Zocor Side Effects

Zocor (Simvastatin) Linked to Muscle Injury

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On March 19, 2010, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warned consumers and health care providers about a link between the medication Zocor (simvastatin) 80 mg, and an increased risk of muscle injury. The muscle injury, also called myopathy, typically is a side effect associated with all statin drugs. However, Zocor 80 mg, as the highest approved dose of the medication, presents a higher risk of muscle injury than do lower doses of simvastatin and other statin drugs. Statins are drugs that improve blood cholesterol levels.

Zocor was FDA approved in December of 1991. Zocor is used to reduce the amount of cholesterol and other fatty substances in the blood. Simvastatin works to slow the production of cholesterol in the body. Lowering the blood level of cholesterol and fats may help to decrease an individual’s risk of heart disease, angina (chest pain), strokes, and heart attacks.

Symptoms of myopathy, associated with the use of Zocor, include:

• Muscle pain
• Tenderness or weakness
• Elevated levels of the muscle enzyme found in blood (creatine kinase)

The risk of developing myopathy becomes greater as the dose of the statin used is increased. If simvastatin is used in combination with other drugs, the risk of developing muscle injury may also increase.

Myopathy, in its most serious form, is called rhabdomyolysis. Rhabdomyolysis occurs when a protein called myoglobin is released as muscle fibers break down. Kidneys can become damaged as a result of this myoglobin release.

Symptoms of rhabdomyolysis include:

• Dark or red urine
• Fatigue
• Muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness
• Kidney failure

The risk of an individual developing rhabdomyolysis becomes greater if that person:

• Is aged years 65 or older
• Has low thyroid hormone levels (hypothyroidism)
• Has poor kidney function

The development of kidney failure, as a result of rhabdomyolysis, can be fatal.

PLEASE SPEAK WITH YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE DISCONTINUING USE OF ZOCOR OR ANY OTHER PRESCRIPTION MEDICATION

Contact the Law Offices of d'Oliveria & Associates, P.C.

If you believe that you or a loved one has suffered serious injury or death as a result of taking the drug Zocor, you may want to speak with a personal injury attorney regarding a potential lawsuit. An injury lawyer familiar with new developments in the investigation of zocor may be able to help you make important personal and legal decisions.

Please contact the law offices of d'Oliveira & Associates at 1-800-992-6878 or fill out a contact form for a free legal consultation.