Zocor Generic (Simvastatin): Mechanism of Action, Contraindications and Side Effects, Interactions and Warnings, Instructions, Dosage Recommendations, Why Buy Zocor Online at Canadian Pharmacy
CONTENT
- Zocor Mechanism of Action and General Information
- Contraindications, Interactions, and Warnings
- Usage Instructions
- Side Effects and Adverse Reactions
- Zocor Dosage Recommendations
- Why Buy Zocor Online at Canadian Pharmacy
Zocor Mechanism of Action and General Information
Zocor is a medication which is often prescribed to reduce cholesterol levels in a patient’s blood. In addition, it is also capable of regulating the levels of triglycerides (a particular type of fat). Zocor belongs to the class of drugs called HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors. Drugs belonging to this group are also known as “statins.”
The main active component in Zocor is simvastatin. It is obtained through synthesis from the fermentation products of a fungus called Aspergillus terreus. Simvastatin can determine which cholesterol and triglyceride molecules are likely to have a negative impact on the body and focus on reducing their numbers in the blood, simultaneously, it also gives a boost to the production and storage of “good” cholesterol molecules, such as high-density lipoprotein.
Due to its abilities to regulate cholesterol and fat levels, Zocor is often used to reduce the risks of suffering from a stroke, heart attack and similar conditions in patients who are exposed to risk factors for cardiovascular diseases, such as diabetes. Healthcare providers always recommend adopting a healthy lifestyle to get maximum efficiency from Zocor. Patients are advised to stop smoking, lose extra weight and work out on a regular basis to increase the positive effect of Zocor.
Zocor Contraindications, Interactions, and Warnings
It is advisable that you check with your healthcare provider before you start taking Zocor.
Make sure that your doctor is fully aware of your medical history, and tell him/her if you have ever suffered from one or more of the following conditions:
- Liver disorders
- Kidney disorders
- Thyroid disorders
- Diabetes
In addition, you should also tell your medical practitioner if you have Asian origins, particularly if your ancestors were Chinese. Asian people normally have higher responses to statin-based drugs as compared to persons of other descents. This is due to a genetic predisposition to faster metabolism of statins, so Asian patients are more likely to quickly build up the concentration of simvastatin in their blood. Thus, it is important to monitor Asian patients who take Zocor closely to avoid reaching dangerous concentrations of the medication which could potentially lead to overdose.
If you are likely to drink more than two alcoholic beverages during one day while taking Zocor, you should warn your doctor about that so that you can discuss the possible consequences of this interaction for your health. Also, make sure that you avoid eating grapefruit and drinking grapefruit juice during your Zocor treatment because grapefruit is known to significantly boost the metabolism of many medications, including statins. Bear in mind that the average time required to fully clear a glass of grapefruit juice from one’s body is equal to 72 hours, so do not consume grapefruit for at least three days before your Zocor treatment begins and after it is over.
You should use Zocor exactly as prescribed by your doctor to avoid overdose and potentially negative consequences for your health. Do not increase the Zocor dosage of your own accord and do not take the medication for longer than it was prescribed to you. Bear in mind that overdosing on Zocor may lead to the development of life-threatening side effects.
In rare cases, Zocor is known to cause a medical condition which leads to core muscle tissue damage. Sometimes it also results in kidney failure. Seek professional medical attention immediately if you experience muscle pains and unusual weakness, especially if these symptoms are accompanied by fever and dark colored urine.
Zocor is not to be used by pregnant women and nursing mothers because it is known to be capable of doing harm to unborn and nursing babies. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant while using Zocor. Also, if you intend to become pregnant in the foreseeable future, be sure to mention it to your healthcare provider so that he/she can make a fully informed choice whether it is safe for you to take Zocor. Bear in mind that Zocor is not to be used in patients who are less than ten years old.
Zocor may interact with other medications you are currently taking, so it is advisable that you write down all medicines and herbal products you are currently taking before the appointment with your healthcare provider. That way, you can show the list to your doctor and be sure that he/she is fully aware of your current pharmaceuticals intake.
Avoid taking Zocor simultaneously with the following medications:
- Nefazodone
- Danazol
- Cyclosporine
- Gemfibrozil
- HIV/AIDS medications, such as atazanavir, cobicistat, darunavir, fosamprenavir, nelfinavir, ritonavir, saquinavir, and tipranavir
- Hepatitis C drugs, such as telaprevir
- Antifungal medicines, such as itraconazole, ketoconazole, voriconazole
If you do take Zocor with the abovementioned medications, you are likely to increase your chances of suffering from muscle tissue degradation as a result of the interaction.
It is inadvisable that you take Zocor while using heart medications and lomitapide. Tell your healthcare provider if you are currently taking one or more of those pharmaceuticals so that he/she can adjust your Zocor dosage or prescribe you a different medication.
Zocor Generic Usage Instructions
You can find detailed instructions as to how you should Zocor in your Zocor prescribing information. Make sure that you read the prescription label carefully before you start taking Zocor. If you find something unclear or confusing, ask your medical practitioner or local pharmacist for more details.
Do not change the Zocor dosage of your own accord. Do not take the medication longer than recommended by your doctor. Do not stop taking Zocor without consulting your healthcare provider first even if you feel better before the treatment course is over.
