Zocor (simvastatin) is a member of the statin family, a drug that lowers production of cholesterol. It is used in cases of high cholesterol to lower LDL, or “bad” cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood, and raise levels of HDL, or “good” cholesterol. High blood levels of cholesterol are dangerous in that they can form plaque, a substance that can block arteries. The coronary arteries carry oxygenated blood from the aorta to the heart muscle. When they are blocked oxygenated blood cannot reach heart tissue in sufficient amounts to oxygenate the heart, and loss of heart muscle can result. When arteries leading to the brain become blocked, the blood cannot carry enough oxygen to brain cells, and a cerebrovascular accident, or stroke, results.
Dosage–Simvastatin is taken by mouth in tablet form, from 5 to 40 mg per day.
Common Side Effects:
- Headache
- Sleep difficulty
- Muscle aches, tenderness, or weakness (myalgia)
- Sleepiness
- Dizziness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Abdominal cramping pain
- Bloating or feeling of gas
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Rash
- Abnormally low platelet counts (blood cells that form clots)
Because of the side effects, routine use of statins for high cholesterol is not recommended anymore. It should only be prescribed when a patient is deemed high risk for cardiovascular events (like heart attacks and strokes) by your doctor based on certain criteria.
What Does Cost–according to rxsaver.com, Genius Rx offers a bottle of 90 simvastatin tablets, 20 mg, for $7.20.
Did you know? QuickMD can treat your high cholesterol in the comfort of your own home, and prescribe simvastatin online.