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Zocor (simvastatin)
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Chronic Care ... Zocor

Zocor (simvastatin) prescriptions available online

Our doctors are here to help. If you are suffering from high cholesterol or are at risk of cardiovascular disease, Zocor (simvastatin) can help. Get a new prescription or refill of Zocor from a board-certified doctor online.*

Several FDA-approved uses Lowers cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood Blood tests may be required before prescription*
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*Prescriptions are provided at the doctor’s discretion. Learn more about our controlled substances policy and how you can save up to 80% with our prescription discount card.
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About Zocor (simvastatin)

Zocor (simvastatin) is a prescription medication used to lower cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood.

 

It is available in a generic formulation, known as simvastatin, as well as under different brand names, including FloLipid.

 

Zocor may be prescribed in tablet or suspension form. It’s always important to follow the specific instructions on your prescription, as they can vary based on the formulation and dosage that you are prescribed. Common side effects of Zocor, occurring in 5% or less of patients, include headache, stomach pain, diarrhea, and muscle pain tenderness. 

 

Your doctor may order blood tests to determine if Zocor is right for you.

 

If you are prescribed Zocor, be sure to complete the full course of the statinunless your doctor specifically tells you to stop. If you don’t complete your prescription, the statinmay not fully treat your high cholesterol or lower your risk of cardiovascular events.

 

Simvastatin belongs to a class of drugs called statins, which is in the family of HMG CoA reductase inhibitors. Statins work by blocking an enzyme in the liver that inhibits the formation of cholesterol in the liver. This leads to a decrease in low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. This leads to a reduction of the amount of LDL cholesterol in the blood, and in turn, decreases the amount of cholesterol that could build-up on artery walls. Statins also increase the liver’s ability to remove LDL cholesterol in the blood. Zocor can raise HDL (high-density lipoprotein) levels.

 

High concentrations of LDL cholesterol increase cardiovascular risk for diseases such as heart attack and stroke. Zocor is known to treat high cholesterol and lower risk of heart attack and other heart complications in people with coronary heart disease or other risk factors. Zocoris available only by prescription.

Zocor uses

There are many FDA-approved uses for Zocor (simvastatin). Your online doctor may prescribe it for any of the following common reasons. It’s also possible that your health care provider may prescribe it for other reasons not listed here. If you have questions about why a medication is prescribed, ask your doctor.

High cholesterol

Along with other lipid lowering treatments such as diet, Zocor is commonly prescribed in order to lower cholesterol levels. High cholesterol levels can lead to heart disease, stroke, and other serious health conditions. Statins like Zocor reduce the amount of LDL (low-density lipoprotein), which is associated with heart disease, in the blood by decreasing cholesterol synthesis. As shown in clinical trials, Zocor can raise HDL (high-density lipoprotein) levels or “good” cholesterol. Additionally, Zocor has been shown to slow plaque buildup in arteries.

Risk of cardiovascular disease

As Zocor can increase HDL (high-density lipoprotein) and reduce LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol levels and plaque buildup in arteries, it has been shown to be effective in reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease such as heart attacks in people with coronary heart disease or other risk factors.

High triglyceride levels

In addition to reducing low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, Zocor can also be prescribed in order to treat high triglyceride levels. Triglycerides are a type of fat found in the blood.

Zocor side effects

The side effects associated with taking Zocor (simvastatin) are typically mild. Zocor has some common side effects. They may include:

  • Constipation

  • Stomach pain

  • Nausea

  • Headache

  • Allergic reaction

  • Cold symptoms (sore throat, sneezing)

    Below are some serious adverse reactions that may be caused by Zocor:

  • Unexplained muscle pain: Unexplained muscle pain, tenderness or weakness may be indicative of the break down of skeletal muscle tissue (rhabdomyolysis) which can lead to kidney failure. There is known increased risk for rhabdomyolysis with increased simvastatin systemic exposure.

  • Liver disease: Zocor and other statins can also cause liver damage in some users. Liver damage includes fatigue, nausea, flu-like symptoms, yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes (jaundice), and dark urine. If you experience any of these symptoms while taking Zocor, call your doctor immediately. Zocor should not be prescribed to patients with active liver disease.

  • Pregnancy: If you get pregnant while taking Zocor, you should stop Zocor and make an appointment with your provider to discuss options regarding medication for high cholesterol. 


Call your doctor or get emergency medical help right away if you have any of the above clinical symptoms or think you have a medical emergency.

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How to take Zocor (simvastatin)

Your pharmacist will provide you with instructions on how to take your Zocor (simvastatin) prescription.

When taking Zocor (simvastatin), you need to eat a low-fat, low-cholesterol diet. Zocor is most effective when used in conjunction with diet therapy, weight loss, and exercise. These lifestyle changes will naturally lower cholesterol in the blood.

Be sure to read your prescription label and follow the instructions. Call your doctor or pharmacy if you have any questions.

