Zocor (Generic name : Simvastatin) is a cholesterol-lowering depression, used along with a controlled diet plan to reduce cholesterol levels in the blood. In addition, Zocor can be used along with a diet plan to reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke in diabetics and heart patients (regardless of their cholesterol levels).

• What should my health care professional know before I take Zocor?
• How should I take this medicine?
• What if I miss a dose?
• What drug(s) may interact with Zocor?
• What side effects may I notice from taking Zocor?
• What should I watch for while taking Zocor?
• Where can I keep my medicine?

What should my health care professional know before I take Zocor?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
•an alcohol problem
•any hormone disorder (such as diabetes, under-active thyroid)
•blood salt imbalance
•infection
•kidney disease
•liver disease
•low blood pressure
•muscle disorder or condition
•recent surgery
•seizures (convulsions)
•severe injury
•an unusual or allergic reaction to Zocor, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
•pregnant or trying to get pregnant
•breast-feeding
 
How should I take this medicine?
Take Zocor tablets by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the tablets with a drink of water. If you take the tablets once a day, it is best to take your dose in the evening hours (like with the evening meal) or at bedtime. You may take this medicine with or without food. Do not take Zocor with grapefruit juice; orange juice may be used instead. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.
Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
 
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
 
What drug(s) may interact with Zocor?
Do not take Zocor with any of the following:
•amprenavir
•atazanavir
•clarithromycin
•delavirdine
•erythromycin
•grapefruit juice
•indinavir
•itraconazole
•ketoconazole
•lopinavir; ritonavir
•mibefradil
•nefazodone
•nelfinavir
•ritonavir
•saquinavir
•went yeast
 
What side effects may I notice from taking Zocor?
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
Rare or uncommon:
•dark yellow or brown urine
•decreased urination, difficulty passing urine
•fever
•muscle pain, tenderness, cramps, or weakness
•redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
•skin rash, itching
•unusual tiredness or weakness
•yellowing of the skin or eyes
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
•constipation
•headache
•upset stomach, indigestion, gas, heartburn
 
What should I watch for while taking Zocor?
Visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. You will need to have regular tests to make sure your liver is working properly.
Tell your prescriber or health care professional as soon as you can if you get any unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness, especially if you also have a fever and tiredness.
Some medicines increase the risk of muscle side effects while taking Zocor. Discuss your drug regimen with your health care provider if you are prescribed certain antibiotics or antifungals which are not recommended to be taken with Zocor (examples: clarithromycin, erythromycin, itraconazole, ketoconazole). Your prescriber may decide to temporarily stop taking Zocor while you are taking a short course of the antibiotic or antifungal therapy. Alternatively, your health care provider may prescribe another antibiotic or antifungal medicine for your condition.
Zocor is only part of a total cholesterol-lowering program. Your physician or dietician can suggest a low-cholesterol and low-fat diet that will reduce your risk of getting heart and blood vessel disease. Avoid alcohol and smoking, and keep a proper exercise schedule.
If you are going to have surgery tell your prescriber or health care professional that you are taking Zocor.
 
Where can I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.
Store at room temperature between 5-30 degrees C (41-86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.