Brand Names: Zocor

Generic Name: simvastatin (Pronunciation: SIM va sta tin)

• What is simvastatin (Zocor)?
• What are the possible side effects of simvastatin (Zocor)?
• What is the most important information I should know about simvastatin (Zocor)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking simvastatin (Zocor)?
• How should I take simvastatin (Zocor)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Zocor)?
• What happens if I overdose (Zocor)?
• What should I avoid while taking simvastatin (Zocor)?
• What other drugs will affect simvastatin (Zocor)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is simvastatin (Zocor)?

Simvastatin is in a group of drugs called HMG CoA reductase inhibitors, or "statins." Simvastatin reduces levels of "bad" cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein, or LDL) and triglycerides in the blood, while increasing levels of "good" cholesterol (high-density lipoprotein, or HDL).

Simvastatin is used to lower cholesterol and triglycerides (types of fat) in the blood.

Simvastatin is also used to lower the risk of stroke, heart attack, and other heart complications in people with diabetes, coronary heart disease, or other risk factors

Simvastatin is used in adults and children who are at least 10 years old.

Simvastatin may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Simvastatin 10 mg-COB

round, peach, imprinted with SV 10, LOGO

Simvastatin 10 mg-TEV

round, pink, imprinted with 93, 7153

Simvastatin 20 mg-COB

round, peach, imprinted with SV 20, LOGO

Simvastatin 20 mg-TEV

round, pink, imprinted with 93, 7154

Simvastatin 40 mg-COB

round, pink, imprinted with SV 40, LOGO

Simvastatin 40 mg-TEV

round, pink, imprinted with 93, 7155

Simvastatin 5 mg-COB

round, white, imprinted with LOGO, SV 5

Simvastatin 5 mg-TEV

round, yellow, imprinted with 93, 7152

Simvastatin 80 mg-COB

oblong, pink, imprinted with SV 80, LOGO

Simvastatin 80 mg-TEV

oblong, pink, imprinted with 93, 7156

Zocor 10 mg

oval, orange, imprinted with MSD 735

Zocor 20 mg

oval, brown, imprinted with MSD 740

Zocor 40 mg

oval, red, imprinted with MSD 749, ZOCOR

Zocor 5 mg

shield, yellow, imprinted with ZOCOR, MSD 726

Zocor 80 mg

oblong, red, imprinted with 543, 80

What are the possible side effects of simvastatin (Zocor)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop taking simvastatin and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness;
• fever, unusual tiredness, and dark colored urine;
• pain or burning when you urinate;
• swelling, weight gain, urinating less than usual or not at all; or
• nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

Less serious side effects may include:

• headache;
• joint pain, mild muscle pain;
• constipation, stomach pain or indigestion, mild nausea;
• mild skin rash;
• sleep problems (insomnia); or
• cold symptoms such as stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Read the Zocor (simvastatin) Side Effects Center for a complete guide to possible side effects »

What is the most important information I should know about simvastatin (Zocor)?

In rare cases, simvastatin can cause a condition that results in the breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue, leading to kidney failure. Call your doctor right away if you have unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness especially if you also have fever, unusual tiredness, and dark colored urine.

There are many other drugs that should not be used together with simvastatin. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. Keep a list of all your medicines and show it to any healthcare provider who treats you.

Before taking simvastatin, tell your doctor if you have ever had liver or kidney disease, diabetes, or a thyroid disorder, if you are of Chinese descent, or if you drink more than 2 alcoholic beverages daily.

Grapefruit and grapefruit juice may interact with simvastatin and lead to potentially dangerous effects. Do not drink more than 1 quart of grapefruit juice daily.