Zocor, whose generic name is simvastatin, is in a class of medications called HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors or statins. It is used to treat high cholesterol and high triglycerides in your blood. Drugs.com states that Zocor, which is normally prescribed to lower the risk of heart attack and stroke in patients with medical conditions such as coronary heart disease and diabetes, can cause elevated liver enzymes.
Liver Enzymes
Elevated liver enzymes may indicate damage to cells in the liver, according to MayoClinic.com. Your liver is able to metabolize regular doses of Zocor without problems, but exposure of the liver to high doses of Zocor can cause injury to liver cells. Consult your doctor or pharmacist before increasing Zocor dosage. Your doctor may order regular blood tests and liver function tests to monitor the health of your liver during Zocor therapy.
Symptoms
When taking Zocor, be aware of symptoms of liver inflammation or damage so that you can seek immediate treatment. If your liver becomes injured by Zocor, you may experience upper-right abdominal pain, nausea, loss of appetite, itching, dark urine, clay colored stool, and yellowing of the skin and eyes.
Administration
Zocor is available as a tablet. Take the tablet with a full glass of water with the evening meal, according to PubMed Health, which also recommends that you avoid drinking large amounts of grapefruit juice while taking Zocor. Grapefruit contains chemicals that interfere with the breakdown of Zocor. Eat a low-fat and low-cholesterol diet while on Zocor therapy. Avoid drinking alcohol while taking Zocor -- a combination of Zocor and excess alcohol may cause liver damage.
Effects
When taking Zocor, you may experience common side effects such as upset stomach, nausea, constipation, headache, muscle and joint pain, stuffy nose, sore throat and insomnia. Consult your doctor if these side effects do not go away during treatment. Adverse effects of Zocor include breathing difficulties, chest pain, skin rash, muscle pain and pain during urination. Seek immediate medical attention if you notice these adverse symptoms.
