Zocor is a brand-name oral tablet that’s prescribed for certain conditions, including high cholesterol. Zocor contains the active ingredient simvastatin and belongs to the statin drug class.

The Food and Drug Administration has approved Zocor to:

Zocor is approved to treat these conditions in certain situations. For more information about how the drug is used, see the “Zocor uses” section below.

Drug details

  • Drug form: oral tablet
  • Generic available? yes
  • Prescription required? yes
  • Controlled substance? no
  • Year of FDA approval: 1991

Zocor is available as a generic drug called simvastatin. A generic drug is an exact copy of the active ingredient in a brand-name medication. The generic is considered to be as safe and effective as the original drug. Generics tend to cost less than brand-name drugs.

Zocor can cause mild or serious side effects. The following lists contain some of the key side effects that may occur while taking Zocor. These lists don’t include all possible side effects.

For more information on the possible side effects of Zocor, see this article. You can also talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can give you tips on how to deal with any side effects that may be bothersome.

Note: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) tracks side effects of drugs it has approved. If you would like to report to the FDA a side effect you’ve had with Zocor, you can do so through MedWatch.

Mild side effects

Mild side effects of Zocor can include:*

Most of these side effects may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. But if they become more severe or don’t go away, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

* This is a partial list of mild side effects from Zocor. To learn about other mild side effects, talk with your doctor or pharmacist, or visit Zocor’s prescribing information.
† For more information on this side effect, see “Side effect details” below.

Serious side effects

Serious side effects from Zocor aren’t common, but they can occur. Call your doctor right away if you have serious side effects. Call 911 or your local emergency number if your symptoms feel life threatening or if you think you’re having a medical emergency.

Serious side effects and their symptoms can include:

  • Liver problems, such as elevated levels of liver enzymes (proteins). Symptoms can include:
    • fatigue
    • nausea or vomiting
    • swelling in your abdomen, ankles, or legs
    • urine that is darker than usual
    • jaundice
  • Rhabdomyolysis (breakdown of muscles). Symptoms can include:
    • loss of consciousness
    • nausea
    • urine that is brown, red, or tea-colored
    • severe muscle pain and weakness
  • Allergic reaction.*

* For more information on this side effect, see “Side effect details” below.

Side effect details

You may wonder how often certain side effects occur with this drug, or whether certain side effects pertain to it. Here’s some detail on certain side effects this drug may or may not cause.

Allergic reaction

As with most drugs, some people can have an allergic reaction after taking Zocor. It’s not known how frequently this occurs. Symptoms of a mild allergic reaction can include:

A more severe allergic reaction is rare but possible. Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction can include:

Call your doctor right away if you have a severe allergic reaction to Zocor. Call 911 or your local emergency number if your symptoms feel life threatening or if you think you’re having a medical emergency.

Muscle pain or weakness

Muscle pain or weakness may occur while taking Zocor. These side effects have been reported in people taking Zocor in clinical trials. There have also been reports of muscle pain in people taking Zocor after the drug was approved.

The risk of muscle pain or weakness is highest during your first year of taking the drug. After that, your risk goes down as you continue taking the drug.

Some people may have a higher risk of developing muscle pain and weakness while taking Zocor. See the “Zocor precautions” section to learn more.

In addition, people taking the 80-milligram (mg) dose of Zocor have a higher risk of developing muscle pain and weakness compared with people using lower doses. (Note that the manufacturer of Zocor no longer produces the drug in an 80-mg strength. However, some doctors may still prescribe a dose of 80 mg, which would mean taking two 40-mg tablets.)

When used with Zocor, certain medications may raise your risk of developing muscle pain and weakness. For more information, see the “Zocor interactions” section below.

When to call your doctor

Call your doctor if you notice any unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness while taking Zocor. This is especially important if you also experience fever or a general sense of not feeling well. Your doctor may lower your dose of Zocor or have you try a different medication to treat your condition.

In most cases, muscle pain and weakness go away once you stop taking Zocor. However, talk with your doctor if these side effects continue after you stop taking Zocor.

Upper respiratory infection

Some people may develop an upper respiratory infection while taking Zocor. In clinical trials, this was one of the more common side effects reported by people who took the drug. The most commonly reported infections were bronchitis and sinusitis.