Zocor is generally taken once per day, and it is advisable that you take it with your evening meal. If your doctor prescribed for you to take Zocor more than once per day, you should try to take it with meals to avoid stomach irritation and possible gastrointestinal problems. Your daily Zocor dose may have to be adjusted multiple times to ensure maximum safety and efficiency while using Zocor. In addition, you may need to take frequent blood tests at your healthcare provider’s office for the same purpose.
Zocor may be used both on the short-term and long-term basis. If you are supposed to be taking Zocor for a long period of time, there may be times when you will need to temporarily stop taking Zocor, for instance, if you are about to undergo surgery or if a medical emergency occurs. However, do not stop taking this medication before your healthcare provider instructs you to. If your cholesterol levels are quite high, your termination of Zocor treatment could lead to a rapid and dangerous increase in the amount of cholesterol in your blood.
Zocor is a fairly potent medication, but you should follow the complete treatment program to make sure that you are fully benefitting from the drug’s effect. The treatment program involves changing your lifestyle so that it is overall healthier and capable of complementing the beneficial effect of the medication. Ask you healthcare provider for more details on healthy lifestyle habits, but the general recommendations are as following: eat a healthy diet with many organic foods, pay attention to losing extra weight or maintaining your current normal weight, quit smoking, limit your alcohol intake and keep your daily activity levels quite high. Make sure that your workout programs and diet are being supervised by your doctor so that you can be warned about any potentially dangerous actions you are undertaking.
Zocor should be stored at room temperature away from sources of light and moisture. Do not store Zocor in bathroom cabinets. Do not share your Zocor pills with others, even if their symptoms are similar to yours. If you have some Zocor medication left after your treatment course is over, you should dispose of it in a proper way. If you are not sure what is the proper way, ask your local pharmacist or healthcare provider for more details.
When using Zocor, always be careful not to take a bigger Zocor dose by accident. Doing so could lead to negative consequences for your health, including lethally dangerous ones. If you know or suspect that you might have overdosed on Zocor, do not hesitate to seek professional medical help.
If you missed a Zocor dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time to take the next dose, just skip the missed one. Do not take a double dose of Zocor to make up for the one you forgot to take.
Zocor Side Effects and Adverse Reactions
You might be allergic to Zocor, so you should watch out for signs of an allergic reaction to the medication when you first start taking it.
The symptoms of an allergic reaction to Zocor are as following:
- Hives
- Trouble breathing
- Swollen body areas, especially face, throat and tongue
If you experience any of these symptoms shortly after you started taking Zocor, you might be allergic to the medication. Seek professional medical help as soon as possible to make sure that the symptoms do not get worse.
Zocor is associated with core muscle damage in some patients, so you should also keep an eye out for muscle pain and unusual tiredness. If you experience that, consult your healthcare provider immediately because you might need to stop taking the medication.
You should seek professional medical help if you are developing symptoms of liver problems (nausea, appetite loss, exhaustion, upper stomach pain, dark urine, jaundice) or kidney problems (trouble urinating, small amounts of urine, swollen ankles/feet, exhaustion) while taking Zocor.
When you first start taking Zocor, your body may need to adjust itself to the impact of the medication. Thus, some patients report experiencing such Zocor common side effects as headaches, nausea, constipation or stomach pain in the first days of using Zocor. Alternatively, you could also develop symptoms which are similar to those of a common cold: sneezing, sore throat, runny/stuffy nose. As your body adjusts itself to simvastatin effect, these symptoms should go away. If they persist for more than several days or are particularly bothersome, consult your healthcare provider about them. He/she might be able to help you find a way of dealing with the symptoms, change your Zocor dosage or prescribe you a different medication.
This list of Zocor adverse effects is by no means complete. Ask your medical practitioner for more details about possible adverse reactions to this medication. If you happen to experience a side effect which is not mentioned in the usage instructions, you might want to report it directly to the drug manufacturer or respective authorities in your country.
Zocor Dosage Recommendations
Your Zocor dosage should be prescribed to you individually by your healthcare provider. Follow the instructions on the prescription label carefully. Do not change the Zocor dosage you are taking of your own accord.
Generally, the starting dosage for Zocor lies within the 10 mg – 40 mg range. Patients who are going to be using Zocor long-term to prevent coronary heart disease (CHD) usually start with Zocor 10 mg initial dose then they may move on to higher dosages if needed.
If a patient is exposed to high CHD risk due to other medical conditions, such as diabetes, history of strokes, or peripheral vascular disease, the initial dose may be increased to up to 40 mg. The 80 mg dosage is administered in rare cases only when there is clear evidence that the patient has been using Zocor for at least one year without developing any signs of muscle damage.
Depending on the goal and expected duration of your therapy, your Zocor dosage may be individualized and further adjusted by your healthcare provider. Normally, dose adjustments are made at intervals of at least four weeks, but your doctor may find it justified to act otherwise. Lipid tests may have to be performed after the first month of therapy and periodically after that so that there is some evidence of the efficiency (or lack of it) of Zocor. It is advisable that you begin a low cholesterol diet before your Zocor treatment starts and go on with it during and after the treatment course. This may help minimize the daily dose of the medication that you are going to need.
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