Drug name: Generic Zocor

Active substance: simvastatin

Pharmacological effects: Zocor contains the active ingredient simvastatin which is in a part of medicines called statins. Therapeutic effect of the preparation is related to decrease of cholesterol production in the liver. Zocor works by inhibiting the activity of the enzyme called HMG-CoA reductase. This enzyme is essential for the synthesis of cholesterol in the liver cells. In result, liver cells begin to collect more LDL(bad cholesterol) from the blood leading to decreased cholesterol blood levels. Meantime Zocor increases the amount of HDL(high density lipoproteins) in the blood.

Indications: Zocor is indicated in the following conditions:

• High cholesterol blood levels treatment(primary hypercholesterolemia)
• Prophylaxis of cardiovascular complications(lowering the risk of coronary heart disease, heart attack, stroke, transient ischemic attack (TIA).
• Lowering the progression of atherosclerosis of the coronary blood vessels and increasing the risk of revascularization procedures.

Warnings and Precautions: The drugs should not be used in the following conditions:

• Hypersensitivity to any components of the preparations or other statin medicines
• Blood disease called porphyria
• Pregnancy
• Breastfeeding
• Children and adolescents under 18 years of age

Zocor should be used with caution in patients with chronic alcoholism, impaired immune system, low blood pressure, severe infectious diseases, metabolic and endocrine disorders, disorders of water-electrolyte balance, surgical interventions and traumas, changes in tonicity of the skeletal muscles of the unknown origin, epilepsy, lung disease.

Zocor side effects: Drugs may cause side effects which in specific patients may manifest differently. In the following paragraph we want to underline the most serious and frequent side-effect of Zocor that were identified by the drug manufacturers. The possibility of the adverse effect manifestation depends only on the individual and his specific traits.

• The most common Zocor side effects include: headache, abdominal pain, general feelings of tiredness, constipation, diarrhea, meteorism, nausea, infections of the upper respiratory system, muscle pain.
• The less common Zocor side effects include: muscle cramps, muscle aches, muscle breakdown, joint pain, memory loss, insomnia, depression, anxiety, breast development, pancreatitis, hepatitis, worsening of cataracts, skin rash, eczema, sexual problems

For full information on any risks and adverse effects associated with Zocor, please consult your doctor, read the included leaflet or contact our customer support service.

Interactions: Before using Zocor please tell your doctor which drugs or supplements you are already taking including those bought without a prescription. Also check if any additional medicine which you will take during the course of Zocor therapy are safe in combination. Especially mention if you are taking the following groups of drugs:

• Immune suppression therapy(Cyclosporine)
• Synthetic steroids(Danazol)
• Blood thinners(Warfarin)
• Other cholesterol medicines(fibrates)
• Antifungals(azoles, gemfibrozil)
• Antibiotics(macrolides)
• HIV protease inhibitors
• Anti arrhythmic medicines(Amiodarine)
• High blood pressure treatment(Verapamil)
• Cardiac glycosides(digoxin)
• Grapefruit products
• Depression treatment(Nefazodone)

Patients information: Zocor is not to be shared with healthy individuals. It is strictly FORBIDDEN to use the drugs in treatment of any conditions unrelated to their indications. The product as well as utilized vials, syringes, needles if used during the course of treatment should be kept out of reach of children and never reused.