Symptoms of an upper respiratory tract infection may include:

If you develop symptoms of an upper respiratory infection while taking Zocor, call your doctor.

Headache

Taking Zocor may cause a headache in some people, as reported in a clinical trial of the drug.

If you experience bothersome headaches while taking Zocor, talk with your doctor. They may recommend a medication for your headaches, or they may have you switch from Zocor to a different drug.

Weight gain (not a side effect)

Weight gain isn’t a side effect of Zocor.

Zocor belongs to a class of medications known as statins. In the past, there has been debate about whether statin drugs such as Zocor cause weight gain. Currently, there isn’t enough evidence to suggest that Zocor causes weight gain.

However, some researchers have noted that people who use statins tend to increase the amount of calories they eat compared with people who don’t take statins. A 2018 study found that the increase in calories with statin use may be due to a decrease in levels of leptin, a hormone that controls appetite.

It’s important to remember that Zocor and other statin drugs aren’t substitutes for a balanced diet and exercise. You should continue to follow the diet and exercise advice from your doctor in addition to taking Zocor as prescribed.

If you have questions or concerns about weight gain while taking Zocor, talk with your doctor.

The Zocor dosage your doctor prescribes will depend on several factors. These include:

  • the type and severity of the condition you’re using Zocor to treat
  • your age
  • other medical conditions you may have
  • other medications you may take
  • side effects you may experience while taking the medication

Typically, your doctor will start you on a low dosage. Then they’ll adjust it over time to reach the amount that’s right for you. Your doctor will ultimately prescribe the smallest dosage that provides the desired effect.

The following information describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended. However, be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. Your doctor will determine the best dosage to fit your needs.

For additional information on Zocor’s dosages, see this article.

Drug forms and strengths (10 mg, 20 mg, 40 mg)

Zocor comes as a tablet which you take by mouth. It’s available in the following strengths: 10 milligrams (mg), 20 mg, and 40 mg.

Zocor used to be available in strengths of 5 mg and 80 mg. The manufacturer of Zocor no longer produces these strengths. However, simvastatin, the generic version of Zocor, is available in these strengths.

Dosage to lower the risk of cardiovascular problems and death

The recommended dosage to lower the risk of cardiovascular (heart and blood vessel) problems and death is 20 mg to 40 mg of Zocor. You’ll take the dose once per day, in the evening.

Your doctor may give you a different dosage depending on several factors, including whether you have kidney disease. If you have questions about the dosage that’s right for you, talk with your doctor.

Dosage for high cholesterol in adults

The recommended dosage of Zocor for treating high cholesterol in adults is 20 mg to 40 mg once per day. You should take the dose in the evening.

Your doctor may give you a different dosage depending on several factors, including whether you have kidney disease. If you have questions about the dosage that’s right for you, talk with your doctor.

Dosage for heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia in children

The recommended dosage for heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH) in children ages 10 to 17 years is 10 mg to 40 mg per day. The dose is taken in the evening.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose of Zocor, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it’s close to when you usually take your dose, wait until the scheduled time to take it. Never take an extra dose to make up for a missed dose. This can raise your risk of side effects.

To help make sure you don’t miss a dose, try setting a reminder on your phone. A medication timer may be useful, too.

Will I need to use this drug long term?

Zocor is meant to be used as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that Zocor is safe and effective for you, you’ll likely take it long term.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves prescription drugs such as Zocor to treat certain conditions. Zocor may also be used off-label for other conditions. Off-label use is when a drug that’s FDA approved to treat one condition is prescribed to treat a different condition.

Zocor for lowering the risk of cardiovascular problems and death

Zocor is FDA approved to lower the risk of cardiovascular problems and death in adults who have certain conditions (see list below). “Cardiovascular” refers to your heart and blood vessels. Examples of cardiovascular problems include stroke and heart attack.

Conditions that may raise your risk of cardiovascular problems include:

For more information about cardiovascular conditions, see our cardiovascular health hub.

