Name: Zocor (Simvastatin)
Purpose: To decrease total cholesterol, LDL, & triglycerides, and to raise HDL.
Action: Zocor inhibits an enzyme necessary to produce cholesterol in the liver. It also facilitates the removal of LDL cholesterol from the blood.
Dose: The recommended dosing range is 5 – 80 mg orally at bedtime. The Doctor wants you to start at ______mg. This dose may need to be adjusted depending on your response.
You should not take Zocor if any of the following apply:
§ You have active liver disease or unexplained elevated liver enzymes.
§ Females who are pregnant, nursing, or likely to conceive.
§ You take Erythromycin-type antibiotics (eg. Erytab, E-mycin, or Biaxin).
§ You take the immunosuppressant Cyclosporine (Sandimmune or Neoral).
§ You take azole-type antifungal drugs (eg. Sporonox, Nizoral, or Diflucan).
§ You take the antidepressant Serzone (Nefazodone) or HIV protease inhibitors.§ You should be cautious about taking Zocor with Amiodarone, Verapamil, Lopid (Gemfibrozil), Tricor, or high doses of Niacin (Niaspan); however, combinations of these medications may be ordered by the Lipid MD with careful monitoring.
Possible side effects:
Zocor is generally well tolerated. Call your doctor or the cholesterol clinic if you have: GI problems, rash, fatigue, cold/flu symptoms, muscle aches, headache, or dizziness. Report muscle pain and brown urine to us immediately, particularly if accompanied by fever and/or weakness.
Lab tests:
In addition to a lipid profile, the blood tests AST and ALT will be done periodically to help assess liver function.
Special instructions:
§ Do not drink grapefruit juice while taking this medication.
§ Always take the prescribed amount of medicine.
§ Avoid substantial use of alcohol.
§ Have lab tests done promptly when ordered to avoid risks.
§ If you are taking Coumadin, prothrombin times should be monitored closely.
PRECAUTION:
Women capable of childbearing must have a pregnancy test (serum HCG) before starting this medication. This is a category X drug and not recommended for use during pregnancy or lactation.