Zocor Drug Details
Therapeutic Class:
HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor or statin
Forms:
Tablet, oral suspension
Administration:
By mouth
Therapeutic Uses:
High LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol)
High triglycerides
Heart protection (to reduce heart attack and stroke risk)
Controlled Status:
Not a controlled substance
What is Zocor (simvastatin)?
Zocor (zoh kuh) is an HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor or statin. It is a prescription oral medication that is a cholesterol-lowering agent. Zocor is used to treat high cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, and other problems of the blood vessels.
There may be other uses of Zocor - your pharmacist or physician can give you further information.
Who can take Zocor (simvastatin)?
Zocor can be prescribed to adults and adolescent boys and girls who are at least one year post-menarche, 10-17 years of age, with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH).
Zocor Uses
What is Zocor (simvastatin) used for?
Zocor is a prescription drug that is used to treat high blood cholesterol levels, specifically high levels of triglycerides and LDL-C or “bad cholesterol.” Along with healthy lifestyle habits, including diet and exercise, Zocor can help reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke in patients at risk for these conditions.
How does Zocor (simvastatin) work?
In people with high cholesterol levels in the blood, deposits can form in the blood vessels, making it difficult for the blood to flow. This deposition of fats and cholesterol in the arteries is known as atherosclerosis. If the blood supply to a vital organ such as the heart or brain is blocked by the cholesterol deposits, it can cause a heart attack or stroke. Zocor reduces blood cholesterol levels by decreasing the body’s amount of cholesterol, thus reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke.
What are Zocor (simvastatin) doses?
Simvastatin is available in tablet (Zocor) and oral suspension forms. Common Simvastatindoses are 5 mg, 10 mg, 20 mg, 40 mg, and 80 mg tablets and 4 mg/mL oral suspension.
Doctors typically prescribe a starting dose of Zocor 10 mg to 20 mg by mouth once a day in the evening. The dose can be increased or decreased depending on the patient’s response and side effects. Your doctor may obtain lab tests (lipid levels) 4 weeks after starting Zocor and adjust the dose based on the results. Patients at high risk of coronary artery disease may be started on 40 mg a day of Zocor.
Zocor Directions
How should I take Zocor (simvastatin)?
Take Zocor as directed by your physician and/or pharmacist. This medicine is to be taken orally (by mouth) with water, usually once a day in the evening. You can take Zocor tablets with or without food. The oral suspension is taken once a day in the evening on an empty stomach. Be sure to shake the suspension bottle for a minimum of 20 seconds before each use. Do not use a household spoon to measure the Zocor suspension—this is not an accurate way to measure your dose. Instead, use a medicine spoon or syringe.
Follow the directions on your prescription label for the Zocor dosage and frequency. Take your medicine regularly at around the same time every day. Do not take more Zocor or take it more frequently than prescribed. Keep taking Zocor even if you feel well. Do not stop taking Zocor without talking to your doctor first.
Zocor may be given to children (boys 10-17 years of age and post-menarcheal girls 10-17 years of age who are at least 1 year after starting their period). The medicine can be used in adolescent boys and girls having a disease called Heterozygous Familial Hypercholesterolemia to lower high cholesterol levels that do not respond to diet and exercise alone. Talk to your pediatrician regarding special care and precautions while using Zocor in your child.
Missed dose: If you forget to take a dose of Zocor, take the medicine as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next Zocor dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at your regular time. Do NOT take an extra dose to make up for a missed dose.
Storage: Store Zocor tablets and suspension between 20-25°C or 68-77°F (room temperature) away from moisture, heat, and direct light in a tightly closed container (not in the bathroom). Keep Zocor out of reach of children. Do not refrigerate or freeze the suspension. Use the suspension within 30 days of opening a bottle and throw away any unused suspension after 30 days.
Unused medicine: Discard any unused Zocor after the expiration date. Learn more about proper medication disposal.
NOTE: This is a summary sheet, and it may not contain all necessary information. For further questions about Zocor, contact your pharmacist or health care provider.
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Zocor Side Effects
What are Zocor (simvastatin) side effects?
The most common side effects of Zocor are listed below. Call your doctor if these side effects are severe or do not improve over time.
