Zocor 20 mg Tablet

Zocor 20 mg Tablet contains 20 mg of simvastatin in each tablet. It belongs to the statin class of medicines, which are used to help lower cholesterol and triglycerides and to reduce the risk of heart and blood vessel problems. Zocor 20 mg Tablet is prescribed for people who need a stronger cholesterol-lowering option than the 10 mg tablet. It is used along with diet, exercise, and other lifestyle changes when a doctor decides a 20 mg dose is appropriate.

How it works: Simvastatin in Zocor 20 mg Tablet blocks an enzyme in the liver that the body uses to make cholesterol. As a result, the tablet helps lower harmful LDL cholesterol and can also modestly raise HDL cholesterol and lower triglycerides.

Zocor 20 mg Tablet is the highest strength we carry in this brand range, so it may be chosen when a lower strength such as Zocor 10 mg Tablet is not enough to reach the treatment goal. A doctor may select Zocor 20 mg Tablet for patients who need more cholesterol reduction while still staying within a standard tablet strength. It is not a starter strength for everyone, and the dose is individualized based on lab results, other medicines, and overall risk.

• Lower LDL (“bad”) cholesterol
• Lower triglycerides
• Help raise HDL (“good”) cholesterol
• Reduce risk of heart attack and stroke
• Support treatment of mixed lipid disorders

• Swallow Zocor 20 mg Tablet whole with water; do not chew or crush it.
• Take it exactly as prescribed, usually once daily in the evening or at bedtime if your doctor directs.
• You can take it with or without food.
• Keep taking the tablet even if you feel well, because cholesterol medicine works best over time.
• Follow a heart-healthy diet and other lifestyle advice while using Zocor 20 mg Tablet.

Each Zocor 20 mg Tablet provides 20 mg of simvastatin per tablet. It is commonly taken once daily, but the exact schedule and whether it is the right maximum dose for you are decided by your doctor. Do not take more than prescribed, because the dose must be tailored to your response and your risk for side effects.

Do not change your dose or stop the medicine without speaking to your doctor.

Common side effects of Simvastatin may include:

• Headache
• Stomach upset or abdominal pain
• Nausea
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Muscle aches or joint pain
• Tiredness

• Zocor 20 mg Tablet is the highest strength in our range, so it should be used only when a clinician has determined that 20 mg is appropriate.
• Tell your doctor if you have liver disease, kidney problems, or a history of muscle disease before starting this tablet.
• Avoid large amounts of grapefruit or grapefruit juice unless your prescriber says it is okay.
• Limit alcohol, because heavy drinking can increase liver-related risk with simvastatin.
• Report any muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness right away, especially if it is new or worsening.
• Let your doctor know if you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding; statins are not used in pregnancy.
• Tell every healthcare professional you see that you take Zocor 20 mg Tablet, because important drug interactions can raise the risk of muscle injury.

• Certain antibiotics and antifungals, such as clarithromycin or itraconazole
• Some HIV or hepatitis C medicines
• Cyclosporine, danazol, and gemfibrozil
• Large amounts of grapefruit juice
• Other cholesterol medicines that can increase muscle side effects

Store Zocor 20 mg Tablet at room temperature in the original strip/box, away from moisture and excess heat.