Side Effects Of Zocor

Possible side-effects of Zocor usage include the following conditions which should be referred to a doctor immediately:

1. Allergic reaction; heavy and difficult breathing; choking sensation in the throat; lips, tongue, or face swelling; or even hives.
2. Muscle aches, pain or weakness
3. Symptoms of flu
4. Urine coloration
5. Deteriorated vision
6. Yellowing of the skin or eyes. (Zocor, 2004)

In addition to these side effects, there are few other less serious ones. In the following cases, the doctor should be consulted while one may continue Zocor usage:

1. Gas, bloating, nausea, stomach upset, heartburn, abdominal pain, constipation, or diarrhea;
2. Cough;
3. Headache; or
4. Insomnia. (Zocor, 2004)

In addition to all the above side-effects, others may occur. The intensity of additional side-effects should not be neglected.

Drug Interference and Caution

Drugs that interfere with Zocor’s functions include the following:

1. Cyclosporine (Sandimmune, Neoral);
2. Gemfibrozil (Lopid);
3. Niacin (Nicolar, Nicobid, Nicotinex, others);
4. Nefazodone (Serzone);
5. Clarithromycin (Biaxin);
6. Erythromycin (E-Mycin, E.E.S., Ery-Tab, Ilotycin, Eryc, PCE, Ilosone, others); or
7. Itraconazole (Sporanox), fluconazole (Diflucan), or ketoconazole (Nizoral). (Zocor, 2004)

Since it is known that Zocor itself may affect a person’s muscles, one needs to be cautious and make sure that s/he is not consuming any other medicines that can impact Zocor’s actions. Particularly considering that the above mentioned medicines may impact muscular function causing pain and tenderness, one needs to be extremely careful. In fact, these medicines may even interact with Zocor and damage one’s muscles.

Before beginning treatment with Zocor, one should make it a point to inform the doctor if s/he has been consuming cholesterol-reducing medication such as cholestyramine (Questran) or colestipol (Colestid); digoxin (Lanoxin, Lanoxicaps); warfarin (Coumadin); or a protease inhibitor such as amprenavir (Agenerase), indinavir (Crixivan); nelfinavir (Viracept), ritonavir (Norvir), or saquinavir (Invirase, Fortovase) (Zocor, 2004).

A person might have to take on a dosage adjustment or monitor the process in case the above drugs are being used. In addition to the drugs mentioned above, there may be others that can interfere with Zocor usage, and so, it is better to be one the safe side and inform the doctor about all the medication one takes aside from regular pills for headaches and the like (Zocor, 2004).

From the above, it can be observed that Zocor treatment for weight loss is one that has to be carefully carried out. This is because of the risks involved. However, with careful administration, one can reduce weight, and this requires time as well as patience. The most important thing to take care of is following instructions for Zocor consumption as well as making sure that one does not upset the balance of medication that is approved by the doctor, and this strictly refers to taking drugs along side Zocor that could interfere with Zocor’s proces.