Zocor is a medication used to lower blood levels of “bad” cholesterol and raising “good” cholesterol in the blood. The generic name of Zocor is Simvastatin. Zocor belongs to a group of drugs known as “statins.” Statins work by reducing the amount of cholesterol made by the liver. Lowered cholesterol decreases the risk of heart disease and helps prevent strokes and heart attacks.

What are “statin” drugs?

Statin drugs work by blocking the action of the liver enzyme, which is responsible for producing cholesterol. If the blood has too much cholesterol then plaque can build up on the walls of the arteries, which can cause the arteries to narrow or harden. Narrowed arteries increase your risk of blood clots and stroke. Statins may help stabilize plaques in the arteries and lower the risk of heart attacks.

Always take Zocor as prescribed by your doctor and follow all directions on the prescription label. Zocor is usually taken at bedtime or with an evening meal. Always take the medication with food, if you take it more than once daily.

Zocor may need to be taken on a long-term basis for the treatment of cholesterol. Do not stop taking this medication unless your doctor tells you to.

Store your medication at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.

Never take this medicine in larger amounts than you are prescribed. Taking too much of this medication may cause life-threatening side effects.

It is recommended to avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice while taking Zocor. Enzymes in grapefruit may interact with properties in the drug. Avoid eating foods high in fat or cholesterol because they inhibit the effectiveness of Zocor and its ability to lower cholesterol.

Alcohol consumption can raise triglyceride levels and may increase your risk of liver damage. Always tell your doctor if you have a history of kidney disease, heart disease, diabetes, or a thyroid disorder.

Common side effects of Zocor may include:

• Headache
• Constipation, nausea, stomach pain
• Cold symptoms like stuffy nose, sneezing, or sore throat

Tell your doctor if you experience the following:

• Signs of a kidney problem—swelling in the feet or ankles, little to no urination, tiredness, and shortness of breath
• Liver problems—upper stomach pain, itching, dark urine, jaundice, nausea

In some cases, Zocor can cause a breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue, which can lead to kidney failure. This most often occurs in older adults or those with kidney disease or thyroid issues.

What drugs interact with Zocor?

Many drugs interact with simvastatin, so let your doctor know if you are currently taking:

• Antifungal medications
• HIV/AIDS medications
• Gemfibrozil
• Danazol
• Cyclosporine
• Heart medications

Can I take Zocor while pregnant?

Studies show that Zocor can harm unborn children and cause birth defects. Do not take Zocor if you are pregnant. Stop taking medication right away if you become pregnant.