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Usage: Lowering blood cholesterol levels and thereby reducing the risk of stroke, heart attack, and heart disease. Zocor may also be used to lower triglycerides. Zocor is a "statin." It works by blocking a certain chemical that is necessary for your body to manufacture cholesterol.
Directions: Use Zocor as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions. Zocor may be taken with or without food. Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice at the same time you take Zocor . This may increase the amount of Zocor in your blood, which may increase your risks for serious side effects. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before including grapefruit or grapefruit juice in your diet while you are taking this medicine. If you are also taking cholestyramine, you should take the cholestyramine in the morning and Zocor in the evening to minimize any drug interactions. Cholestyramine can reduce the amount of Zocor in your blood, which will decrease its effectiveness. Zocor comes with an additional patient leaflet. Read it carefully and reread it each time you get Zocor refilled. In general, take Zocor in the evening. Zocor is most effective when used with exercise and a diet that reduces the intake of cholesterol (fat) and saturated fats. Continue taking Zocor even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses. Most people with high cholesterol do not feel sick. If you miss a dose of Zocor , 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. Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Zocor .
Precautions: Because Zocor may damage the liver, your doctor may order a blood test to check your liver enzyme levels before you start taking the drug. Blood tests will probably be done before your treatment is started and at periodic intervals for a year after your final dosage increase. If your liver enzyme levels rise too high, your doctor may tell you to stop taking Zocor. Since Zocor may cause damage to muscle tissue, be sure to tell your doctor of any unexplained muscle tenderness, weakness, or pain right away, especially if you also have a fever or feel sick. Your doctor may want to do a blood test to check for signs of muscle damage. If you are scheduled for major surgery, your doctor will have you stop taking Zocor a few days before the operation.
Side Effects: Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine whether it is safe for you to continue taking Zocor. More common side effects may include:Abdominal pain, headache.
Drug Interactions: Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Zocor . Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following: Bosentan, rifampin, or St. John's wort because the effectiveness of Zocor may be decreased. Amiodarone, azole antifungals (eg, itraconazole), clofibrate, cyclosporine, danazol, delavirdine, diltiazem, fluconazole, gemfibrozil, HIV protease inhibitors (eg, ritonavir), imatinib, ketolides (eg, telithromycin), macrolides (eg, erythromycin), nefazodone, niacin, streptogramins (eg, quinupristin/dalfopristin), verapamil, and voriconazole because side effects, such as muscle weakness and aching, may occur. Warfarin because side effects, including increased risk of bleeding, may be increased by Zocor This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Zocor may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.
If You Take Too Much: If OVERDOSE is suspected: Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center (http://www.aapcc.org/findyour.htm), or emergency room immediately.
Missed Dose: If you miss a dose of Zocor , 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.
Storage: Store Zocor between 41 and 86 degrees F (5 and 30 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Zocor out of the reach of children and away from pets.
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