Generic Zocor - Simvastatin

This medicine is an HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor or “statin” used in combination with a low-cholesterol and low-fat diet to lower cholesterol (LDL) and triglyceride levels and to raise good cholesterol (HDL) levels in your blood. It may also be used in certain adolescent patients, age 10 to 17 years, who have a genetically caused cholesterol problem. This medicine is not a cure for high cholesterol, but may help to control it. This medicine may also be used in certain patients to reduce the risk of blood vessel blockage, heart attack, stroke, and death due to heart disease. It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.

FOR BEST RESULTS, this medicine should be used along with exercise, a low-cholesterol/low-fat diet, and a weight loss program if you are overweight. FOLLOW THE DIETARY PLAN provided by your doctor. DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others for whom it was not prescribed. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other health conditions. KEEP THIS MEDICINE out of the reach of children and pets. IF USING THIS MEDICINE FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, obtain refills before your supply runs out.

The usual starting dose is 20 to 40 milligrams once a day in the evening. If your cholesterol level or heart attack risk is especially high, the doctor may start with a dose of 40 milligrams. The dosage can be adjusted every 4 weeks. Some people with severe, hereditary high cholesterol may be prescribed as much as 80 milligrams a day, taken in doses of 20, 20, and 40 milligrams, along with other treatments.

Those who have severe kidney disease should use Zocor with caution. The recommended starting dose is 5 milligrams per day.

When combined with cyclosporine, niacin, gemfibrozil, or fenofibrate, the dosage of Zocor should not exceed 10 milligrams a day. When combined with amiodarone, the dosage of Zocor should not exceed 20 milligrams a day.