Zocor Usage

Why Is Zocor Used?

Zocor is a prescription medication that lowers the levels of “bad” cholesterol and triglycerides and raises the level of “good” cholesterol in the blood. LDL, or low-density lipoprotein, is referred to as the “bad” cholesterol. HDL, or high-density lipoprotein, is known as the “good” cholesterol. Zocor is for both adults and children older than 10 years whose cholesterol is not reduced enough with exercise and a low-fat diet.

Use of Zocor in children is specifically indicated for an inherited condition, known as heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia, that causes high cholesterol at a young age. Zocor is indicated to treat children aged 10-17 years with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (girls in this age range must have already begun menstruating). When used along with diet, statins reduce total cholesterol, LDL, and apo B levels in children with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia. After an adequate trial of diet therapy, statins may be considered for treatment in children if one of the following findings is present:

  • LDL-C remains greater than or equal to 190 mg/dL.
  • LDL-C remains greater than or equal to 160 mg/dL and one of the following exists:
    • A positive family history of premature cardiovascular disease
    • Two or more other cardiovascular disease risk factors in the pediatric patient

Who Should Not Take Zocor?

You should not take Zocor if you fit any of the following situations:

  • You are pregnant, think you may be pregnant, or are planning to become pregnant. Zocor may harm your unborn baby. If you become pregnant, stop taking Zocor and call your doctor right away.
  • You are breastfeeding. Zocor can pass into your breast milk and may harm your baby.
  • You have liver problems.
  • You are allergic to Zocor or any of its ingredients.

Special Warnings With Zocor

Zocor may cause serious, but rare, side effects, including the following:

  • Muscle breakdown (myopathy): Muscle breakdown symptoms include widespread muscle aches, muscle tenderness, and generalized weakness. Rarely, widespread muscle breakdown, known as rhabdomyolysis, can occur, usually in people who are taking other drugs that interfere with the body’s ability to metabolize the statin and in people with advanced kidney problems. Therefore, it is extremely important that you inform your doctor about all the medications, herbal preparations, and dietary supplements you are currently taking. If you experience diffuse muscle pain and weakness or if your urine is brown (a possible sign of muscle breakdown), contact your doctor immediately and stop taking the statin medication.
  • Liver problems: Zocor can cause liver problems. Your doctor may do a blood test to check your liver before you start taking Zocor and while you are taking it.