Generic Zocor (Simvastatin)

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Decreased elimination of simvastatin could increase the levels of simvastatin in the body and increase the risk of muscle toxicity from simvastatin. Examples of drugs that decrease elimination of simvastatin include erythromycin (E-Mycin), ketoconazole (Nizoral), itraconazole (Sporanox), clarithromycin (Biaxin), telithromycin (Ketek), cyclosporine (Sandimmune), nefazodone (Serzone), and HIV protease inhibitors such as indinavir (Crixivan) and ritonavir (Norvir). Large quantities of grape fruit juice (>1 quart daily) also will increase blood levels of simvastatin.

Amiodarone (Cordarone), verapamil (Calan Verelan, Isoptin), danazol (Danocrine), cyclosporine, niacin (Niacor, Niaspan, Slo-Niacin), gemfibrozil (Lopid) and fenofibrate (Tricor) also may increase the risk of muscle toxicity when combined with simvastatin. Patients taking amiodarone or verapamil should not take more than 20 mg of simvastatin. Patients taking danazol or cyclosporine should not take more than 10 mg of simvastatin.

Simvastatin increases the effect of warfarin (Coumadin) and the blood concentration of digoxin (Lanoxin). Patients taking simvastatin and warfarin or digoxin should be monitored carefully for toxic effects of warfarin and digoxin.

Cholestyramine (Questran, Questran Light) decreases the absorption of simvastatin. Therefore, simvastatin should only be taken 2 hours before or at least 4 hours after cholestyramine administration.

Zocor Medicine is used to lower blood cholesterol.

Lipitor and Zocor: Are they equally effective?

This is a common and important question.

With the high cost of many prescription medications, more people are considering switching to cheaper generic versions of brand-name drugs.

Lipitor and Zocor belong to a class of drugs called statins, which are used to lower blood cholesterol. Zocor (simvastatin) is available as a generic. Lipitor (atorvastatin) is not.

Both Lipitor and Zocor are safe and effective in lowering cholesterol. Lipitor is more potent, with 10 milligrams (mg) of Lipitor equal to 20 mg of Zocor. For most people with high cholesterol, Zocor at a higher dose will be just as effective as Lipitor.

However, if you require 40 mg of Lipitor or greater, Zocor will not be as effective. The maximum dose of Zocor is 80 mg, which is equivalent to a dose of about 40 mg of Lipitor.

Talk to your doctor about whether switching from Lipitor to a generic version of Zocor is appropriate in your specific situation to reduce prescription drug costs. Keep in mind that each of these medications is different, and you may tolerate one but not the other.