● Upper respiratory infections
● Constipation
● Nausea
● Stomach pain
● Headache
● Confusion
● Forgetfulness
● Red, itchy skin
There are some other possible Zocor side effects that are more serious. Contact your doctor without delay or get emergency medical care if you experience the following symptoms while on Zocor treatment:
● Muscle pain, lack of energy, tiredness, weakness, with or without fever
● Dark-colored urine, decreased urination
● Loss of appetite
● Pain in the upper right part of the abdomen
● Yellowed eyes or skin
● Fever, chills
● Flushing
● Blisters
● Rash, hives, itchy skin
● Difficulty breathing or swallowing
● Swelling in the face, throat, tongue, lips, hands, feet
● Joint pain
● Hoarseness
● Light sensitivity
The above list may not include all the potential side effects of Zocor. Speak to your doctor about severe side effects or side effects that do not improve over time. You can also report unusual Zocor side effects to the Food and Drug Administration at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Zocor Overdose: One extra dose of Zocor is unlikely to be harmful. However, if you have taken more than one extra dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist without delay. In case of an overdose, call 911 if the person has collapsed, cannot breathe, or cannot be awakened. NOTE: Zocor is a prescription drug intended to be used only by you - never share your Zocor with others or use someone else’s medicine.
Source: FDA
Zocor Warnings
What are the risks of taking Zocor (simvastatin)?
Zocor can cause serious health problems, especially in certain high-risk patients. Some of the serious risks of Zocor use include:
Your health care provider or pharmacist can help you find safer ways to lower blood cholesterol if you are pregnant or at risk of complications from Zocor use. |
What should I tell my doctor before starting Zocor (simvastatin)?
Tell your health care professional about all your medical conditions—Zocor may not be suitable for people with certain medical conditions such as liver disease. Let your doctor know if you drink more than two alcoholic drinks per day, you are over the age of 65, or you are of Asian (especially Chinese) descent. Also, inform your health care provider if you have or had an underactive thyroid, seizures, diabetes, muscle aches, kidney disease, or low blood pressure.
Give your doctor a list of all your medications, including over-the-counter and prescription drugs, dietary supplements, vitamins, and herbal remedies. This can help avoid serious drug interactions.
Be sure to tell your doctor about a previous allergic reaction to Zocor, any other statin medications, any other medications, or any of the ingredients in Zocor. Your pharmacy can give you a list of ingredients.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy, or nursing.
What precautions should I take while on Zocor (simvastatin)?
Keep all appointments at your doctor’s office. Your doctor might obtain blood tests to monitor your liver functions while you’re on Zocor.
Zocor is not safe to take during pregnancy because it can harm the unborn baby. Get medical advice right away if you become pregnant while taking Zocor.
Call your doctor immediately or go to the emergency room if you experience symptoms such as dark urine, decreased urination, muscle pain, tiredness, rash, hives, itching, swelling of the face, mouth, throat, or hands, chest tightness, breathing problems, yellowing of the eyes or skin, or joint pain.
What are Zocor (simvastatin) interactions?
Taking Zocor with some other medications can affect how well either medicine works. Drug interactions can also increase the risk of serious side effects. Your physician may choose a different cholesterol-lowering medication for you, change the dose or frequency of one or both medicines, or monitor you carefully for side effects if there are known interactions with Zocor. There can be interactions between Zocor and medicines such as:
- antifungal medications (itraconazole, ketoconazole, posaconazole, voriconazole)
- antibiotics such as clarithromycin and erythromycin
- danazol
- cyclosporine
- gemfibrozil
- certain HIV medications
- amiodarone
- amlodipine
- blood thinners (warfarin)
- colchicine
- diltiazem
- other cholesterol-lowering medications
This list does not describe all possible Zocor interactions. Give your health care provider a complete list of your medications, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, dietary supplements, and herbal products. Also, tell your health care provider if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs because some of these substances can cause serious health complications when used with prescription drugs.
Zocor Pros & Cons
What are the pros and cons of Zocor (simvastatin)?
- Zocor, along with lifestyle changes such as a healthy diet and regular exercise, can lower the risk of heart attack, stroke, and death, especially in high-risk patients with diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure, and smoking.
- Most people reach their target cholesterol numbers after 4-6 weeks of Zocor treatment.
- Zocor not only lowers “bad cholesterol” (LDL cholesterol) but also increases “good cholesterol” (HDL cholesterol).
- The risk of Zocor side effects is higher in older individuals (65 years and older), in females, and in those who drink alcohol or have a history of liver disease, kidney disease, or diabetes. Zocor also causes more muscle symptoms compared to other statin drugs.