Zocor’s effectiveness for lowering the risk of cardiovascular problems and death

Clinical trials have shown Zocor to be effective for lowering the risk of cardiovascular problems and death in adults with the conditions listed above. For information about these trials, see the Zocor prescribing information.

Zocor for high cholesterol in adults

Zocor is FDA approved to treat high cholesterol in adults, along with a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol. (For information about how Zocor treats high cholesterol in children, see the “Zocor for heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia in children” section below.)

Cholesterol is measured in several ways. “Total cholesterol” is the overall amount of cholesterol found in your blood. Total cholesterol consists of:

  • low-density lipoproteins (LDLs), sometimes referred to as “bad cholesterol”
  • high-density lipoproteins (HDLs), sometimes referred to as “good cholesterol”
  • triglycerides, which are a type of fat that are “building blocks” of cholesterol

Zocor is approved to lower cholesterol in adults with the following conditions. For most of these conditions, doctors prescribe the drug along with a balanced diet.

  • Primary hyperlipidemia: Hyperlipidemia is a medical term for high cholesterol. Primary means it’s caused by genetic (inherited) factors.
  • Hypertriglyceridemia: This term refers to having high triglycerides. Zocor has been shown to reduce triglyceride levels.
  • Primary dysbetalipoproteinemia: This condition is also known as type 3 hyperlipoproteinemia. With dysbetalipoproteinemia, the body has difficulty breaking down cholesterol and triglycerides. For this condition, Zocor has been shown to lower triglycerides and levels of very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C).
  • Heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH): HeFH is a genetic condition that causes high cholesterol.
  • Homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HoFH): HoFH is another genetic condition that causes high cholesterol. For treating HoFH, you’ll take the drug with other lipid-lowering treatments.

“High cholesterol” specifically refers to having high levels of LDL. However, Zocor doesn’t only help lower your LDL levels. It has also been shown to reduce total cholesterol, reduce triglycerides, and increase HDL (“good”) cholesterol.

To learn more about high cholesterol, see our cholesterol hub.

Zocor’s effectiveness for treating high cholesterol in adults

Clinical trials have shown Zocor to be effective for treating high cholesterol. For information about these trials, see the Zocor prescribing information.

Zocor for heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia in children

Zocor is approved to treat high cholesterol in children ages 10 to 17 years who have a condition known as heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH). This is a genetic (inherited) form of high cholesterol.

High cholesterol rarely causes any symptoms. This means HeFH is typically diagnosed after a blood test finds high cholesterol levels in your child. Discuss with your child’s doctor whether your child should be checked for HeFH.

Zocor’s effectiveness for treating HeFH in children

A clinical trial found Zocor effective for treating HeFH in children. For details about this trial, see the Zocor prescribing information.

Zocor and children

Zocor is approved to treat high cholesterol in children ages 10 to 17 years who have heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH). For more information, see the section just above.

You may wonder how Zocor compares with other medications that are prescribed for similar uses. Here we look at how Zocor and Lipitor are alike and different.

Ingredients

Zocor contains the active ingredient simvastatin. Lipitor contains the active ingredient atorvastatin. Both simvastatin and atorvastatin belong to a class of medications known as statins.

Uses

Both Zocor and Lipitor are FDA approved to:

Lipitor is also FDA approved to lower high cholesterol due to homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HoFH) in adults and children ages 10 to 17 years.

For details about the conditions Zocor treats, see the “Zocor uses” section above. Your doctor or pharmacist can tell you more about the conditions Lipitor treats.

Drug forms and administration

Both Zocor and Lipitor come as a tablet that you take by mouth once per day.

Side effects and risks

Zocor and Lipitor have some similar side effects and others that vary. Below are examples of these side effects.

Mild side effects

These lists contain some of the more common mild side effects that can occur with Zocor, with Lipitor, or with both drugs (when taken individually).

Serious side effects

This list contains examples of serious side effects that can occur with both Zocor and Lipitor (when taken individually).

Effectiveness

Clinical trials have found both Zocor and Lipitor to be effective for treating high cholesterol.

The American College of Cardiology (ACC) releases guidelines on managing high cholesterol. Statins, including Zocor and Lipitor, are included in these guidelines.

