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All medications from licensed pharmacies
GPhC reg. no. 1120610
All medications from licensed pharmacies
GPhC reg. no. 1120610
Zocor is a statin with the active ingredient simvastatin. It is available on prescription from your doctor, or in lower doses over the counter from your pharmacist. Statins are drugs, which are prescribed to lower the amount of cholesterol in the body. Statins are available on prescription to people who are in good health but who are deemed as having a high risk of developing heart disease later in their lives. Statins are also given to people who have already suffered a heart attack, a stroke or cardiovascular disease, so that their risk is reduced in the future.
Zocor is a type of medication called a HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor, that blocks the action of HMG CoA Reductase enzyme in the liver. This enzyme makes LDL cholesterol, which is known as ‘bad cholesterol’. Zocor also increases the levels of HDL cholesterol, which is known as ‘good cholesterol’.
Taking any prescription medication can result in side effects. Taking Zocor can cause side effects, but they are usually mild and are easily reversible if the medication is stopped. These side effects include muscle pain, headaches, vomiting, constipation, nausea, rashes, diarrhea, weakness, problems sleeping, memory and depression. Very rarely, taking Zocor can result in liver failure or a condition called rhabdomyolysis.
Zocor should not be taken by pregnant women or by women who are trying to get pregnant as the drug can affect the unborn baby, nor should Zocor be taken by anyone with liver problems.
Zocor can interact with medications, such as protease inhibitors, which are used to treat HIV, erythromycin, itraconazole verapamil, dilitazem, clarithromycin, fibric acid and niacin.
People who are taking niacin and fibric acids may on occasion be prescribed Zocor, but it will be prescribed with caution.
