Considering both are statin drugs, is one better than the other? My sister's doctor said Zocor is not good because it affects the kidneys. Is that true?
2006-09-16 16:40:17 · 10 answers · asked by mylenekeane 3 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Heart Diseases
Actually both drugs can adversely affect the kidneys.
They are in the same family.
They have almost identical side effects.
You can use either, if you react to one, you may not react to the other one.
Both are equally as effective, it just depends on the person's tolerance, and physiology.
If one doesn't work, then one of the others in the same family is implimented before you go to something like Zetia, which is in a different family.
The side effect for the statins that needs to be worried about is Rhabdomyolysis.
That's why they say, bad muscle pain, etc... call the doc.
Because myoglobin, which in in the breakdown of the muscles (rhabdo) can cause kidney failure, because it is a kidney toxin.
2006-09-16 16:44:14 · answer #1 · answered by PreviouslyChap 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There isn't a "stronger" medication between the two, because they are different drugs. However in the category of effectiveness the edge goes to Lipitor. Both drugs are very effective in reducing bad cholesterol (LDL) and raising good cholesterol (HDL). Both Lipitor and Zocor belong to the class of drugs known as “statins”, which lower cholesterol by blocking the enzyme in the liver that produces bad cholesterol. In a recent study done by Phizer the producer of Lipitor, it was found that Lipitor was no better at preventing major heart complications than its leading competitor Zocor. However CBS found that “Lipitor outperformed Zocor on several fronts such as lowering cholesterol and preventing nonfatal heart attacks.” The only problem is that Phizer still holds the patent to Lipitor until at least next year (2010), so it's brand name only and very expensive. Zocor has gone generic (simvastatin) and is relatively inexpensive.
2016-03-17 22:03:14 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Both Lipitor and Zocor are from Vastatin group only. Lipitor is of Atorvastatin Calcium and Zocar is of Simvastatin.
One of the side affect of Zocar is muscular pain or cramps or weakness - it is generally called muscular breakdown. Muscular Breakdown leads to Kidney damage. So your doctor has rightly advised and Zocar is not good, if you the patient gets muscular breakdown. IF NOT it is safe to have and not damage to Kidney will be done.
There are many other groups for controlling Cholesterol and it can be given. Consult the doctor and he will give a suitable substitute depending upon the test results and symptoms of the patient. These medicines should not be administration or stopped if the patient is taking just on mouth say by someone.
Additional information on Zocar:
ZOCOR is a prescription tablet and isn’t right for everyone, including women who are nursing or pregnant or who may become pregnant, and anyone with liver problems. Unexplained muscle pain or weakness could be a sign of a rare but serious side effect and should be reported to your doctor right away. ZOCOR may interact with other medicines or certain foods, increasing your risk of getting this serious side effect. So tell your doctor about any other medications you are taking. Please read additional important
2006-09-16 17:52:03 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Statins can actually protect the kidneys from damage caused by heart failure and diabetes (mom has both conditions).
The complications of both can be terrible. Mom was on Liptor for years, then her cholesterol went up, and the docs increased it to 40mg. A month later the muscle wasting complications occured, and mom was feeling like she had arthritis in the shoulder and hip. They removed her from both and started her on Vytorin. Now she has no muscle problems, can use her shoulder and hip, and the cholesterol is below 180 (the commercial about controlling two kinds of cholesterol is so true -- Liptor couldn't control it alone).
Your sister's mileage may vary, but please investigate and find the best medication that has the least side effects. It's all about the quality of ones life and enjoying it, not be bedridden and in pain.
2006-09-16 22:18:48 · answer #4 · answered by SandyKIT 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, both medicines have side effects, but one may work better in some people than the other. I don't think that Zocor would be on the market if it were that widely known to cause kidney problems. Many medications affects the kidneys if taken in too great a dosage. If your sister is concerned, she should get a second opinion from another MD.
2006-09-16 16:45:50 · answer #5 · answered by lucyfire24 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I took both Lipitor and Crestor and had to stop both because of muscle and joint pain that can lead to kidney failure. She should closely monitor her muscles and joint for pain and at the first sign, report it to her doctor.
2006-09-17 00:22:27 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
they both do, I take Zocor. as long as you get blood tests every 6 months to check out the kidneys you will be ok.
fish oil really helps lower cholestrol . 1000 mg a day
2006-09-16 16:46:20 · answer #7 · answered by xjoizey 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have used both and they both can harm the liver. But I don't know about the kidneys get a second opinion.
2006-09-16 17:06:57 · answer #8 · answered by Dale 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would honestly recommend that you contact a doctor about this because I do not want to give the wrong advice.
2006-09-16 16:45:50 · answer #9 · answered by Amina 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
they both have adverse reactions i think it really depends on your body mechanics if she's really concerned then get a second opinion
2006-09-16 16:57:40 · answer #10 · answered by murkymom 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