Understanding The Risks Of Taking Zocor

Zocor is a medication used to block the production of bad cholesterol and chemicals found in the body that helps produce harmful cholesterol. Before taking Zocor, it is important that you talk to your doctor about the possible side effects of taking this medication and the effects that other medications you may already being taking, may have on them.

People, who should not take Zocor, are those who suffer from liver disease, kidney disease, drink a lot of alcohol, and suffer from blood disorders or those with muscular diseases. Sometimes patients with the above disorders or illnesses may take Zocor if their doctor monitors them regularly.

Pregnant or breast-feeding mothers should avoid taking Zocor before, during, and for some time after pregnancy. The Zocor medication is labeled as an X brand, which is a known cause of birth defects in unborn babies. The effects on babies being breastfed are still unknown, as it is not known if Zocor is transferred through breast milk to the baby. Better to error on the side of safety than take any unnecessary risks with your babies health.

The serious side effects that are associated with Zocor are muscle pain, weakness, fever, flu like symptoms, yellowing of the skin, abdominal pain, dark colored urine, or unexplained fatigue. If you experience these side effects while taking this medication, it is advisable that you stop taking Zocor immediately and seek medical attention.

The other less harmful side effects that may occur while taking Zocor are stomach upsets, heartburn, abdominal pain, constipation, or diarrhea. Coughs, headaches, and insomnia may also be experienced. If any of the above-mentioned symptoms occur, it is suggested that a patient see the doctor who prescribed them the Zocor medication. Any other symptoms that cause the patient discomfort or are unusual should also be mentioned to the doctor.

It is recommended that patients taking Zocor avoid mixing grapefruit juice with their medication, as grapefruit juice can cause severe reactions. Alcohol is also best avoided or limited while taking Zocor, as it can cause damage to the liver.

When taking Zocor, patients should not take a double dose. If the patient has missed their usual dose, that dose should be skipped and the next dose should be taken as usual. It is possible to overdose on Zocor, the effects of an overdose are nausea, diarrhea, indigestion, or severe stomach upsets. If patient suspects they have overdosed on Zocor, they should seek urgent medical attention.

It is important for anyone to only take Zocor on their doctor's advice. I strongly encourage you NOT to self-administer Zocor without speaking to a doctor first. Prior to taking the medication, be sure and discuss the side effects and the possibility of reactions with other medications you may already being taking.

Your doctor and a health care professional will most likely be more than happy to provide you with reading material on the subject of taking Zocor and how it will affect you. Do not be shy. If your doctor doesn't offer it, ASK FOR IT! The more you know about the risks and benefits of taking this medication, the better your experience in taking them will be.

Disclaimer - The information presented here should not be interpreted as or substituted for medical advice. Please talk to a qualified professional for more information about Zocor.

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