Facts About Zocor
Using Zocor Orally
Simvastatin is an enzyme blocker (HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor), also
known as a "statin". It might be prescribed in addition to changes in diet
to help lower cholesterol and fats (triglycerides) in the blood. This prescription drug is generally prescribed after other treatment options
have not been fully successful at lowering cholesterol (e.g., diet
change, increase in exercise, weight loss if overweight). Reducing
cholesterol and triglycerides helps prevent strokes and heart attacks.
Simvastatin can be prescribed to adults and to children who are at least ten years old. Young girls must have been having their menstrual periods for at least one year before starting this medication.
These statins can be expensive. Canada is the place for cheap prescription drugs, and you can save today at our Online Canadian Drugstore.
How should I take this medicine?
Take simvastatin tablets by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription
label. Swallow the tablets with a drink of water. If you take the
tablets once a day, it is best to take your dose in the evening hours. While eating the evening meal would be a good time, or maybe at bedtime. You may take this medicine
with or without food. Do not take simvastatin with grapefruit juice;
orange juice is better. Take your doses at regular intervals.
NEVER take your medicine more often than directed.
Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of Zocor by children. Special instructions may be needed when giving prescritption drugs to minors..
What
if I miss a dose? (Back to top)
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time
for your next dose, take only that dose. NEVER take double or extra
doses.
Special warnings about this medication
Because Zocor may damage the liver, your doctor may order a blood
test to check your liver enzyme levels before you start taking the
drug. Blood tests will probably be done before your treatment is started
and at periodic intervals for a year after your final dosage increase.
If your liver enzyme levels rise too high, your doctor may tell you
to stop taking Zocor.
Since Zocor may cause damage to muscle tissue, be sure to tell your doctor of any unexplained muscle tenderness, weakness, or pain right away, especially if you also have a fever or feel sick. Your doctor may want to do a blood test to check for signs of muscle damage.
If
you are scheduled for major surgery, your doctor will ask you to stop
taking Zocor a few days before the operation.
Side Effects of This Medicine
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted
side-effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they
do happen they might require medical attention.
Check with your doctor as soon as possible if you observe any of the following side effects:
Less
common or rare
Fever; muscle aches or cramps; severe stomach pain; unusual tiredness
or weakness
Other side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention.
These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts
to the medicine. However, check with your doctor if any of the following
side effects continue or are bothersome:
More
common
Constipation; diarrhea; dizziness; gas; headache; heartburn; nausea
; skin rash; stomach pain
Rare
Decreased sexual ability; trouble in sleeping
Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some patients.
If you notice any other effects, check with your doctor.
