Due to concerns over an increased risk of muscle injury, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has issued new warnings to users of the highest prescribed dose of Zocor (simvastatin), also prescribed in generic forms and under the brand names Vytorin and Simcor.
The 80mg dose of the cholesterol-lowering drug has been associated with elevated risks of muscle injury or myopathy, particularly during the first year of patient use. The FDA recommends that only patients who have taken Zocor for at least 12 months and have not experienced any muscle injury continue taking the 80mg dose.
The labels for the medications will also offer more guidance about contraindications (possible interaction risks when used with other drugs).
Click here for more information regarding Zocor side effects and the new FDA recommendations.