Zocor Muscle Injury Dangers

Zocor, a cholesterol-lowering medication, has recently come under heavy scrutiny for its connection to severe health complications. These complications include two rare types of muscle injury, known as myopathy and rhabdomyolsis. Rhabdomyolsis refers to the breakdown of muscle fibers, resulting in the release of these fiber contents into the bloodstream. This fiber release can also result in kidney damage. Symptoms of rhabdomyolysis include:

• Abnormal urine color which is dark, red or cola colored

• General weakness

• Muscle stiffness or aching, known as myalgia

• Muscle tenderness

• Weakness of the affected muscles

• Fatigue

• Joint pain

• Seizures

• Unintentional weight gain

Zocor’s other type of muscle injury, myopathy, is a condition which also hurts the muscle fiber, presenting symptoms which include the following:

• Muscle Cramping

• Stiffness

• Spasms

This form of cholesterol medication, known as simvastatin but marketed under the name Zocor, is a sythentic statin developed by Merck & Co. Statins are a class of drug which are used to decrease lipid levels in the blood, thereby lowering cholesterol. According to a United States Food and Drug Administration estimate, 2010 saw 2.1 million patients receive prescriptions some type of drug containing simvastatin. Though long recognized that statins carry a risk of muscle damage, a recent study suggests that some patients taking Zocor may be at an even higher risk. This study indicates some patients taking doses of Zocor higher than even 20 milligrams may be in danger of such muscle injury.

A March 2010 FDA warning found that high doses of Zocor (80mg) were linked with increased risk of muscle injury, while Merck & Co. reports that about 12 percent of patients take the medication at this highest, most dangerous dosage. Additionally, the risk of injury may also be heightened in those of Chinese descent, as well as patients taking other blood pressure medications. According to the FDA, patients should not take any size dose of Zocor (simvastatin) with the following medications:  

• Itraconazole

• Ketoconazole

• Erythromycin

• Clarithromycin

• Telithromycin

• HIV protease inhibitors

• Nefazodone

Patients should also not use more than 10mg of Zocor, or simvastatin, if using these medications:

• Gemfibrozil

• Cyclosporine

• Danazol

Patients are further cautioned not to use more than 20mg of Zocor if they are also taking amiodarone or verapamil. Finally, patients taking diltiazem are cautioned not to take more than 40mg of the cholesterol medication. The FDA has found these drugs heighten the risk of muscle injury when taken with Zocor. In addition, it is recommended patients consult with their doctor before changing dose size or ending use of this medication altogether.

Zocor is also used with another cholesterol medication known as Zetia. This medication is marketed under the name Vytorin. However, it was recently the center of a massive fraud lawsuit over the drug’s effectiveness claims. A 2009 report proved these claims of Vytorin’s effectiveness were false. 

If you or a loved one has experienced serious side effects from the use of Zocor or another simvastatin drug, contact Newsome Law Firm by filling out a case evaluation form or calling our toll-free number today. Our team of attorneys has experience specific to complications associated with prescription medication. Not only can they give you the legal guidance you need, they can help you get the compensation you deserve.