Zocor (Simvastatin) Patient Information: How Should I Take the Drug at RxList

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May 27, 2012

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Heart Attack »

Heart attack facts

A heart attack results when a blood clot completely obstructs a coronary artery supplying blood to the heart muscle and heart muscle dies.
The blood clot that causes the heart attack usually forms at the site of rupture of an atherosclerotic, cholesterol plaque on the inner wall of a coronary artery.
The most common symptom of heart attack is chest pain.
The most common complications of a heart attack are heart failure and ventricular fibrillation.
The risk factors for atherosclerosis and heart attack include elevated cholesterol levels, increased blood pressure, tobacco use, diabetes, male gender, and a family history of heart attacks at an early age.
Heart attacks are diagnosed with electrocardiograms and measurement of cardiac enzymes in blood.
Early reopening of blocked coronary arteries reduces the amount of damage to the heart and im...

Read the Heart Attack article »

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Zocor Patient Information including How Should I Take

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking simvastatin (Zocor)?

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to simvastatin, if you are pregnant or breast-feeding, or if you have liver disease.

Before taking simvastatin, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

diabetes;
underactive thyroid;
kidney disease; or
a muscle disorder.

If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take simvastatin.

FDA pregnancy category X. This medication can cause birth defects. Do not use simvastatin if you are pregnant. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant during treatment. Use an effective form of birth control while you are using this medication.

It is not known whether simvastatin passes into breast milk. Do not take simvastatin without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Simvastatin is not for use in children younger than 10 years of age.

How should I take simvastatin (Zocor)?

Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Take simvastatin with a full glass of water.

Simvastatin is usually taken at bedtime or with an evening meal. If you take simvastatin several times daily, take it with meals. Follow your doctor's instructions.

To be sure this medication is helping your condition, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. Your liver function may also need to be tested. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.

In rare cases, simvastatin can cause a condition that results in the breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue. This condition can lead to kidney failure. Call your doctor at once if you have unexplained muscle pain or tenderness, muscle weakness, fever or flu symptoms, and dark colored urine.

Simvastatin is only part of a complete program of treatment that also includes diet, exercise, and weight control. Follow your diet, medication, and exercise routines very closely.

You may need to take simvastatin on a long-term basis for the treatment of high cholesterol.

Store simvastatin at room temperature, protected from moisture, heat, and light.

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