The statin your doctor prescribes for you will depend on factors like your age, your cholesterol levels, and your risk of cardiovascular (heart and blood vessel) problems. If you have questions about which statin is right for you, talk with your doctor.

Costs

The actual price you’ll pay for either Zocor or Lipitor depends on your insurance plan, your location, and the pharmacy you use.

Zocor is available as a generic drug called simvastatin. Lipitor is available as a generic drug called atorvastatin. A generic drug is an exact copy of the active ingredient in a brand-name medication. The generic is considered to be as safe and effective as the original drug. Generics tend to cost less than brand-name drugs.

Visit Optum Perks to find coupons and savings for Zocor and Lipitor.

Other drugs are available that can treat high cholesterol. Some may be a better fit for you than others. If you’re interested in finding an alternative to Zocor, talk with your doctor. They can tell you about other medications that may work well for you.

Note: Some of the drugs listed here are used off-label to treat these specific conditions. Off-label use is when a drug that’s approved to treat one condition is prescribed to treat a different condition.

Alternatives for high cholesterol

Examples of other drugs that may be used to treat high cholesterol include:

  • other statin drugs, such as:
  • bile acid binding resins, such as:
    • cholestyramine (Prevalite)
    • colesevelam (Welchol)
    • colestipol (Colestid)
  • ezetimibe (Zetia)
  • fibrates, such as:
    • fenofibrate (Antara, Lipofen, Tricor)
    • gemfibrozil (Lopid)
  • injectable medications, such as:

Note: Some of these drugs are also approved to reduce the risk of death from heart problems or stroke. For more information on your treatment options, talk with your doctor.

Zocor and Crestor are prescribed for similar uses. Here’s a look at how these drugs are alike and different.

Ingredients

Zocor contains the active ingredient simvastatin. Crestor contains the active ingredient rosuvastatin. Both simvastatin and rosuvastatin belong to a class of medications called statins.

Uses

Below is a list of conditions that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Zocor and Crestor to treat.

  • Both Zocor and Crestor are FDA approved to:
    • lower the risk of cardiovascular problems and death in certain adults
    • treat high cholesterol (when combined with a balanced diet) in certain adults
    • treat high cholesterol (when combined with a balanced diet) due to heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH) in adults and certain children (For this purpose, Zocor is approved for use in children ages 10 to 17 years, and Crestor is approved for use in children ages 8 to 17 years.)
  • Crestor is also FDA approved to:

For details about the conditions Zocor treats, see the “Zocor uses” section above. Your doctor or pharmacist can tell you more about the conditions Crestor treats.

Drug forms and administration

Both Zocor and Crestor come as a tablet that you take by mouth once per day.

Side effects and risks

Zocor and Crestor have some similar side effects and others that vary. Below are examples of these side effects.

Mild side effects

These lists contain some of the more common mild side effects that can occur with Zocor, with Crestor, or with both drugs (when taken individually).

Serious side effects

This list contains examples of serious side effects that can occur with both Zocor and Crestor (when taken individually).

Effectiveness

Clinical trials have found both Zocor and Lipitor to be effective for treating high cholesterol.

The American College of Cardiology (ACC) releases guidelines on managing high cholesterol. Statins, including Zocor and Crestor, are included in these guidelines.

The statin your doctor prescribes for you will depend on factors like your age, your cholesterol levels, and your risk of cardiovascular (heart and blood vessel) problems. If you have questions about which statin is right for you, talk with your doctor.

Costs

The actual price you’ll pay for either Zocor or Crestor depends on your insurance plan, your location, and the pharmacy you use.

Zocor is available as a generic drug called simvastatin. Crestor is available as a generic drug called rosuvastatin. A generic drug is an exact copy of the active ingredient in a brand-name medication. The generic is considered to be as safe and effective as the original drug. Generics tend to cost less than brand-name drugs.

Visit Optum Perks to find coupons and savings for Zocor and Crestor.

There isn’t a known interaction between taking Zocor and consuming alcohol.

However, excessive alcohol use can damage your liver. Liver damage is also a potential side effect of Zocor. Consistently drinking large amounts of alcohol during your Zocor treatment could raise your risk of liver problems.

