Zocor is manufactured by Merck and was approved by the FDA in 1991. Zocor is a “statin” (HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor) used to treat high cholesterol and to reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke in patients with heart disease or diabetes.
Simvastatin is the active ingredient in Zocor, and is also available in generic form and in combination with ezetimibe as Vytorin, and in combination with niacin as Simcor.
FDA Warnings
In March 2010, the FDA released a report stating that the highest approved dose--80 milligram (mg)--has been associated with an elevated risk of muscle injury or myopathy (skeletal muscle defect), particularly during the first 12 months of use. A more serious form of myopathy called Rhabdomyolysis can lead to kidney failure, and even death.
- The risk of muscle breakdown with simvastatin is greater when taking higher doses, particularly the 80-mg dose of simvastatin
- The risk with the highest dose is greatest during the first year of use
- The risk of muscle breakdown is greater in people 65 years of age or older
- The risk is great for females, people with kidney or thyroid problems, and with the use of certain medicines
Zocor Side Effects
- allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
- dark urine
- fever
- joint pain
- muscle cramps, pain
- redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
- trouble passing urine or change in the amount of urine
- unusually weak or tired
- yellowing of the eyes or skin
- constipation
- heartburn
- upset stomach
- upper respiratory infections
Other Medications/Substances that Might Affect you if you’re taking Zocor:
- Fibric acid derivatives (such as fenofibrate)
- Amiodarone (a drug used to treat an irregular heartbeat)
- Verapamil, diltiazem, amlodipine, or ranolazine (drugs used to treat high blood pressure, chest pain associated with heart disease or other heart conditions)
- Large quantities of grapefruit juice (more than 1 quart daily)
- Colchicine (a medicine used to treat gout)
- Voriconazole (an antifungal medicine)
- Large doses of niacin or nicotinic acid
- Coumarin anticoagulants (drugs that prevent blood clots, such as warfarin)
Contact An Experienced Zocor Attorney
Thomas J. Henry Injury Attorneys are leaders in the area of drug and product liability litigation. Our Defective Drug and Products Division have extensive knowledge and resources in order to represent our clients efficiently and aggressively. The Defective Drug and Products Division represent a multitude of people who are battling against manufacturers of medical devices and/ or defective pharmaceuticals.
If you or a loved one have taken Zocor and have developed serious side effects or injuries from the use of this drug, contact Thomas J. Henry Injury Attorneys immediately. We are available 24/7, nights and weekends.
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