Zocor (simvastatin) prescriptions available online today

Zocor is used to help decrease cholesterol production, as well as reducing the risk of cardiovascular associated complications.

Zocor is prescribed for:

• Lowering high cholesterol

• Lowering the risk of cardiovascular problems and death

Zocor is the brand name for simvastatin, a drug that belongs to a class of medications called HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, or statins. Simvastatin works by blocking the enzymes that are needed to make cholesterol, and slows the production of cholesterol in the body. This leads to a reduction of the amount of cholesterol in the blood, and in turn, decreases the amount of cholesterol that could build-up on artery walls. This cholesterol build-up is what leads to health problems as time goes on and more and more cholesterol builds up. The cholesterol collection may block blood flow through the arteries and prevent blood from flowing to the heart, brain, or other parts of the body. High concentrations of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, in particular, is associated with cardiac complications like:

• Artery damage

• Heart attack

• Stroke

• Death

Zocor has a generic form available called simvastatin. A generic drug is a replication of the same exact drug as the brand-name version. Simvastatin, the generic version of Zocor, and all generic forms of drugs, in general, are as safe and effective as the brand-name version. They typically cost less as well.

Zocor and Lipitor are similar drugs, in that they both are statins. They are both approved by the FDA to lower high cholesterol as well as lower the risk of cardiovascular problems.

Zocor contains simvastatin, and Lipitor contains atorvastatin. No clinical studies have compared the two drugs directly, but they both aim to do the same thing, and both have been found to be effective at doing so.

Your doctor will be able to determine which of the two medications would be more beneficial for you based on the following factors. A Zocor or Lipitor prescription will depend on variables like your:

• Age

• Cholesterol levels

• Risk of cardiovascular problems

Typically, Zocor costs less than Lipitor, but the price will depend on your insurance plan and the pharmacy that you use.

Zocor comes in tablet form, but a suspension option is also available for those with difficulty swallowing

Zocor tablets are available ranging from:

• 5 mg

• 10 mg

• 20 mg

• 40 mg

• 80 mg

Tablets are usually taken once a day in the evening, without food. Your doctor will give you clear instructions on Zocor dosage and make sure that you understand how to properly use this medication before starting a new regimen. Never take more or less of your Zocor prescription, as it could lead to adverse effects.

Like all medications, Zocor has side effects. Here are the most common Zocor side effects:

• Constipation

• Stomach pain

• Nausea

• Headache

• Memory loss or forgetfulness

• Confusion

• Itchy or red skin

These side effects listed above are minor, but there are others that could be potentially harmful, or indicative of something seriously wrong. Contact your doctor right away if you have any of the following side effects:

• Muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness with or without fever or lack of energy

• Dark red urine

• Decreased urination

• Lack of energy, tiredness, or weakness

• Loss of appetite

• Pain in the upper right part of the stomach

• Yellowing of the skin or eyes

• Dark-colored urine

• Fever or chills

• Flushing

• Blisters

• Rash

• Hives

• Itching

• Swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs

• Difficulty breathing or swallowing

• Hoarseness

• Joint pain

• Sensitivity to light

Some precautions should be taken before starting Zocor. Zocor can occasionally cause myopathy or rhabdomyolysis. It could lead to muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness. Make sure to talk to your doctor about your health history to guarantee you have no risk factors before starting this medication.

Before starting Zocor, your doctor will need to check your cholesterol levels and continue to do so if you start taking Zocor to monitor your progress. Ongoing cholesterol tests also help your doctor determine if the dosage needs to be adjusted.

If you are pregnant while taking Zocor, it could harm the fetus. If you are taking Zocor, make sure to be using effective birth control. If you become pregnant while taking Zocor, alert your doctor immediately.

Zocor can have adverse reactions when combined with other medication. Make sure not to drink grapefruit juice while taking Zocor. Talk to your doctor before starting another medication so they can make sure the two drugs are compatible and will not have any negative interactions.