Simvastatin comes in tablet form, but a suspension option is also available for those with difficulty swallowing. Be sure to follow the specific instructions on your prescription.

Zocor (simvastatin) tablets are available ranging from:

  • 5 mg

  • 10 mg

  • 20 mg

  • 40 mg

  • 80 mg (maximum dose, FDA recommended limited use of this dosage)

 

Note that FDA has warning of increased risk of myopathy (including rhabdomyolysis) with the 80 mg dose.

Tablets are usually taken once a day in the evening, without food. Your doctor will give you clear instructions on Zocor dosage to avoid adverse effects.

Visit your doctor regularly to get blood tests to monitor the effectiveness of Zocor.

What to avoid while taking Zocor

Talk to your doctor before starting another medication so they can make sure the drugs are compatible and will not have any negative drug interactions. Zocor (simvastatin) belongs to the HMG CoA reductase inhibitors family of drugs. Some other medications that can interact with statins to cause unwanted or dangerous effects are:

 

  • HIV protease inhibitors

  • Other lipid lowering drugs, e.g., Lopid

  • Anticoagulants (blood thinners) such as warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven)

  • Calcium channel blockers such as diltiazem (Cardizem)


This is not a complete list, call your doctor for other drugs that can interact with Zocor.

There are a few things you should avoid while taking Zocor, including:

  • Drinking alcohol as it can increase risk of liver damage

  • Drinking grapefruit juice or eating grapefruit

  • Taking certain other medications or supplements that can interact with Zocor


Avoid breast feeding while on Zocor, as it can enter into the breast milk and affect the nursing infant.

You should also tell your doctor if you:

  • Have active liver disease

  • Have kidney disease

  • Have allergic reaction to statins

  • Have thyroid disorder

Medication alternatives to Zocor

If your healthcare provider prefers to put you on another treatment altogether, they may suggest alternative statin or a medication in another drug class. Here are some common doctor-recommended alternatives based on your health issue:

High cholesterol

Lipitor (atorvastatin) Crestor (rosuvastatin)
Lescol (fluvastatin)
Altoprev (lovastatin) Zetia (ezetimibe)
Pravachol (Pravastatin)

Zocor prescription FAQs

How much does Zocor cost?

The cost of Zocor (Simvastatin) varies depending on the dosage and quantity you need. You can expect to pay around $25 for 30 tablets of 20 mg, depending on your insurance coverage.

How can I refill my Zocor prescription?

Zocor is only available by prescription, so you will need to see a board-certified doctor to get a refill on your prescription. To get started, book a virtual appointment with one of our top rated board-certified doctors. After a qualifying evaluation, your prescription will be sent to your local pharmacy for pickup.

Who should not take Zocor?

Zocor (simvastatin) is not suitable for everyone. You should not take Zocor if you:

  • Are pregnant — Zocor could harm the unborn baby or cause birth defects.

  • Are breastfeeding - Zocor can enter into the breast milk and affect the nursing infant.

  • Have active liver disease

  • Have kidney disease

  • Have allergic reaction to statins

  • Had thyroid disorder

Tell your doctor if you have any of the above conditions before taking Zocor.

What happens if I missed dose of Zocor?

If you miss a dose of Zocor, take it as soon as you remember, unless it is close to the time for your next dose. In this case, skip the missed dose and move on to your next dose, following your usual dosing schedule. Do not take two doses of Zocor at the same time.

What happens if I take too much Zocor?

If you take too much Zocor, you may experience serious adverse reactions such as muscle weakness, unexplained muscle pain, tenderness or weakness, which may be indicative of the break down of skeletal muscle tissue which can lead to kidney failure. Other serious adverse reactions can include: severe stomach pain, allergic reaction.

If you think you have taken too much Zocor and develop symptoms above, call your doctor or local poison control center to get emergency medical help immediately.

Is Zocor or Crestor better?

There is no definitive answer to this question. Zocor and Crestor are effective cholesterol-lowering medications. Talk to your doctor about which medication is right for you.

3 simple steps to request your Zocor prescription today

How It Works Step 1
Step 1

Book a Zocor prescription request appointment.

Book a same day appointment from anywhere.
How It Works Step 2
Step 2

Talk to your medical provider regarding your Zocor prescription.

Visit with a doctor on your smartphone or computer.
How It Works Step 3
Step 3

Pick up your Zocor prescription.

We can send prescriptions to any local pharmacy.

How pricing works

To get a new or refill on your Zocor prescription, join our monthly membership and get discounted visits.

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*If we're unable to treat you, we'll provide a full refund. Please note that any medication or lab work costs are not included. Please refer to our refund policy for additional information.

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PlushCare content is reviewed by MDs, PhDs, NPs, nutritionists, and other healthcare professionals. Learn more about our editorial standards and meet the medical team. The PlushCare site or any linked materials are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice, nor is the information a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment.