Zocor is a medication used to lower cholesterol by blocking the production of specific cholesterol fats in the body. According to Drugs.com, Zocor reduces LDL cholesterol and total cholesterol in the blood. By reducing cholesterol, an individual can prevent heart disease or the hardening of the arteries, conditions that can lead to a heart attack, stroke or vascular disease. There may be other uses for this medication, as well. As with any medication, Zocor has the risk of side effects.
Rare Side Effects
According to Drugs.com, in few instances, the use of Zocor can result in an abnormal breakdown of skeletal muscle tissues that leads to kidney failure. EMedTV.com suggests that there are other rare side effects that occur in fewer than 1 percent of people who use the medication. These include joint pain, serious breakdown of the muscles, memory loss, insomnia, depression, anxiety, breast development in males, pancreatitis, hepatitis, exacerbated cataracts, itchy skin, unexplained rash, eczema, impotence or vertigo.
Interaction with Grapefruit Juice
Users of Zocor should not consume grapefruit juice, because it can increase the risk of developing serious muscle problems. Grapefruit juice also can increase the levels of Zocor in the blood. EMedTV.com explains that grapefruit juice increases levels of Zocor in the blood nearly 12-fold, even with as little as one glass a day.
Common Side Effects
Several common side effects are possible with the use of Zocor. According to eMedTV.com, these may include headache, abdominal pain, general weakness, constipation, diarrhea, indigestion, gas, nausea, upper respiratory infection or muscle pain. If muscle pain, tenderness or weakness are accompanied by fever or feeling ill, eMedTV.com warns users to seek immediate medical attention, as this can be a sign of serious illness.
Complications
The use of Zocor in people with certain health conditions can lead to an exacerbation of symptoms. Such health concerns, according to eMedTV.com, include heart disease, liver problems, kidney problems, diabetes, high cholesterol, heart attack, stroke, hypothyroidism, seizures or any allergies. Women who are pregnant, breastfeeding or thinking of becoming pregnant should not use Zocor, as it is rated a pregnancy category X, according to eMedTV.com. This means the medication can potentially harm your unborn or nursing infant.
