Zocor is used for:

Lowering high cholesterol and triglycerides in certain patients. Zocor also increases high-density lipoprotein (HDL, “good”) cholesterol levels. Zocor is used along with an appropriate diet. It is used in certain patients to reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, and death due to coronary heart disease. It is also used to reduce the need for medical procedures to open blocked blood vessels. It is also used in certain patients to reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, blood vessel blockage, or chest pain caused by angina. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Simvastatin is an HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor, also known as a “statin.” It works by reducing the production of certain fatty substances in the body, including cholesterol.

Do NOT use Simvastatin if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Simvastatin
• you have liver problems or unexplained abnormal liver function tests
• you are pregnant or breast-feeding
• you are taking a macrolide antibiotic (eg, clarithromycin, erythromycin), an HIV protease inhibitor (eg, ritonavir), itraconazole, ketoconazole, mibefradil, nefazodone, or telithromycin

Before using Simvastatin :

Some medical conditions may interact with Simvastatin . Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are planning to become pregnant
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
• if you have low blood pressure, kidney problems, diabetes, a serious infection, or a history of seizures
• if you have metabolism, hormonal, or electrolyte problems
• if you drink alcohol or have a history of liver problems or alcohol abuse
• if you have recently had major surgery or a serious injury

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Simvastatin . Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

• Amiodarone, certain azole antifungals (eg, itraconazole, ketoconazole), danazol, diltiazem, fibrates (eg, gemfibrozil, clofibrate), fluconazole, HIV protease inhibitors (eg, ritonavir), imatinib, immunosuppressants (eg, cyclosporine), macrolide antibiotics (eg, clarithromycin, erythromycin), mibefradil, nefazodone, niacin, non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (eg, delavirdine), risperidone, streptogramins (eg, dalfopristin), telithromycin, vasopressin receptor antagonists (eg, conivaptan), verapamil, or voriconazole because they may increase the risk of muscle or kidney problems
• Bosentan, carbamazepine, rifampin, or St. John’s wort because they may decrease Simvastatin ‘s effectiveness
• Anticoagulants (eg, warfarin), digoxin, macrolide immunosuppressants (eg, tacrolimus), or spironolactone because the risk of their side effects may be increased by Simvastatin.

How to use Simvastatin :

Use Simvastatin as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• Take Simvastatin by mouth with or without food.
• Eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice may increase the amount of Simvastatin in your blood, which may increase your risk for serious side effects. The risk may be greater with large amounts of grapefruit or grapefruit juice. Avoid large amounts of grapefruit or grapefruit juice (eg, more than one quart daily). Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about including grapefruit or grapefruit juice in your diet while you are taking Simvastatin .
• Continue to take Simvastatin even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses.
• If you miss a dose of Simvastatin , take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Important safety information:

• Drinking alcohol daily or in large amounts may increase the risk of liver problems with Simvastatin . Check with your doctor before drinking alcohol while you are taking Simvastatin .
• Follow the diet and exercise program given to you by your health care provider.
• Tell your doctor or dentist that you take Simvastatin before you receive any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery.
• Women who may become pregnant should use effective birth control while taking Simvastatin . Check with your doctor if you have questions about using birth control.
• Do NOT take more than the recommended dose without checking with your doctor.
• Report any unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness to your doctor right away, especially if you also have a fever or general body discomfort.
• Rarely, changes to the skin, hair, and nails (eg, discoloration, dryness, hair loss) may occur. Check with your doctor if these effects become bothersome or cause you concern.
• Lab tests, including blood cholesterol levels, liver function tests, and creatine phosphokinase (CPK) blood levels, may be performed while you use Simvastatin . These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
• Simvastatin should be used with extreme caution in CHILDREN younger than 10 years old and in those who have not reached puberty; safety and effectiveness in these children have not been confirmed.
• PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: Do not use Simvastatin if you are pregnant. It may cause harm to the fetus. Avoid becoming pregnant while you are taking it. If you think you may be pregnant, contact your doctor right away. It is not known if Simvastatin is found in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Simvastatin .

Possible side effects of Simvastatin :

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

Constipation.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); chest pain; dark urine; muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness (with or without fever and fatigue); pale stools; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin; severe or persistent stomach pain; yellowing of skin or eyes.