- Zocor has more drug interactions than some of the other medications in its class (statins).
- Zocor is not safe for use during pregnancy.
Zocor Pharmacist Tips
Zocor (simvastatin) tips from pharmacists
Zocor should be taken in the evening since the body makes most of the cholesterol at night.
Avoid drinking large amounts of grapefruit juice while on Zocor (or any other statin drug). Grapefruit juice can increase the amount of statin medicine in the blood and increase the risk of side effects.
Dark urine, yellowing of the eyes or skin, muscle pain or weakness, and fever are rare side effects of Zocor. If you develop any of these symptoms, tell your doctor immediately.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant or breastfeeding. Zocor is not safe for use during pregnancy because it can cause birth defects.
Keep all your doctors’ appointments while on Zocor. Your doctor may want to get some lab tests to keep an eye on the effects of this medicine on your body.
Zocor Rx Savings Tips
Zocor (simvastatin) Rx savings tips
Zocor is a low-cost generic medication simvastatin, which can be significantly cheaper than the brand-name version. Brand name Zocor and generic simvastatin contain the same medication and are equally effective and safe. Like with most medications, generic medicine offers better value. However, a BuzzRx Zocor coupon can result in significant savings on brand-name medicine. With the BuzzRx discount program and savings card, you will end up paying a fraction of the retail prices. For example, brand name Zocor can be under $250 for 30 of the 20-mg tablets at nearby pharmacies, including Walgreens, Rite-Aid, and CVS, with a BuzzRx Zocor coupon. You can also contact the drug manufacturer to see if they offer discounts or free Zocor through a patient assistance program.
Lowest Price for Zocor (simvastatin) | |
| Brand $242.31 | Generic $9.35 |
VIEW DISCOUNTS Pricing based on most commonly-filled versions. Select the strength and quantity of your medication for the most accurate pricing. | |
Zocor Common Questions
Common Questions about Zocor (simvastatin)
Can you take Zocor in the morning?Zocor works better when taken in the evening because the body makes most of the cholesterol at night. Studies have shown a greater reduction in LDL-C (bad cholesterol) when Zocor is taken in the evening compared to when it’s taken in the morning. |
Can Zocor be crushed?You should not crush, break, or chew your Zocor tablets. Instead, swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water in the evening around the same time every day. |
Can Zocor and Lipitor be taken together?Taking Zocor and Lipitor together can increase the risk of nerve damage. Do not take these medicines together. Contact your doctor with further questions. |
Can Zocor cause joint pain?Joint pain is a possible side effect of Zocor. This symptom is usually minor; however, you should tell your doctor if it is severe or does not go away. Call your doctor immediately if you experience severe muscle pain, weakness, or tiredness while taking Zocor. |
Is Zocor stronger than Lipitor?Zocor and Lipitor both belong to the same class of medications, i.e., statins or cholesterol-lowering medications. Therefore, they are both good at lowering bad cholesterol (LDL-C). However, some studies have shown that Zocor is better at raising good cholesterol (HDL-C). |
Which statin has the least amount of side effects?Studies have shown that Zocor (simvastatin) and Pravachol (pravastatin) have the fewest side effects amongst statin drugs. |
What is the price of Zocor without insurance?Without insurance, Zocor can be as high as $45.85 (generic), but with a free BuzzRx prescription discount coupon, you could pay as low as $9.35 for the most common version of this medication. Use the BuzzRx drug price look-up tool to find the lowest discounted price and be sure to enter the correct dosage, form, and quantity for the most accurate pricing. While generics tend to have the best savings, you can also use your BuzzRx card and coupons to purchase brand-name versions. It never hurts to ask your pharmacist to try BuzzRx when filling or refilling any of your prescriptions—whether you have insurance or not. |
What is the price of Zocor with insurance?Ask your pharmacist or insurance provider for your copay price on Zocor—Copay amounts vary depending on the type of insurance plan you have and if there is a deductible to reach before prescription drug coverage begins. You could save up to 80% on your prescription medication with a free BuzzRx discount coupon for Zocor. When using the BuzzRx lookup tool to find the price of your medication, be sure to enter the correct dosage, form, and quantity to receive the most accurate discounted pricing. It never hurts to ask your pharmacist to try BuzzRx when filling or refilling any of your prescriptions—whether you have insurance or not. |
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