Zocor Side Effects
Zocor, a cholesterol-lowering drug, is associated with many side effects. Severe side effects occur in about 1 to 2 percent of users. Doctors prescribe Zocor to people with dangerously-high cholesterol levels whose efforts to lower these levels through diet and exercise have not worked. Zocor can reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke, and prevent the progression of heart disease in those who already have it.
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Identification
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Zocor, with the generic name simvastatin, is in a class of drugs called statins which inhibit a liver enzyme necessary for the production of cholesterol. Zocor should not be used by people with liver problems, because statins can cause elevation of other liver enzymes. The enzymes usually return to normal when Zocor use is discontinued. People who consume large amounts of alcohol should use Zocor with caution. This drug should also not be used by breastfeeding or pregnant women, or anyone who may become pregnant, because it can cause birth defects.
Types
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Zocor can cause myopathy, an abnormal condition of the muscle tissues. Drug-induced myopathy can appear from days to months after beginning Zocor, and patients with this condition most commonly have symptoms of progressive muscle weakness or pain, along with fatigue.
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Warning
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In addition, Zocor can cause a serious disorder called rhabdomyolysis, which often results in kidney damage. In this disorder, skeletal muscles break down and release a protein called myoglobin into the bloodstream, where it becomes filtered by the kidneys. Myoglobin may obstruct kidney structure and cause renal impairment or renal failure. People who have muscle pain or weakness, dark-colored urine, a fever, or flu symptoms, while taking Zocor should discontinue use and tell their doctor immediately.
Considerations
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Zocor also can interact negatively with other drugs. People taking anticoagulants sometimes experience unexplained bleeding or increased clotting time. Zocor also can interact with certain cholesterol-lowering drugs, antibiotics, antifungals, immune system suppressants, and calcium channel blockers, as well as niacin (vitamin B3). Interaction with any of these drugs can increase the risk of muscle breakdown.
Effects
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The most common side effects associated with Zocor are headache, nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain, muscle pain and elevated liver enzymes. A very large number of less common side effects is associated with Zocor, including dizziness, headache, insomnia, depression, memory loss, skin rash, blurred vision, and others. Some people also are allergic to Zocor. Please see the Resources section below for a link that provides a list of all the symptoms.
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