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Brand Name: Zocor
Generic Name: Simvastatin
(sim' va stat in)
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Why is zocor prescribed?
Zocor (Simvastatin) is used with diet changes (restriction of cholesterol and fat intake) to reduce the amount of cholesterol and certain fatty substances in your blood. Accumulation of cholesterol and fats along the walls of your arteries (a process known as atherosclerosis) decreases blood flow and, therefore, the oxygen supply to your heart, brain, and other parts of your body. Lowering your blood level of cholesterol and fats may help to prevent heart disease, angina (chest pain), strokes, and heart attacks.
Zocor is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
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How should zocor be used properly?
Simvastatin (Zocor) comes in tablets to take by mouth. It usually is taken once a day at bedtime. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take simvastatin exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Continue to take simvastatin even if you feel well. Do not stop taking simvastatin without talking to your doctor.
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What special precautions should I follow when using zocor?
Before taking simvastatin,
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to simvastatin or any other drugs.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially antacids, anticoagulants ('blood thinners') such as warfarin (Coumadin), cholestyramine (Questran), clarithromycin (Biaxin), clofibrate (Atromid-S), cyclosporine (Sandimmune, Neoral), digoxin (Lanoxin), erythromycin, fenofibrate (TriCor), gemfibrozil (Lopid), HIV protease inhibitors such as ritonavir (Norvir) and saquinavir (Invirase), itraconazole (Sporanox), ketoconazole (Nizoral), nefazodone (Serzone), niacin (nicotinic acid), and vitamins.
- tell your doctor if you have or have ever had liver, kidney, or heart disease; a severe infection; low blood pressure; or seizures.
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking simvastatin, stop taking simvastatin and call your doctor immediately. Simvastatin can harm the fetus.
- if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking simvastatin.
- talk to your doctor about the safe use of alcohol while taking this drug. Alcohol increases the side effects caused by simvastatin.
- plan to avoid unnecessary or prolonged exposure to sunlight and to wear protective clothing, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Simvastatin may make your skin sensitive to sunlight.
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What special dietary instructions should I follow while taking zocor?
Avoid drinking large quantities of grapefruit juice (more than 1 quart a day) while taking simvastatin.
Eat a low-cholesterol, low-fat diet. This kind of diet includes cottage cheese, fat-free milk, fish (not canned in oil), vegetables, poultry, egg whites, and polyunsaturated oils and margarines (corn, safflower, canola, and soybean oils). Avoid foods with excess fat in them such as meat (especially liver and fatty meat), egg yolks, whole milk, cream, butter, shortening, lard, pastries, cakes, cookies, gravy, peanut butter, chocolate, olives, potato chips, coconut, cheese (other than cottage cheese), coconut oil, palm oil, and fried foods.
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What should I do if I forget a dose of zocor?
You should take the missed dose of zocor just as soon as you remember to take it. Unless, it is almost time for the next dose, then skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule. Never take a double dose of your medication to make up for a missed one.
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What side effects can zocor cause?
Although side effects from simvastatin are not common, they can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- stomach pain or cramps
- upset stomach
- rash or itching
- blurred vision
- constipation
- headache
- dizziness
- heartburn
- diarrhea
- gas
If you experience the following symptom, call your doctor immediately:
- muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness with or without a fever
» topWhat storage conditions are needed for zocor?
Always keep the zocor in the same container it came in. Make sure it is tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store this medication at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture; do not store this medication in the bathroom.
Always be sure to dispose of any medication that is no longer needed or outdated. Be sure to ask your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.
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What do I do in case of emergency or a zocor overdose?
In case of a zocor overdose, be sure to call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim is not breathing or has collapsed, dial 911 for local emergency services.
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What other information should I know about zocor?
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain lab tests before and during treatment to check your response to simvastatin.
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
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This document is provided for information only. It is not a substitute for consultation with a physician, either to diagnose symptoms or prescribe treatment. Any dosages mentioned are general guidelines only; please follow the directions of your doctor or pharmacist exactly when taking medication. We have made every effort to ensure that this information is accurate, but only your doctor can say if a medication, or drug combination, is safe for you. Information intended for US residents only.
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