Zocor  Information
Simvastatin is a prescription drug that is indicated as an addition to diet for many patients with high cholesterol. For patients at high risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) because of existing heart disease, diabetes, vascular disease, or history of stroke, Simvastatin is indicated along with diet to reduce the risk of death by reducing coronary death; reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke; and reduce the need for revascularization procedures

Zocor  Directions
Take Simvastatin exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you. Take each dose with a full glass of water. For the greatest effect, Simvastatin is usually taken at bedtime or with an evening meal. Follow your doctor's instructions

Zocor  Side Effects
SIMVASTATIN should not be used by patients who are allergic to any of its ingredients. In addition to the active ingredient simvastatin, each tablet contains the following inactive ingredients: cellulose, lactose, magnesium stearate, iron oxides, talc, titanium dioxide, and starch. Butylated hydroxyanisole is added as a preservative. Side effects: Digestive System: Constipation, diarrhea, upset stomach, gas, heartburn, stomach pain/cramps, anorexia, loss of appetite, nausea, inflammation of the pancreas, hepatitis, jaundice, fatty changes in the liver, and, rarely, severe liver damage and failure, cirrhosis, and liver cancer. Muscle, Skeletal: Muscle cramps, aches, pain, and weakness; joint pain; muscle breakdown. Nervous System: Dizziness, headache, insomnia, tingling, memory loss, damage to nerves causing weakness and/or loss of sensation and/or abnormal sensations, anxiety, depression, tremor, loss of balance, psychic disturbances. Skin: Rash, itching, hair loss, dryness, nodules, discoloration. Eye/Senses: Blurred vision, altered taste sensation, progression of cataracts, eye muscle weakness. Hypersensitivity (Allergic) Reactions: On rare occasions, a wide variety of symptoms have been reported to occur either alone or together in groups (referred to as a syndrome) that appeared to be based on allergic-type reactions, which may rarely be fatal. These have included 1 or more of the following: a severe generalized reaction that may include shortness of breath, wheezing, digestive symptoms, and low blood pressure and even shock; an allergic reaction with swelling of the face, lips, tongue, and/or throat with difficulty swallowing or breathing; symptoms mimicking lupus (a disorder in which a persons immune system may attack parts of his or her own body); severe muscle and blood vessel inflammation, sometimes including rash; bruises; various disorders of blood cells (that could result in anemia, infection, or blood clotting problems) or abnormal blood tests; inflamed or painful joints; hives; fatigue and weakness; sensitivity to sunlight; fever, chills; flushing; difficulty breathing; and severe skin disorders that vary from rash to a serious burn-like shedding of skin all over the body, including mucous membranes such as the lining of the mouth. Other: Loss of sexual desire, breast enlargement, impotence. Precaution: Patients with liver problems: SIMVASTATIN should not be used by patients with active liver disease or repeated blood test results indicating possible liver problems. Women who are or may become pregnant: Pregnant women should not take SIMVASTATIN because it may harm the fetus. Women of childbearing age should not take SIMVASTATIN unless it is highly unlikely that they will become pregnant. If a woman does become pregnant while on SIMVASTATIN, she should stop taking the drug and talk to her doctor at once. Women who are breast-feeding should not take SIMVASTATIN.

The generic alternative is not manufactured by the company that makes the brand product.