What Is the Generic Equivalent of Zocor?

Zocor is the brand name of a cholesterol-lowering drug that was patented and manufactured by the pharmaceutical company Merck. A generic form of Zocor was introduced in 2006 when the patent for Zocor expired. Generically, the drug is known as simvastatin.

History

• Prior to 1991, Merck had achieved large financial success with the cholesterol-reducing drug Mervacor. But fearing competition from the Bristol Myers Squibb product Pravachol, Merck developed Zocor as a more potent cholesterol-reducing drug. Zocor was approved for use by the Food and Drug Administration in 1991 and released in 1992. Merck continued to market Zocor exclusively in the United States until the patent on the drug expired in 2006. At that point, the company decreased the price of Zocor to compete with simvastatin.

Function

• Zocor and simvastatin act by blocking cholesterol-producing lipids in the blood to lower a patient's overall cholesterol levels and help prevent heart disease. Because of Zocor's many side effects, drug interactions and warnings, it is typically prescribed only after attempts to control cholesterol levels by means of diet, exercise and weight loss have failed. Zocor and simvastatin are meant to supplement these means of cholesterol control, not to replace them.

Considerations

• Patients who are allergic to the ingredients present in Zocor and simvastatin should not take either drug. These ingredients include cellulose, lactose, starch, iron, titanium dioxide and magnesium stearate. Patients who have liver conditions, women who are or may become pregnant and women who are breastfeeding should not take Zocor or simvastatin.

Interactions

• Patients taking Zocor and simvastatin should not consume grapefruit or any products or supplements derived from grapefruit. Although grapefruit has shown to be effective in helping to achieve weight loss, its presence in the body interferes with the body's ability to break down Zocor and simvastatin. In some patients, this can be life-threatening. Zocor and simvastatin should also not be taken in combination with antifungal or immunosuppressive drugs as well as certain antimicrobial drugs, including erythromycin and clarithromycin. Zocor has shown to have a bad interaction with the antidepressant drug nefazodone, as well as with the drugs Posicor and Lopid and the supplement niacin.

Warning

• Zocor and simvastatin can reduce the effectiveness of the endocrine system and liver, and in higher doses than recommended it has been shown to damage the central nervous system and increase the risk of cancer.

Side Effects

• Side effects can include an allergic reaction, flu-like symptoms, stomach pain, gas, abdominal cramping, nausea, constipation, diarrhea, itching, hair loss, eye and vision problems, insomnia, dizziness, headache and hearing loss.