Who should not take Zocor?
Due to the increased risk of myopathy, including rhabdomyolysis, particularly during the first year of treatment, use of the 80-mg dose of ZOCOR should be restricted to patients who have been taking simvastatin 80 mg chronically (e.g., for 12 months or more) without evidence of muscle toxicity [see WARNINGS AND …
When Should statins be stopped in elderly?
Adults age 75 and older may not need statins. But for older people, there is no clear evidence that high cholesterol leads to heart disease or death. In fact, some studies show the opposite—that older people with the lowest cholesterol levels actually have the highest risk of death.
Is Zocor safe to take?
People currently taking Zocor, even at high doses, should NOT stop taking their medication before consulting their doctor. Although muscle injury risk was higher for patients taking high-dose Zocor in the SEARCH study, the study also showed that high-dose Zocor was more effective than low-dose Zocor.
Is Zocor a good cholesterol medicine?
However, studies have found both Zocor and Crestor to be effective for treating high cholesterol and lowering the risk of cardiovascular problems and death in adults. Both drugs have also been found to be effective at treating high cholesterol caused by certain genetic conditions in children.
What are the side effects of simvastatin 80 mg?
The more common side effects that can occur with simvastatin include:
- headache.
- nausea.
- stomach pain.
- constipation.
- muscle pain or weakness.
- joint pain.
- upper respiratory infections.
What is the safest statin for elderly?
Atorvastatin or fluvastatin are usually recommended because there is no need to adjust the dose according to the glomerular filtration rate [28]. In patients without diagnosed atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, it is indicated a moderate dose of statin, such as atorvastatin 20 mg daily [28].
When should you not take simvastatin?
Your doctor will probably tell you not to take simvastatin if you have liver disease or if the tests show that you may be developing liver disease. tell your doctor if you drink more than two alcoholic beverages per day, if you are 65 years of age or older, or if you are Asian, especially if you are Chinese.
Which is safer Lipitor or Zocor?
These drugs also modestly raise levels of “good cholesterol” (HDL or high-density lipoprotein). Both Lipitor and Zocor are good for lowering LDL, but Zocor is better at increasing HDL and tends to have fewer gastrointestinal side effects, according to one study.
Why should you take Zocor at night?
Simvastatin is probably best taken at night because concentrations of total cholesterol and of low density lipoprotein are significantly greater when it is taken in the morning.
What are the long term side effects of Zocor?
muscle weakness in your hips, shoulders, neck, and back; trouble lifting your arms, trouble climbing or standing; or. liver problems–loss of appetite, stomach pain (upper right side), tiredness, itching, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).
What are the side effects of Zocor?
Zocor can cause a condition that results in the breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue, potentially leading to kidney failure. This condition may be more likely to occur in older adults and in people who have kidney disease or poorly controlled hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid).
Is Zocor (simvastatin) safe for the elderly?
Because advanced age (≥65 years) is a predisposing factor for myopathy, including rhabdomyolysis, Zocor should be prescribed with caution in the elderly. In a clinical trial of patients treated with simvastatin 80 mg/day, patients ≥65 years of age had an increased risk of myopathy, including rhabdomyolysis, compared to patients <65 years of age.
When should Zocor be withheld from patients with renal failure?
ZOCOR therapy should also be temporarily withheld in any patient experiencing an acute or serious condition predisposing to the development of renal failure secondary to rhabdomyolysis, e.g., sepsis; hypotension; major surgery; trauma; severe metabolic, endocrine, or electrolyte disorders; or uncontrolled epilepsy.
When can I stop taking Zocor?
You may need to take Zocor on a long-term basis for the treatment of high cholesterol. You may need to stop using this medicine for a short time if you have surgery or a medical emergency. Do not stop taking this medicine unless your doctor tells you to.