Zocor

Simvastatin is the generic name of Zocor, a drug used to lower cholesterol. Patients with very high cholesterol levels may also be prescribed with Zocor along with a cholesterol-lowering diet.

Zocor lessens the risks of stroke, mini stroke, and heart attack in people who have heart disease and high cholesterol. Further, the drug can even hold off a patient’s need to undergo angioplasty or bypass surgery. Zocor also works to reduce such risks in patients who have had stroke, and are diagnosed with peripheral vascular problem or diabetes.

Zocor medicine is normally prescribed to patients only after their cholesterol level has been proven to be unresponsive to exercise, weight loss, and diet. It should be noted that the medication should be taken as a supplement, and should not take the place of these natural measures. In order to obtain the optimum benefits of the drug, patients are required to adhere to the exercise and diet program recommended by their doctors. Each of these efforts is essential because, along with Zocor, they may reduce the risks of heart disease.

Zocor medication should be taken exactly as instructed by the doctor. In case of a missed dose, the patient should take it right when she remembers it. However, if it’s about time for the next dose, the missed one shouldn’t be taken, but the regular schedule should be followed instead.

Due to the fact that Zocor may cause damage to the liver, the doctor may run some tests to ensure that the patient’s levels of liver enzyme are normal before prescribing the drug. Otherwise, and in cases where there is active liver problem, allergies to the drug, or if the patient is pregnant or is planning on becoming one, Zocor may not be prescribed to the patient.

The drug may also damage muscle tissues. Thus, patients who experience weakness, pain, muscle tenderness, or who develop fever, should consult their doctors. Blood test may be done to determine if muscle damage is present. Those who will be undergoing surgery may be asked to stop using Zocor prior the operation.

Zocor has the tendency to augment the effects of certain drugs like Lanoxin and Coumadin. Using the medication along with these types of drugs may increase the likelihood of damage to the muscle tissues. Thus, the doctor should be informed about any medication, herbal product, vitamins, and supplements, which the patient may also be taking.

Patients with high levels of cholesterol will be advised to adhere to a cholesterol-lowering prior taking Zocor medication. If the diet and the exercise plan fail to benefit the patient, the medicine is prescribed to the patient. However, patients on medication are still advised to continue following the recommended diet. Zocor doses vary according to each patient’s needs.

Zocor side effects do not happen in all patients. However, common but minor side effects may occur, such as: nausea, minor stomach pain, bloating, constipation, heartburn, and diarrhea.

Some people may experience the more serious side effects, which include: weakness, muscle tenderness and pain, and flu-like symptoms. Allergic reactions like swelling of the lips, face, throat, or tongue, difficulty in breathing, or hives, may be felt by others. If any of these symptoms happen, patients should seek medical help at once.

Although the dose of the medication is tailored according to the needs of each patient, overdose is still likely to happen. And while an overdose of the drug has not been found to be life-threatening, immediate medical attention should still be sought.

High levels of cholesterol come with several grave complications. It is a good thing that Zocor exists to help us battle this disease.