Zocor

0 Views • 08/28/25

Side Effects

Subscribers

Zocor now available as the generic simvastatin remains among the top 5 prescription drugs more than 25 years after its approval by the FDA. This moderate potency cholesterol reducing statin may lower the LDL or “bad” cholesterol by 20-40% depending on the dose. While many believe it replaces the need for lifestyle change, weight loss and exercise, benefits of statin therapy remain anchored to these modifications.

While cardiovascular disease accounts for approximately half of all deaths in America, the underlying process remains multifactorial and not merely the result of excessive concentrations of LDL. Advocates of LDL reduction point to its supposed effect on reducing heart attacks. But the ultimate outcome depends more on blood pressure control, diabetes, cigarettes, alcohol, salt, exercise and ultimately genetics. As an added benefit these heart healthy activities also reduce the likelihood of cancer.

Simvastatin must be converted in the body to its active form. It then travels to the liver where it inhibits an enzyme necessary for the manufacture of cholesterol. All of the statins work in a similar manner. Other postulated actions have not been confirmed.

According to the package insert Zocor provides the greatest benefit when taken before bed. It seems the liver synthesizes most of its cholesterol during periods of minimal dietary intake. With stronger statins, these precautions seem unnecessary.

Among the possible side effects are muscle soreness, weakness and tenderness. These occur with unknown frequency but are sufficiently common to warrant a warning. A genetic variant also increases the likelihood of myopathy. In some the blood sugar may be slightly elevated with a proportionate rise in glycosylated hemoglobin or HbA1c.

More than 1 in 3 adults currently receive prescriptions for lipid lowering drugs.

In November, 2018 the American Heart Association updated its recommendations regarding optimal cholesterol levels. Focusing on LDL they seek aggressive lowering far beyond the guidelines established in 2013. Except for the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists, the AHA maintains the strictest recommendations for reducing LDL. Multiple other professional medical and cardiovascular organizations take a more nuanced view of the subject. Too bad the focus of interest misses the real culprits in heart disease and stroke: poor diet and inadequate exercise.

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