How Zocor Works and Why It Can Be Dangerous

Zocor, a synthetic statin developed by Merck, is designed to lower cholesterol. It is one of Merck's best selling drugs and the second best-selling cholesterol drug in the world. Generic Zocor is widely available and the active ingredient, simvastatin, is also contained in the drugs Vytorin and Simcor with other medications. LDL ( low-density lipoproteins ) cholesterol is responsible for a number of health problems, including high blood pressure, atherosclerosis, stroke and heart attack. This is particularly relevant to atherosclerosis. It is caused by the accumulation of cholesterol in the arteries which leads to arterial hardening and blockages. Statins are also used in cases where there is a history or risk of cardiovascular diseases, even if cholesterol levels are normal. So, why then are the number of Zocor lawsuits and other statin-based drugs on the rise?  If you've been paying attention to a Zocor lawyer, the answer is alarming.

The FDA recently issued a warning that 80mg Zocor doses increase the risk of rhabdomyolysis and other forms of myopathy. The warning applied to all drugs that contain simvastatin, the active ingredient in Zocor.

Myopathy is a muscle disease which can result in muscle pain, tenderness, weakness or an elevation of muscle enzyme in the blood (reatine kinase or CK). The most serious form of myopathy from Zocor can lead to rhabdomyolysis, which could cause serious and potentially life-threatening kidney damage or kidney failure. Rhabdomyolysis from Zocor causes muscle fibers to begin to break down, releasing a protein called myoglobin, which can damage the kidneys as they attempt to filter it out of the bloodstream. Symptoms of rhabdomyolysis include muscle cramps, tenderness, stiffness, pain or spasms. The illness is usually reported in patients over 65 years of age or those who have renal impairment or uncontrolled hypothyroidism.

Public Citizen, a consumer advocacy group, has placed the Zocor 80 mg doses on its “Do Not Use” list, following an FDA warning about the risk of serious and potentially life-threatening muscle damage from Zocor that was issued earlier this year. All statins currently contain a warning that myopathy and rhabdomyolysis are rare possible side effects but it was only in the middle of this year that the dosage warning was issued after complaints arose.