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Side Effects of Zocor on the Pancreas

Zocor is the brand name of the generic drug simvastatin. It is prescribed to people with high cholesterol levels to help reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke. Zocor blocks a liver enzyme required for cholesterol production.

  1. Common Side Effects

    • The most common side effects linked to Zocor use include headaches, elevated liver enzymes, muscle pain, indigestion and abdominal pain, nausea and diarrhea.

    Pancreas Inflammation

    • Zocor and other statin drugs also can cause a side effect of inflammation of the pancreas, called pancreatitis.

    Pancreatitis Symptoms

    • Symptoms of pancreatitis include middle or right upper abdominal pain that may radiate to the back. Pancreatitis also can cause nausea, vomiting and fever.

    Incidence

    • According to a study published in "Drug Safety" in 2006, one of every 300,000 individuals taking a statin drug like Zocor for one year is likely to develop pancreatitis.

    Considerations

    • All statins can cause pancreatitis, so changing from Zocor to a different statin medication will not change the risk.

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