If you drink alcohol, talk with your doctor about whether it’s safe for you to drink during your Zocor treatment. Also, if you have a history of heavy drinking or liver damage, be sure to tell your doctor before you begin taking Zocor.

Zocor can interact with several other medications. It can also interact with certain supplements as well as certain foods.

Different interactions can cause different effects. For instance, some interactions can interfere with how well a drug works. Other interactions can increase side effects or make them more severe.

For additional information about Zocor interactions, see this article.

Zocor and other medications

Below are examples of medications that can interact with Zocor. This section doesn’t cover all drugs that may interact with Zocor.

Before taking Zocor, talk with your doctor and pharmacist. Tell them about all prescription, over-the-counter, and other drugs you take. Also tell them about any vitamins, herbs, and supplements you use. Sharing this information can help you avoid potential interactions.

If you have questions about drug interactions that may affect you, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Zocor and strong CYP3A4 inhibitors

Taking Zocor with medications that inhibit (slow down) the activity of an enzyme called CYP3A4 can increase the levels of Zocor in your body. CYP3A4 helps your body break down drugs. When this process is slowed down, it raises your risk of side effects from Zocor.

Certain drugs have stronger or weaker effects on CYP3A4. Zocor should not be used with medications that are strong CYP3A4 inhibitors.

Examples of strong CYP3A4 inhibitors include:

  • certain antibiotics, such as clarithromycin and erythromycin
  • certain antifungals, such as ketoconazole and itraconazole (Sporanox)

Talk with your doctor before using Zocor if you’re taking any of these medications. They’ll help determine the best medications for safely treating your conditions.

Zocor and cyclosporine or danazol

Zocor should not be taken with cyclosporine (Gengraf, Sandimmune) or danazol. Taking these drugs with Zocor can raise your risk of muscle pain or weakness.

Cyclosporine is used to help prevent the rejection of a transplanted organ. It’s also used to help treat rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis. Danazol is a medication used to treat endometriosis. It can also help prevent attacks of hereditary angioedema.

If you’re taking cyclosporine or danazol, talk with your doctor before taking Zocor. They can determine the best medications to safely treat your condition.

Zocor and gemfibrozil and other fibrates

You should not take gemfibrozil (Lopid) while taking Zocor. Gemfibrozil is a fibrate drug used for lowering the amount of fats, such as triglycerides, in your blood. Taking this drug with Zocor greatly increases your risk of developing muscle pain or weakness.

Before taking Zocor, you should also tell your doctor if you’re taking another fibrate drug, such as fenofibrate (Antara, Lipofen, Tricor). Zocor can interact with these medications, although the interaction isn’t as serious as with gemfibrozil. If you need to take Zocor with these other fibrates, your doctor may lower your dose of Zocor or your fibrate. Or they may decide to use a different medication to treat your condition.

Other drugs that may cause muscle pain or weakness with Zocor

Other medications may also raise your risk of muscle pain or weakness if taken with Zocor. Examples of these medications include:

  • amiodarone (Pacerone)
  • certain calcium channel blockers, such as
    • amlodipine (Norvasc)
    • diltiazem (Cardizem, Cartia XT)
    • verapamil (Verelan)
  • cobicistat and drugs containing cobicistat, such as cobicistat/darunavir (Prezcobix)
  • colchicine (Colcrys)
  • dronedarone (Multaq)
  • nefazodone
  • niacin (Niacor)
  • protease inhibitors used for treating HIV, such as ritonavir (Norvir)
  • ranolazine

Talk with your doctor before taking Zocor if you’re taking any of these medications. They may decide to prescribe a lower dose of Zocor or your other medication. Or they may have you try a different medication to treat your condition.

Zocor and digoxin

Taking Zocor with digoxin (Lanoxin) can increase the amount of digoxin in your body. Digoxin levels that are too high can lead to dangerous side effects.

Digoxin is used to treat atrial fibrillation and heart failure in adults and children.

If you need to take Zocor and digoxin together, your doctor will closely monitor your digoxin levels. They may also change your digoxin dose to lower your risk of side effects.

Zocor and certain blood thinners

Taking Zocor with certain blood thinners (specifically, coumarin anticoagulants) may increase the effects of the blood thinners. This could cause you to bleed more. An example of a coumarin anticoagulant is warfarin (Jantoven).

