Zocor is a cholesterol-lowering drug that may help to reduce heart disease. Zocor may also be prescribed if your blood cholesterol level is too high. Should your low density lipoprotein (LDL) reach 130 then you are considered at a high risk for heart disease, and Zocor may be prescribed. The generic brand for Zocor is Simvastatin.

Zocor may reduce the risk of stroke, mini strokes or heart attack. Taking Zocor may reduce the need for a bypass surgery or for an angioplasty to clear your clogged arteries.

Combine Zocor with proper diet and exercise. Zocor will not work effectively unless you do so. If you need help in devising a good plan then check with your doctor to see if he can refer you to a nutritionist. Combining a good diet and exercise with Zocor may reduce your chances of getting heart disease.

Be sure to take Zocor as prescribed. Do not miss a dose. If you remember early on that you forgot to take it then take it immediately. If you remember close to the time that you normally take it, then skip the one you missed and get back on schedule.

Side effects may or may not occur. Should you begin to have symptoms that your body isn’t used to then consult your doctor. Possible side effects may include headache, abdominal pain, weakness, nausea, upper respiratory infection, constipation, diarrhea, and gas.

You should not take Zocor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, have an allergic reaction to it, or if you have active liver disease. If you become pregnant while taking Zocor stop taking it immediately. Your baby needs the cholesterol in your body to develop properly. If you are breastfeeding and are prescribed to be on Zocor then let you doctor know since Zocor can get into your breast milk.

Follow your doctor’s advice as to the correct amount of dosage you should be taking. If you feel that you have overdosed yourself on Zocor seek medical attention immediately. While there have been no known cases of patients overdosing on Zocor, you do not want to take any chances.

Be sure to store Zocor at room temperature.

Zocor is recommended for individuals over the age of 10.