Zocor

Description

Drug Uses

Zocor is used for lowering blood cholesterol levels and thereby reducing the risk of stroke, heart attack, and heart disease. Zocor may also be used to lower triglycerides.

How Taken Use

Zocor as directed by your doctor. Take Zocor with or without a meal. Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice at the same time you take Zocor. This may increase the amount of Zocor in your blood, which may increase your risks for serious side effects. If you are also taking cholestyramine, you should take the cholestyramine in the morning and Zocor in the evening to minimize any drug interactions. Cholestyramine can reduce the amount of Zocor in your blood, which will decrease its effectiveness. Zocor is most effective when used with exercise and a diet that reduces the intake of cholesterol (fat) and saturated fats.

Warnings/Precautions

Before taking Zocor, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if you have allergies to medicines, if you are allergic to any ingredient in Zocor, if you have severe kidney problems, a history of liver disease, uncontrolled seizures, trauma, major surgery, infection, or have had an organ transplant, if you have endocrine, electrolyte, or metabolic disease, or low blood pressure, if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or are breast–feeding. Do not use Zocor if you are pregnant. If you suspect that you could be pregnant, contact your doctor immediately. Do not breast–feed while taking Zocor. Some medicines may interact with Zocor. Therefore tell your doctor of all prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement that you are taking. Do not use Zocor if you have active liver disease or repeated blood tests indicating possible liver problems of unknown cause or if you are taking a fibrate (e.g., clofibrate, gemfibrozil), an HIV protease inhibitor (e.g., ritonavir), an azole antifungal (e.g., itraconazole), a macrolide (e.g., erythromycin), a ketolide (e.g., telithromycin), or nefazodone. Zocor may cause liver damage. If you consume 3 or more alcohol–containing drinks every day, ask your doctor if you should take Zocor or other pain relievers/fever reducers. Alcohol use combined with Zocor may increase your risk for liver damage. Zocor may cause injury to your muscles, especially when taken in higher doses or when taken with certain other medicines. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience muscle pain or weakness, especially with a fever. Lab tests, including lipid profile and liver functions, may be performed to monitor your progress. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments. Zocor is not recommended for use in children. Safety and effectiveness have not been confirmed.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose take it as soon as you remember. However if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the Missed Dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Possible Side Effects

Some of the Possible Side Effects are– Constipation, diarrhea, headache, stomach pain or upset. Contact your doctor if any of these or other side effects occur. If you experience any of the following serious side effects, you should seek medical attention immediately– allergic reactions (rash, hives, difficulty breathing, tightness in the chest, swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue), blurred vision, change in the amount of urine, dark urine, muscle weakness, aches, tenderness, or pain, especially if associated with unusual tiredness and fever, ongoing nausea or vomiting, stomach pain, unusual bleeding or bruising, yellowing of skin or eyes.

Storage

Store Zocor at 41 – 86 °F (5 – 30 °C).
Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Zocor out of the reach of children.

Overdose

If overdose is suspected seek medical attention immediately.

More Information

Zocor should be used only by the patient for whom it has been prescribed. Do not take less or more or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Disclaimer

This is only general information, it does not cover all directions, drug integrations or precautions. You should not rely on it for any purpose, it does not contain any specific instructions for a particular patient. We disclaim all responsibility for the accuracy and reliability of this information. We`re not responsible for any damage.