If you need to take this type of blood thinner with Zocor, your doctor may need to monitor your bleeding risk more often. Talk with your doctor about any blood thinning medications you take.

Zocor and herbs and supplements

Taking Zocor with St. John’s wort may affect the levels of Zocor in your body. This could make Zocor less effective.

Ask your doctor whether St. John’s wort is safe for you to take during your Zocor treatment. They may recommend an alternative to St. John’s wort, or they may change your Zocor dosage.

Zocor and foods

Zocor can interact with grapefruit. Therefore, you should avoid drinking grapefruit juice or eating grapefruit while taking Zocor.

Grapefruit contains a chemical that can interfere with your body’s ability to break down Zocor. This can lead to higher-than-normal levels of Zocor in your blood, which may raise your risk of side effects from the drug.

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about Zocor.

Is Zocor a blood thinner?

No, Zocor isn’t a blood thinner.

Blood thinners help prevent blood clots. Blood clots can cause cardiovascular problems such as a heart attack or stroke. Some blood thinners work by keeping blood cells from sticking together. Others increase the amount of time it takes for clots to form.

Zocor doesn’t thin your blood. Instead, it reduces the amount of cholesterol your body makes. By doing this, Zocor lowers your risk of cardiovascular problems. This is because when there’s too much cholesterol in your blood, it can raise your risk of blood clots.

It’s important to note that taking Zocor with certain blood thinners, such as warfarin (Jantoven), may increase the effects of the blood thinners. This could cause you to bleed more. If you need to take a blood thinner with Zocor, your doctor may need to monitor your bleeding risk more often.

How long will Zocor stay in my system?

Zocor doesn’t stay in your system very long. The drug gets broken down and removed from your body within about 1 day.

Will Zocor cure my high cholesterol?

No, Zocor won’t cure your high cholesterol. Currently, there isn’t a cure for high cholesterol.

However, clinical trials have shown that along with a balanced diet, Zocor can help lower your cholesterol. This can reduce your risk of heart disease and other health problems, such as stroke.

If you have additional questions about treating your high cholesterol, talk with your doctor.

Do I need to follow a certain diet while taking Zocor?

No, there isn’t any specific diet you need to follow while taking Zocor. However, it’s important to note that Zocor doesn’t take the place of a balanced diet.

People with high cholesterol or heart disease, or who are at risk of heart disease, should maintain a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol. The American Heart Association offers dietary recommendations for managing cholesterol and lowering your risk of heart disease. These tips include:

  • eating less saturated fat, meat, and solid fats (like butter or lard)
  • eating more fresh fruit, vegetables, fiber, and whole grains

As with other statins, you should maintain a heart-healthy diet while taking Zocor. Otherwise, the medication may be less effective.

If you have questions about following a heart-healthy diet, talk with your doctor or dietitian.

Is Zocor safe for older adults?

In general, yes, Zocor is safe for older adults. Clinical trials of Zocor included nearly 6,000 adults who were ages 65 years or older. In these trials, the researchers didn’t notice any differences in safety or effectiveness when Zocor was used in older adults compared with people under age 65 years.

However, people ages 65 years and older may have a higher risk of developing muscle weakness or pain from taking Zocor. For this reason, your doctor may take extra precautions (such as ordering blood tests) before prescribing Zocor if you’re age 65 or older. Your doctor may also decide to use a different medication to treat your condition.

If you have questions about whether Zocor is safe for you to take based on your age or other factors, talk with your doctor.

Do I need regular cholesterol screenings?

Yes, adults ages 20 years and older should get tested regularly for high cholesterol. High cholesterol rarely causes any symptoms. As a result, many people often don’t realize they have high cholesterol until a serious complication occurs, such as a heart attack or stroke.

If you have questions about what your cholesterol should be or how often you should get it checked, talk with your doctor.

You should take Zocor according to your doctor’s or healthcare professional’s instructions.

Zocor comes as tablets that you take by mouth.

When to take

Typically, you’ll take Zocor once per day in the evening. However, be sure to take the drug as your doctor prescribes.

