Are there any nasty side-effects of Zocor I should be aware of?
The official FDA information for Zocor (simvastatin) indicates relatively few side effects, the most common of which are an increase in upper respiratory infections, headache, abdominal pain, and nausea (all seen in 5-10% of Zocor users in clinical studies). The most serious adverse reaction is muscle damage (myopathy and rhabdomyolysis), which can lead to kidney failure and even death. Fortunately, this is quite rare, occurring in about 1 in 5000 patients at 20 mg per day and about 1 in 200 at 80 mg per day after at least four years of using Zocor. More common (about 1%) but less serious is liver dysfunction based on laboratory tests; however, signs or symptoms of actual liver failure have not been reported. As a result, liver tests are recommended before starting Zocor and as indicated during its use, and Zocor should be stopped and a doctor consulted in the event of muscle pain. Fortunately, both of these adverse effects are reversible if Zocor is stopped promptly.
