Zocor, which is Merck's trade name for the drug simvastatin, is an antilipemic, which is a medication used to lower low-density lipoproteins, triglycerides, and overall total cholesterol. Zocor has the added benefit of increasing high-density lipoproteins which is considered to be good cholesterol. The National Institute of Health indicates that Zocor should be used in conjunction with diet modification to help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease as a complication of high cholesterol.
General Side Effects
People taking Zocor commonly report feeling fatigued. This adverse effect can be minimized by taking Zocor in the evening. Muscle and joint pain may occur while taking Zocor and should be reported to a physician immediately. These symptoms are more common and intense when Zocor is taken with another antilipemic.
Central Nervous System Side Effects
Zocor may cause some people to feel dizzy; vertigo is also possible. Headache and muscle weakness may be side effects as well as insomnia.
Cardiovascular and Respiratory Side Effects
Patients taking Zocor have reported experiencing chest pain. Any incidence of chest pain should be reported to a physician.
Zocor commonly causes upper respiratory tract infections. Patients may experience rhinitis and cough. Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath should be reported to a physician immediately.
Gastrointestinal Side Effects
The NIH reports that the most commonly reported adverse reactions from taking Zocor are abdominal pain, nausea and constipation. Heartburn, flatulence and diarrhea may also be experienced. Zocor may cause elevations in liver enzymes; patients should have baseline liver function tests prior to beginning therapy and have periodic checks while taking Zocor.
Warnings
Zocor can significantly raise serum transaminases (AST and ALT liver enzymes) especially when it is used with other lipid-lowering medications. Symptoms of elevated liver enzymes are muscle pain, joint pain and jaundice. Patients who take Zocor should report such symptoms to their physicians and obtain lab work as directed. Severe adverse reactions can occur from elevated liver enzymes such as myopathy (skeletal muscle toxicity), rhabdomyolysis (rapid break down of skeletal muscle, which affects the kidneys) and altered liver function.
References
- The National Institute of Health Daily Med Sheet
- Pearson Nurse's Drug Guide 2010; Wilson, B. A., Shannon, T. M., & Shields, K. M.; 2010.
