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Generic Zocor Side Effects

Zocor and its generic equivalent, called simvastatin, are cholesterol-lowering prescription medications classified as statins. They work by limiting the body's production of fatty substances such as cholesterol. Patients with high cholesterol will typically be prescribed a medication like Zocor or simvastatin along with a change in diet and increase in exercise to help bring cholesterol to a more healthy level. For most patients, simvastatin or Zocor are taken orally in pill form once a day.

  1. Non-Serious Side Effects

    • Most people taking Zocor and simvastatin will not experience any side effects, but some people will develop constipation from taking the medication. This is no cause for concern, but it should be reported to your doctor if it becomes bothersome.

    Serious Side Effects

    • In rare cases, patients taking simvastatin or Zocor may develop side effects that could indicate a potential complication that requires medical treatment. Notify your doctor if you experience any of the following: dark urine, chest pain, red or blistered skin, swollen or peeling skin, jaundice, severe or persistent stomach pain, or pale-colored stools.

    Rhabdomyolysis

    • In extremely rare cases, people taking Zocor or simvastatin may develop a very serious and potentially fatal condition called rhabdomyolysis, a condition in which skeletal muscle tissue begins to break down and is released into the bloodstream. Signs of rhabdomyolysis include changes in urine output and muscle pain, weakness or tenderness, especially when experienced in conjunction with a fever and fatigue. Report any signs of rhabdomyolysis to your doctor immediately.

    Allergic Reaction

    • As with all medications, in rare cases people may experience an allergic reaction after taking Zocor or simvastatin. Signs of an allergic reaction include wheezing or difficulty breathing, hives, swelling of the face or mouth and lips, and chest tightness. An allergic reaction to medication should always be treated as a medical emergency.

    Drug Interactions

    • Zocor and simvastatin are known to interfere with the effective of many other drugs. For example, simvastatin is less effective when taken with St. John's wort, bosentan, carbamazepine and rifampin. Patients taking simvastatin with certain azole antifungals, fibrates, danazol, HIV protease inhibitors, diltiazem, Amiodarone, fluconazole, immunosuppressants, imatinib, niacin, nefazodone, macrolide antibiotics, mibefradil, non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors, risperidone, telithromycin, streptogramins, voriconazole, verapamil and vasopressin receptor antagonists are more likely to develop muscle and kidney problems.

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