CLASS and MECHANISM of Action
Generic Zocor - Simvastatin is a cholesterol- lowering medicine. It is the first drug shown to reduce the total death rate by reducing LDL ("bad" cholesterol) concentrations in people with coronary heart disease. It lowers overall blood cholesterol as well as blood LDL cholesterol levels and inhibits the production of cholesterol by the liver. 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.
Generic Zocor - Simvastatin is proven to reduce coronary heart disease events, such as heart attack and angina (chest pain), and deaths due to heart attack.
Active Ingredients: Simvastatin
Inactive Ingredients: iron oxides, talc, titanium dioxide, cellulose, lactose, magnesium stearate and starch. Butylated hydroxyanisole is added as a preservative.
What is Generic Zocor - Simvastatin PRESCRIBED For?
Generic Zocor - Simvastatin is prescribed along with diet for many patients with high cholesterol. For patients at high risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) because of existing heart disease, diabetes, vascular disease, or history of stroke, Generic Zocor (Simvastatin) is indicated along with diet to reduce the risk of death by reducing coronary death; reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke; and reduce the need for revascularization procedures.
How Should I Take Generic Zocor - Simvastatin?
Taken Generic Zocor follow the directions on the prescription label. The tablets are taken orally. It makes no importance if you are taken Generic Zocor - Simvastatin with or without food, but it should be swallowed with a drink of water. It is best to take your dose in the evening hours or at bedtime if you take the tablets once a day. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.
Do not take Generic Zocor - Simvastatin with grapefruit juice; orange juice may be used instead.
Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.
Store at room temperature between 5 - 30 degrees C (41 - 86 degrees F).
Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
What are the CONTRAINDICATIONS for taking Generic Zocor - Simvastatin?
It is contraindicated to take Generic Zocor - Simvastatin if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It may harm the fetus. If a woman does become pregnant while taking Generic Zocor - Simvastatin, she should stop taking the drug and talk to her health care professional at once. Generic Zocor - Simvastatin passes into breast milk. Therefore women who are breast-feeding should not take Generic Zocor.
Generic Zocor - Simvastatin is also contraindicated to patients who are taking the prescription drug Posicor (mibefradil). Generic Zocor should not be used by patients with active liver disease or repeated blood test results indicating possible liver problems as well as by patients who are allergic to any of its ingredients.
What Happens if I MISS A DOSE?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take only the next regularly scheduled dose.
NOTE: Do not take a double dose of this medication.
What happens if I OVERDOSE
Symptoms of an overdose with Generic Zocor - Simvastatin include diarrhea, nausea, stomach distress, and indigestion. If an overdose is suspected call your health care professional or your local emergency room immediately.
What are the possible SIDE EFFECTS of Generic Zocor - Simvastatin?
If you experience any of the following serious side effects:
- difficulty breathing;
- closing of the throat;
- swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives;
- decreased urine or rust-colored urine;
- blurred visio;
- stop taking Generic Zocor and seek emergency medical attention or contact your health care professional immediately
Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take Generic Zocor and talk to your health care professional if you experience stomach upset:
- heartburn;
- abdominal pain;
- gas;
- bloating;
- nausea;
- constipation or diarrhea;
- insomnia;
- cough;
- headache.
Contact your health care professional immediately if you experience unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness, especially if accompanied by a fever or flulike symptoms or yellowing of the skin or eyes, abdominal pain, unexplained fatigue, dark colored urine or pale colored stools. These may be early symptoms of muscle or liver problems.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
What other drugs can INTERACT with Generic Zocor - Simvastatin?
Generic Zocor - Simvastatin can interact with erythromycin, clarithromycin, Posicor, Lopid, niacin, nefazodone, certain antifungal drugs, and drugs that suppress the immune system (called immunosuppressive drugs, such as Sandimmune).
Some patients taking lipid-lowering agents similar to Generic Zocor and coumarin anticoagulants (a type of blood thinner) have experienced bleeding and/or increased blood clotting time. Patients taking these medicines should have their blood tested before starting therapy with Generic Zocor - Simvastatin and should continue to be monitored.
It is important to tell your health care professional what other drugs you are taking, including those obtained without a prescription.
Additional Informations
Keep this medicine out of the reach of children.
Do not use this medicine for other health conditions.
Do not share this medicine with others for whom it was not prescribed.
Generic Zocor - Simvastatin is only part of a total cholesterol-lowering program. Your physician or dietician can suggest a low-cholesterol and low-fat diet that will reduce your risk of getting heart and blood vessel disease. Avoid alcohol and smoking, and keep a proper exercise schedule.