Zocor (simvastatin) is a member of the statin family, a drug that lowers cholesterol production. It is used in cases of high cholesterol to lower LDL, or “bad” cholesterol, and triglycerides in the blood and to raise levels of HDL, or “good” cholesterol. High blood cholesterol levels can form plaque, a substance that can block arteries. When the coronary arteries are blocked, oxygenated blood cannot reach the heart muscle, leading to heart tissue damage.
Similarly, blocked arteries leading to the brain can cause a cerebrovascular accident or stroke.
Dosage
Simvastatin is taken by mouth in tablet form, from 5 to 40 mg per day.
Common Side Effects
- Headache
- Sleep difficulty
- Muscle aches, tenderness, or weakness (myalgia)
- Sleepiness
- Dizziness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Abdominal cramping pain
- Bloating or feeling of gas
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Rash
- Abnormally low platelet counts (blood cells that form clots)
Due to these side effects, routine use of statins for high cholesterol is not recommended anymore. Simvastatin should only be prescribed when a patient is deemed high risk for cardiovascular events (like heart attacks and strokes) by your doctor based on certain criteria.
Cost
According to rxsaver.com, Genius Rx offers a bottle of 90 20-mg simvastatin tablets for $7.20.
How to Get a Simvastatin Prescription
Simvastatin is a prescription drug that needs to be prescribed by a licensed prescriber or physician. But here’s the good news-QuickMD can treat your high cholesterol in the comfort of your own home and prescribe simvastatin online, making the process convenient and stress-free for you.