To help make sure you don’t miss a dose, try setting a reminder on your phone. A medication timer may be useful too.

Taking Zocor with food

You may take Zocor with or without food.

Can Zocor be crushed, split, or chewed?

The manufacturer of Zocor hasn’t stated whether the tablets can be crushed, split, or chewed. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you have trouble swallowing Zocor tablets.

Depending on the condition it’s being used to treat, Zocor may be taken on its own or with other drugs.

Examples of other drugs that may be used with Zocor to treat high cholesterol include:

  • bile acid binding resins, such as:
    • cholestyramine (Prevalite)
    • colesevelam (Welchol)
    • colestipol (Colestid)
  • ezetimibe (Zetia)
  • injectable medications, such as:

As with all medications, the cost of Zocor can vary. The actual price you’ll pay depends on your insurance plan, your location, and the pharmacy you use.

Before approving coverage for Zocor, your insurance company may require you to get prior authorization. This means that your doctor and insurance company will need to communicate about your prescription before the insurance company will cover the drug. The insurance company will review the prior authorization request and decide whether the drug will be covered.

If you’re not sure whether you’ll need to get prior authorization for Zocor, contact your insurance company.

Drug coupons

You can visit Optum Perks for price estimates of Zocor. These estimates are based on the use of Optum Perks coupons. Note: Optum Perks coupons cannot be used with insurance copays or benefits.

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Financial and insurance assistance

If you need financial support to pay for Zocor, or if you need help understanding your insurance coverage, help is available.

Medication Assistance Tool provides lists of programs that may help to lower the cost of Zocor. For more information and to find out if you’re eligible for support, visit the organization’s website.

Generic version

Zocor is available in a generic form called simvastatin. A generic drug is an exact copy of the active ingredient in a brand-name medication. The generic is considered to be as safe and effective as the original drug. And generics tend to cost less than brand-name drugs.

If your doctor has prescribed Zocor and you’re interested in using simvastatin instead, talk with your doctor. They may have a preference for one version or the other. You’ll also need to check your insurance plan, as it may only cover one or the other.

Zocor is FDA approved to help lower cholesterol in adults and in children ages 10 to 17 years. Specifically, Zocor is approved to:

  • lower high cholesterol (when combined with a balanced diet) in adults
  • lower the risk of cardiovascular problems and death in adults
  • lower high cholesterol (when combined with a balanced diet) due to heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH) in adults and children ages 10 to 17 years

Zocor is approved to treat these conditions in certain situations. For more information about how the drug is used, see the “Zocor uses” section above.

What cholesterol is

Cholesterol is a type of lipid, which is a fat-like substance made naturally in your liver. Though too much cholesterol may be harmful, this substance is necessary for your body to work properly. For example, cholesterol is vital for producing vitamin D and certain hormones.

Because cholesterol can’t travel through your blood on its own, your liver also makes lipoproteins. Lipoproteins are particles that carry cholesterol through the bloodstream. There are two major types of lipoproteins: low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL).

Having too much LDL cholesterol is known as high cholesterol. This is why LDL is often referred to as “bad” cholesterol. When LDL levels are too high, LDL cholesterol can begin to build up on the walls of your arteries. This buildup is called cholesterol plaque.

Cholesterol plaques narrow your blood vessels. This limits your blood flow and raises your risk of developing blood clots. Cholesterol plaques can also break off the artery walls and travel through the bloodstream. This could lead to serious problems, such as a heart attack or stroke if the plaques reach the heart or brain.

HDL is often called “good” cholesterol because it works to carry LDL cholesterol back to your liver so it can be removed from your body. In this way, HDL helps prevent cholesterol plaques from forming in your arteries.

What Zocor does

Zocor works by preventing your body from making cholesterol. Specifically, Zocor blocks an enzyme called HMG-CoA reductase. An enzyme is a protein your body makes to help speed up reactions, such as making cholesterol.

HMG-CoA is one of the most important enzymes for making cholesterol. By blocking this enzyme, Zocor reduces your levels of total cholesterol, LDL, triglycerides, and very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) in your blood. Zocor also increases the levels of HDL in your blood.

