CLASS and MECHANISM of Action
Generic "Zocor" is an HMG CoA reductase inhibitor. Generic "Zocor" blocks the production of cholesterol (a type of fat) in the body.
Generic "Zocor" inhibits the production of cholesterol by the liver. It lowers overall blood cholesterol as well as blood LDL cholesterol levels. LDL cholesterol is believed to be the "bad" cholesterol that is primarily responsible for the development of coronary artery disease. Lowering LDL cholesterol levels retards progression and may even reverse coronary artery disease.
Active Ingredients: simvastatin
Inactive Ingredients: titanium dioxide, iron oxides, talc, cellulose, lactose, magnesium stearate, and starch. Butylated hydroxyanisole is added as a preservative.
What is Generic "Zocor" PRESCRIBED For?
Generic "Zocor" is used to reduce the total amounts of cholesterol, LDL (bad) cholesterol, triglycerides (another type of fat), and apolipoprotein B (a protein needed to make cholesterol) in your blood. Generic "Zocor" is also used to increase the level of HDL (good) cholesterol in your blood. These actions may reduce the risk of hardening of the arteries, which can lead to heart attacks, stroke, and peripheral vascular disease.
How Should I Take Generic "Zocor"?
Take Generic "Zocor" exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you. Take each dose with a full glass of water. For the greatest effect, Generic "Zocor" is usually taken at bedtime or with an evening meal. Follow your doctor's instructions.
Your doctor may want to monitor your liver function with blood tests before starting treatment with Generic "Zocor" and every six months after both the start of your treatment and any increase in dose. Depending on the results of these tests, your doctor can determine how much monitoring you will require.
It is important to take Generic "Zocor" regularly to get the most benefit.
Do not stop taking Generic "Zocor" without first talking to your doctor. Generic "Zocor" may need to be taken on a long-term basis for the treatment of high cholesterol.
Tablets should be stored at room temperature in a tightly closed container.
What are the CONTRAINDICATIONS for taking Generic "Zocor"?
Do not take Generic "Zocor" without first talking to your doctor if you have liver disease. Before taking Generic "Zocor", tell your doctor if you
- have kidney disease,
- drink alcoholic beverages,
- have a chronic muscular disease, or
- have a blood disorder.
You may not be able to take Generic "Zocor", or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above. Generic "Zocor" is in the FDA pregnancy category X. This means that Generic "Zocor" is known to cause birth defects if it is taken during pregnancy. Do not take Generic "Zocor" if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.
What Happens if I MISS A DOSE?
Do not take a double dose of this medication unless your doctor directs otherwise. If you miss a dose take it as soon as possible but if it's high time for the next dose just skip the missed one and continue your usual schedule.
What Happens if I OVERDOSE?
Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected. Symptoms of a Generic "Zocor" overdose include nausea, diarrhea, stomach distress, and indigestion.
What are the possible SIDE EFFECTS of Generic "Zocor"?
If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking Generic "Zocor" and seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately:
- an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
- decreased urine or rust-colored urine; or
- blurred vision.
Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take Generic "Zocor" and talk to your doctor if you experience gas, bloating, nausea, stomach upset, heartburn, abdominal pain, constipation, or diarrhea; cough; headache; or insomnia.
What other drugs can INTERACT with Generic "Zocor"?
Do not take Generic "Zocor" without first talking to your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:
- cyclosporine (Sandimmune, Neoral);
- gemfibrozil (Lopid), clofibrate (Atromid-S), or fenofibrate (Tricor);
- niacin (Nicolar, Nicobid, Slo-Niacin, others);
- erythromycin (E-Mycin, E.E.S., Ery-Tab, others) or clarithromycin (Biaxin);
- cholestyramine (Questran) or colestipol (Colestid);
- an antifungal medication such as itraconazole (Sporanox), fluconazole (Diflucan), or ketoconazole (Nizoral);
- nefazodone (Serzone);
- digoxin (Lanoxin, Lanoxicaps);
- warfarin (Coumadin);
- a protease inhibitor such as amprenavir (Agenerase), indinavir (Crixivan), nelfinavir (Viracept), ritonavir (Norvir), lopinavir-ritonavir (Kaletra), or saquinavir (Invirase, Fortovase);
- amiodarone (Cordarone, Pacer one); or
- verapamil (Calan, Covera-HS, Isoptin, Verelan).
You may not be able to take Generic "Zocor", or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you are taking any of the medicines listed above.
Additional Information
Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine. Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets. Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, herbal/supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, pharmacist, physician assistant). Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter or natural products (herbs, vitamins).
|
