Zocor Simvastatin is available in a tablet form in several concentrations: 10mg, 20mg, 40mg, 80mg.

The usual dose is 5-40 mg once a day in the evening.

For patients suffering from coronary heart disease, the dose is 10mg to 20mg daily in the evening with the need for a diet and exercises.

For patients at risk of stroke or peripheral circulatory disease, or for those who have a history of diabetes or coronary artery disease - the dose of 40 mg daily in the evening.

In case of using Zocor for homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia, the dose is 40mg daily in the evening (for adults).

For adolescents (10-17 years old) who suffer from familial hypercholesterolemia, the initial dosage is 10mg daily in the evening and the maximum dose is 40mg daily.

For children younger than 10 years old, Zocor generic is not recommended.

If you miss a dose and remember about it before the time of the next dosage, take it but don't duplicate the dose to compensate a missed one.

Side Effects

Zocor Simvastatin may cause pain in the muscles, and in rare cases may result in cramps. Muscle pain may be serious and lead to muscle deterioration, in very rare cases may lead to death.

If you experience the following side effects, contact your health care provider:

• Headaches and dizziness;
• Allergic reactions, such as swelling of the face and difficult breathing due to swelling of the throat;
• Skin rash;
• Pain of blood vessels;
• Shortness of breath and feeling of discomfort;
• Hepatitis, which causes yellowing in the eye, skin, ache, and dark urine;
• Pancreatitis with acute abdominal pain.

The following cases are very rare:

• Liver failure;
• Reduced red blood cells (anemia);
• Sleeping disorders;
• Memory disorders;
• Confusion and shortage of focus;
• Numbness in arms and legs;
• Gastrointestinal disorders, such as stomach pain, swelling, constipation, indigestion, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea;
• Loss of appetite.

The following side effects are very serious symptoms thus you should talk to your doctor immediately if you notice one of them:

• Dark red urine;
• Arthritis;
• Sensitivity to light;
• Hoarseness;
• Difficulty in breathing and swallowing;
• Yellowing of skin and eyes;
• Fever;
• Blisters or rash;
• Pain in the upper right part of the stomach.

Interaction with Other Drugs

If you are taking any of the following medicines, you should tell your doctor or pharmacist to avoid pharmaceutical interactions:

1. Amiodarone, a pacemaker regulator;
2. Amlodipine, a treatment for high blood pressure;
3. Warfarin, an anti-blood clotting;
4. Colchicine, a gout treatment;
5. Digoxin, the treatment of heart failure and myocardial infarction;
6. Deltiazim, a treatment for lowering blood pressure;
7. Other cholesterol-lowering drugs such as Fenofibrate or Niacin;
8. Verapamil, a cure for circulatory problems.