By preventing your body from making cholesterol, Zocor can lower your risk of cardiovascular problems such as a heart attack and stroke. This is because when there’s too much cholesterol in your blood, it can raise your risk of blood clots.

How long does it take to work?

Zocor begins working as soon as you take your dose. Zocor reaches its highest levels in your body about 4 hours after you take your dose.

However, you likely won’t feel Zocor working in your body. This is because of how the drug works, and because high cholesterol doesn’t cause symptoms in most people.

You should not take Zocor while pregnant. Clinical trials have shown that Zocor (like other statins) can cause fetal anomalies (commonly called birth defects) if used during pregnancy.

If you’re pregnant or planning a pregnancy, talk with your doctor about your other treatment options. If you become pregnant while taking Zocor, stop taking the medication right away and call your doctor.

Zocor isn’t safe to take during pregnancy. If you’re sexually active and you or your partner can become pregnant, talk with your doctor about your birth control needs while you’re using Zocor.

For more information about taking Zocor during pregnancy, see the “Zocor and pregnancy” section above.

You should not use Zocor while breastfeeding. It’s not known whether the drug passes into human breast milk. However, if it does pass into breast milk, Zocor could cause serious side effects in a child who’s breastfed.

If you have questions about the best way to feed your child during your Zocor treatment, talk with your doctor.

Before taking Zocor, talk with your doctor about your health history. Zocor may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors affecting your health, including the following.

Note: For more information about the potential negative effects of Zocor, see the “Zocor side effects” section above.

Having a higher risk of developing muscle pain or weakness

Muscle pain and weakness are possible side effects of Zocor. Some people have a higher risk of developing muscle pain or weakness because of certain factors, such as:

  • being age 65 years or older
  • being female
  • being of Chinese ancestry
  • having kidney disease
  • having untreated low levels of thyroid hormones

If any of these risk factors apply to you, talk with your doctor before taking Zocor.

Note: Sex and gender exist on spectrums. Use of the term “female” in this article refers to sex assigned at birth.

Liver disease

You should not take Zocor if you currently have liver disease. This is because Zocor can damage your liver. If you have a history of liver disease, you may have a higher risk of this side effect from taking Zocor. Before taking Zocor, tell your doctor if you currently have liver disease or have had it in the past.

Excessive alcohol use

Consistently drinking large amounts of alcohol can cause liver damage. Liver damage is also a potential side effect of Zocor. Drinking excessively during your Zocor treatment could raise your risk of liver problems. Before taking Zocor, talk with your doctor if you have a history of excessive alcohol use.

Allergic reaction

If you’ve had an allergic reaction to Zocor or any of its ingredients, you should not take Zocor. Ask your doctor what other medications may be better options for you.

Pregnancy

It’s not safe to use Zocor while pregnant. For more information, see the “Zocor and pregnancy” section above.

Breastfeeding

Zocor should not be taken while breastfeeding. For more information, see the “Zocor and breastfeeding” section above.

Do not use more Zocor than your doctor recommends. For some drugs, doing so may lead to unwanted side effects or overdose.

What to do in case you take too much Zocor

If you think you’ve taken too much of this drug, call your doctor. You can also call America’s Poison Centers at 800-222-1222 or use its online tool. But if your symptoms are severe, call 911 or your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency room right away.

When you get Zocor from a pharmacy, the pharmacist will add an expiration date to the label on the bottle. This date is typically 1 year from the date they dispensed the medication.

The expiration date helps guarantee that the medication is effective during this time. The current stance of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is to avoid using expired medications. If you have unused medication that has gone past the expiration date, ask your pharmacist how to correctly dispose of it.

Storage

How long a medication remains good can depend on many factors, including how and where you store the medication.

Zocor tablets should be stored at a room temperature of 41ºF to 86ºF (5ºC to 30ºC) in a tightly sealed container away from light. Avoid storing this medication in areas where it could get damp or wet, such as bathrooms.

Disposal

If you no longer need to take Zocor and have leftover medication, it’s important to dispose of it safely. This helps prevent others, including children and pets, from taking the drug by accident. It also helps keep the drug from harming the environment.

This article provides several useful tips on medication disposal. You can also ask your pharmacist for information on how to dispose of your medication.

Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.

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