Starting the treatment of any disease which has already vividly shown itself will take much time and may be not as effective as a doctor and a patient might hope. It is much better to begin the battle against the illness on its early stages.
Similarly, it is quite difficult to return cardiovascular health if such conditions as atherosclerosis or coronary artery disease have widely spread their wings. In case of heart attack or stroke the situation is still worse. Fortunately, modern science developed a number of means to prevent many dangerous health disorders.
Cardiovascular conditions are often caused by the elevated blood fats levels (bad cholesterol and triglycerides). Preventing them is nowadays possible due to the existence of lipid-altering medications, out of which statins are the first choice in case if low-fat diet plans and exercising have proved to be ineffective.
Zocor is a representative of statins, which are also known under the complicated name of HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors. Simvastatin is the active ingredient of the pill. It works in the liver inhibiting 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase, which is an important factor in cholesterol production. The result of Zocor activity is reduced low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and triglycerides level in the blood stream.
Zocor pills contain either 5 mg, 10 mg, 20 mg, 40 mg or 80 mg of simvastatin. They should be taken once daily before bedtime or with evening meal. The tablets must not be chewed or crushed; it is recommended to take them with a whole glass of water. Large doses may be split in two and taken twice a day.
The most serious, but rare side effect after Zocor administration is severe muscle aches combined with fever and flu-like symptoms, which deserve medical attention, since they can indicate the breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue and lead to kidney failure. Less serious adverse reactions include headaches and gastrointestinal disorders (gas, constipation, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting). Liver functioning should be monitored during the treatment period.
By the way, liver and kidneys disorders, diabetes, underactive thyroid, and blood disorders may be the obstructions for Zocor usage. It is forbidden to take this drug during pregnancy and breastfeeding, since it can cause birth defects and harm the breastfed baby. Young adults (under 30) and children may be treated with Zocor only if they cannot benefit from other therapies and dietary changes.
Allergy to any Zocor component is another aspect deserving attention before starting the use of the pills. People, allergic to its ingredients, may be recommended to take another cholesterol-lowering medication.
Zocor can interact with many medications (antifungal, HIV and AIDS medicines, antibiotics, blood-thinners, other lipid-altering drugs, cardiovascular medications, etc.). Therefore, a patient must inform a doctor about any drugs he or she is currently taking.
To increase the effectiveness of Zocor and lessen the risks of side effects one should follow low-fat diet and cut off alcohol consumption, at least during the treatment period; though, surely, giving up bad habits for good will provide better and long-term results.
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