Generic Zocor - Simvastatin

Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
Take Zocor with a full glass of water. Zocor is usually taken at bedtime or with an evening meal. If you take Zocor several times daily, take it with meals. Follow your doctor’s instructions.

To be sure this medication is helping your condition, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. Your liver function may also need to be tested. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.

Zocor is only part of a complete program of treatment that also includes diet, exercise, and weight control. Follow your diet, medication, and exercise routines very closely.

You may need to take Zocor on a long-term basis for the treatment of high cholesterol.
Store Zocor at room temperature, protected from moisture, heat, and light.

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to simvastatin, if you are pregnant or breast-feeding, or if you have liver disease.

Before taking Zocor, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

• diabetes;
• underactive thyroid;
• kidney disease; or
• a muscle disorder.

If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to use Zocor, or you may need a dosage adjustment or special tests during treatment.
FDA pregnancy category X. This medication can cause birth defects. Do not use this medication if you are pregnant. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant during treatment. Use an effective form of birth control while you are using this medication. It is not known whether Zocor passes into breast milk. Do not take this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. Zocor is not for use in children younger than 10 years of age.

Take this medication by mouth usually once daily in the evening, with or without food. Certain medical conditions (e.g., familial hypercholesterolemia) may require more frequent dosage instructions as directed by your doctor.

Dosage is based on your medical condition, response to therapy, and use of certain interacting medicines. Many of the drugs listed in the Drug Interactions section may increase the chances of muscle injury when used with simvastatin. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.

Avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice while being treated with this medication unless your doctor instructs you otherwise. Grapefruit juice can increase the amount of certain medications in your bloodstream. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.

If you also take certain other drugs to lower your cholesterol (bile acid-binding resins such as cholestyramine or colestipol), take simvastatin at least 1 hour before or at least 2 hours after these medications.

Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. Remember to use it at the same time each day. It may take up to 4 weeks before the full benefit of this drug takes effect.

It is important to continue taking this medication even if you feel well. Most people with high cholesterol or triglycerides do not feel sick.