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Zocor has been a valuable medication for treating high cholesterol. Since the drug has been on the market it has helped hundreds of thousands of patients reduce harmful fats in the blood and avoid heart attacks. But, as with all medications, Zocor® does come with possible side effects. The problem is, one of the potential side effects is severe damage to the muscles, that in the most severe cases could lead to kidney failure and even death.

Read on for more information about side effects that have been reported by Zocor® users:

Zocor Side Effects

• Muscle Damage: The most serious side effect of Zocor® is its effect on the muscles.  Patients should tell their doctors immediately if they have any muscle pain, weakness, or tenderness.

• Liver Damage: The medication also can raise liver enzymes, indicating the potential for liver damage. Before starting treatment with Zocor® a patient should have a blood test for liver enzymes and be monitored for them periodically.

• Birth defects: Women taking Zocor® should not become pregnant. The drug is known to cause birth defects.

• Breast Feeding: Zocor®’s effect on the mother’s milk is not known, therefore breastfeeding mothers should not be taking Zocor®.

• Allergic reaction: This is a potential, but rare side effect of Zocor®. Someone on the medication who experiences rash, itching, trouble breathing, swelling or dizziness should contact the doctor immediately.

Zocor® and Muscle Damage

Rhabdomyolysis, a form of serious damage to the muscles, is the most well-known serious side effect of taking Zocor®.  When this occurs, the muscle fibers break down, releasing their contents into the bloodstream. This often causes kidney damage, and could result in death.

A part of the muscle fiber known as myoglobin enters the blood when the muscle breaks down.  The kidney’s job is to filter the blood. When the myoglobin breaks down, its components can block some of the kidney’s structures and possibly lead to kidney failure.

A person who notices yellowing of the eyes or skin, dark urine, extreme fatigue, pain in the abdomen or stomach, or constant nausea should let the doctor known right away.

Possible Drug Interactions

Patients should always let their doctors know about other medications and herbal remedies they are taking. The following are only some of the medications that may have serious, potentially fatal reactions if taken at the same time as Zocor®

• Azole antifungal drugs
• Delavirdine, used with other drugs to treat HIV
• HIV protease inhibitors
• Some macrolide antibiotics (erythromycin, for example)
• Nefazodone (an antidepressant)
• Telithromycin (antibiotic to treat respiratory infections)
• Prescription and non-prescription drugs that can thin the blood

Have You Been Impacted by a Side Effect of Zocor®?

If you or a loved one has experienced an ill Zocor® side effect such as debilitating damage to the muscles, you may be able to file a legal claim that would allow you to seek financial compensation for your damages and losses. For more information, or to find out if you qualify, please contact our law offices today.