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Zocar Medication Side Effects

Zocar or Zocor is a prescription medication used to treat high cholesterol. Despite its effectiveness, Zocor poses the risk for side effects in some patients.

  1. Significance

    • According to clinical studies published by the FDA, approximately 1 to 4 percent of patients who take Zocor discontinue use due to its side effects.

    Types of Common Side Effects

    • Common side effects of Zocor include bronchitis, eczema, vertigo, insomnia, irritation of the stomach lining, abdominal pain, swelling of your extremities, constipation, muscle pain, sinus or urinary tract infections and headaches.

    Risks

    • Some patients develop rhabdomyolysis from Zocor, causing a breakdown of muscle tissue and potential kidney failure. Certain antifungal medications, antibiotics and drugs used for the treatment of HIV symptoms increase your risk of developing rabdomyolysis.

    Warning

    • Serious allergic reactions are possible while taking Zocor. These include shortness of breath, racing heartbeat, swelling of the extremities, anaphylactic shock, Stevens-Johnson Syndrome and other potentially fatal skin infections or sudden death.

    Considerations

    • Because Zocor causes toxic effects upon fetuses, doctors rarely prescribe the drug for pregnant women. If you are at risk for developing diabetes, taking Zocor may cause you to develop the disease.

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