Zocor (Simvastatin)

Do's

• Take Zocor exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider, usually once daily in the evening. The usual maximum dose is 40 mg daily, but your healthcare provider may prescribe a higher dose.
• Discuss the risks and benefits of a higher dose with your healthcare provider. It may take up to 4 weeks to experience the full cholesterol-lowering effect of Zocor.
• Take the tablet form with or without food.
• Take the liquid form on an empty stomach, shaking the bottle well and using the provided measuring device.
• Inform your healthcare provider about all medications, including prescription, non-prescription, and herbal products.
• Continue taking Zocor even if you feel well, as high cholesterol often has no symptoms.
• Follow your healthcare provider's recommendations regarding diet and exercise.
• Talk to your healthcare provider if you experience any side effects.

Don't

• Do not adjust your dosage or take Zocor more often than prescribed.
• Do not use a household spoon to measure the liquid form.
• Do not consume grapefruit or grapefruit juice unless your healthcare provider approves it, as it can increase side effects.
• Do not stop taking Zocor without consulting your healthcare provider.

Common Side Effects:

• Headache
• Nausea
• Stomach pain
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Rash
• Cold symptoms, such as stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat

Serious Side Effects:

• Muscle pain or weakness (myopathy)
• Rhabdomyolysis (a breakdown of muscle tissue)
• Liver problems, including liver damage
• Allergic reactions, such as rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, and difficulty breathing
• Kidney problems, especially in individuals with pre-existing kidney conditions
• Serious blood infections or gastritis (swelling of the stomach lining)

This is not an exhaustive list, and other side effects may occur. If you experience any unusual or severe side effects while taking Zocor,  contact your healthcare provider for medical advice.

Inform your healthcare provider about any allergies to simvastatin (Zocor) or other ingredients in the medication.

Discuss your medical history with your healthcare provider, especially if you have:

• Liver disease
• Kidney disease
• A history of excessive alcohol consumption (can increase the risk of liver problems with Zocor)

Inform your healthcare provider about all medications you take, including Zocor.

Limit alcohol intake. Daily alcohol use can worsen liver problems, especially when combined with Zocor.

Older adults may experience more side effects, particularly muscle problems.

Zocor should only be used during pregnancy if absolutely necessary, as it may harm the unborn baby. Discuss the risks and benefits with your healthcare provider.

Breastfeeding is not recommended while using Zocor due to the unknown risk of passing the medication to the infant. Consult your healthcare provider before breastfeeding.