Warnings & Recalls for Zocor
Zocor and Risk of Muscle Disease or Loss
As of
June 2011, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has
recommended a limit on the use of Zocor with a decrease of the intake of 80mg doses of simvastatin. If taken in high doses or for an extended period of time, this may lead to
severe muscle injury, loss or pain.
Patients taking Zocor may have an increased risk of myopathy (muscle breakdown) and muscle disorders while taking Zocor. Some medicines may further increase the possibility of muscle disorders when combined with Zocor. The following medications should be avoided while being treated with Zocor:
- cyclosporine
- danazol
- gemfibrozil
- nefazodone
- clarithromycin, erythromycin, and telithromycin
- certain antifungals
- medicines for treating HIV/AIDS or hepatitis C
General Warnings
In
2011, the FDA revised previous changes to the
dose limitation from 10mg back to the former 20mg dose. For patients taking
amiodarone,
no more than 20mg of
Zocor should be taken in one day.
Before taking Zocor, tell your doctor if you have:
- any allergies, especially to cholesterol-reducing medicines
- a history of liver or kidney disease or failure
- diabetes
- a thyroid problem
Zocor can cause liver enzyme irregularities during examinations.
Zocor and Pregnancy
Zocor is
contraindicated in patients who are
pregnant,
may become pregnant, or
are nursing.
The
U.S. Food and Drug Administration has labeled Zocor as a
pregnancy Category X medication and is
not recommended during pregnancy. Cholesterol is necessary for
fetal development, and taking Zocor or cholesterol lowering medicines while pregnant may cause
birth defects and
fetal toxicity. It is
unknown if Zocor passes through breast-milk and can harm a nursing baby.
If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or are nursing,
do not take Zocor unless you have consulted your doctor and this medication has been approved for you to use.
Zocor Interactions
Drug Interactions with Zocor
Zocor can
interact with several different medications. Be sure to
let your healthcare provider know about any medicines you are using, particularly:
- medicines for treating high amounts of uric acid including indigestion, ulcers and gout
- congestive heart failure treatments
- blood thinners, especially Warfarin
- antifungals
- dieting pills
- steroids, cancer medications, drugs for reducing rejection of organ transplants, and other drugs that could lower the defense of your immune system
- other "statin" medications or drugs containing fenofibric acid
Tell your doctor if you are using any other drugs for treating your condition including amiodarone, diltiazem, amlodipine, ranolazine or verapamil.
Grapefruit and Zocor Interaction
Avoid any consumption of
grapefruit while taking
Zocor, including grapefruit juice. Grapefruit can
interact with Zocor by interfering with enzymes which control the breakdown of medications, and in this case, statins. This can lead to a
buildup of high concentrations of Zocor in the body, causing dangerous side effects. Grapefruit and Zocor combination can even cause
liver damage or
muscle breakdown and
damage of the kidney (rhabdomylosis).
Zocor Treatment and Use
Zocor | Simvastatin is a “statin” (HMG CoA reductase inhibiting) medicine marketed by Merck & Co. for treating high-cholesterol or patients who are at risk for developing serious cardiovascular conditions. Zocor works to prevent the following:
- risk of heart attack or stroke
- reduce the possibility of heart and cardiovascular disease
- heart complications induced by diabetes
- decreasing amounts of high-triglycerides
Zocor has been approved for treating high-cholesterol in patients 10 years of age and older.
Zocor may drastically decrease serious health risks when combined with the proper diet, exercise, and weight loss. Zocor can increase the life span of patients who are at risk of heart disease.
How Does Zocor Work?
Zocor reduces complications by interacting with HMG CoA reductase inhibitors which control cholesterol levels. Zocor blocks the production of cholesterol from the liver. While reducing cholesterol levels, Zocor prevents triglycerides and “bad” cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein) from being created and stimulates the production of “good” cholesterol (high-density lipoprotein).
Zocor Dosage Information
Zocor is prescribed in tablet form. Normally, Zocor is taken once orally each day around the same time in either the morning or evening. Take Zocor as prescribed to you by your doctor. Do not use more or less than recommended. Carefully follow all labeled instructions and directions given by your healthcare provider. Avoid consuming grapefruit while taking Zocor. See “Warnings and Recalls” tab for details.
Your doctor may raise your intake of Zocor at a minimum of every four weeks to allow your body to adjust to the medicine. Continue taking Zocor until your doctor instructs you to stop, even if you feel healthy.