I have just begun taking Simvastatin. I have been on cholesterol meds for many years. Doctors say my problem is genetic.
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After reading about the side effects, I am really frightened about these.
I try to eat right and exercise, but to no avail. Tell me about Simvastatin, please.
Answer
Hello dear Sally,
Simvastatin belongs to a group of drugs called “Statins” or: HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors”. It reduces levels of total cholesterol, LDL- cholesterol and triglycerides and increases the level of HLD- cholesterol, which is the “good” cholesterol.
Zocor is used in the following conditions:
1. To lower cholesterol levels
2. To lower triglyceride levels
3. To lower the risk of a stroke
4. To lower the risk of a heart attack
5. To lower the risk of complications in people with certain heart diseases, diabetes, and coronary heart disease.
It should be not used in children under 10 years old. The normal dose range of Zocor is between 7-80mg, depending on the patient’s reaction to the drug.
It must be taken only when prescribed by the doctor, and never longer than the doctor prescribed.
Zocor has unwanted and disturbing side effects, some of which can be life-threatening. Following are the most common side effects of it:
Heartburn, bloating, gas, indigestion, constipation, diarrhea, stomach pain, muscle pain, stomach pain, skin rash, trouble sleeping (insomnia), cold symptoms such as a sore throat, sneezing and a stuffy nose.
Zocor can cause rhabdomyolysis
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You should immediately call your doctor If you have the following symptoms:
1. Unexplained muscle pain or weakness
2. Memory problems, confusion
3. Fever, dry skin, dry mouth, increased thirst
4. Dark colored urine
5. Unexplained tiredness
6. Mild skin rash
7. Joint or muscle pain
8. Pain or burning when urinating
9. Swelling, weight gain, no urination or little urination
It is important to know that Zocor interacts with some medications, by increasing thus the possibility of dangerous side effects. Some of the most common drugs that interact with Zocor is as following:
1. Cyclosporine
2. Danzanol
3. Nefazodone
4. Antibiotic-clarithromycin, erythromycin, telithromycin
5. Antifungal medications- itraconazole, ketoconazole, voriconazole
6. Hepatitis C medications- boceprevir, telaprevir
7. HIV/AIDS medications- fosamprenavir, indinavir, ritonavir, nelfinavir etc.
Also, before starting Zocor therapy, you should tell your doctor if you have a history kidney problems, liver problems, if you have diabetes if you drink alcohol, if pregnant.
Zocor should not be used in pregnant women because It can cause birth defects or it can harm an unborn baby.
Grapefruit and grapefruit juice can interact with this medication, so do not use them while on Zocor therapy.
It is important to know that despite the numerous and frightening side effects if your doctor has prescribed you Zocor this means that the benefits exceed the side effects.
Dr Alba
