My husband started taking the medication about a month ago in response to high cholesterol and now is experiencing what can only be described as a tightening of the muscles in his chest. I do not think it would be considered a heart problem and it is not extremely painful as far as I know, but he did not have this before he started taking the medication. Please respond with any information you may have. Thank you!
2007-03-28 17:52:12 · 3 answers · asked by bubba 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Medicine
ZOCAR - BRAND NAME OF SIMVASTATIN prescribed for lowering Cholesterol.
The two main side effects of ZOCAR are Rhabdomyolysis and Myopathy.
Rhabdomyolysis is a serious disorder that causes kidney damage resulting from toxic effects of the contents of muscle cells. Myoglobin is an iron-containing pigment found in the skeletal muscle. When the skeletal muscle is damaged, the myoglobin is released into the bloodstream. It is filtered out of the bloodstream by the kidneys. Myoglobin may obstruct the structures of the kidney, causing damage such as acute tubular necrosis or kidney failure. Myoglobin breaks down into potentially toxic compounds, which will also cause kidney failure.
Additionally, Necrotic (dead tissue) skeletal muscle may cause massive fluid shifts from the bloodstream into the muscle, reducing the relative fluid volume of the body and leading to shock and reduced blood flow to the kidneys.
If you have taken Zocor and have experienced any of the following zocor side effects, you should contact your Doctor immediately.
- Abnormal urine color (dark, red, or cola colored)
- Muscle tenderness weakness of the affected muscle(s)
- Generalized weakness
- Muscle stiffness or aching (myalgia)
Myopathy on the other hand is defined as any abnormal condition or disease of the muscle tissues, commonly involving skeletal tissue. Drug-induced myopathy usually develops insidiously.
The onset of clinical manifestations of zocor side effects can occur from days to months after exposure to Zocor. Commonly, patients complain about progressive, generalized muscle weakness, muscle pain (myalgia), or fatigue. Typically, muscle weakness of the arms and legs is the most common and obvious symptom.
Early recognition and diagnosis of Zocor induced Mypoathy is essential. If you suspect of suffering from Myopathy you need to stop taking Zocor immediately or have a doctor reduce the dosage immediately. If Myopathy diagnosis is not quickly made the risk of greater disability and complications, such as rhabdomyolysis and myoglobinuric renal failure greatly increases. Risk factors associated with drug- induced myopathy include liver and renal failure and enzyme inhibition.-
2007-03-28 20:50:22 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Well, chances are if you husband is on cholesterol medication, then he had a high level of cholesterol. Cholesterol can clogg arteries, thus cutting blood supply to the heart and other vital organs. You husband may be experiencing angina (or lack of oxygen to the heart muscle) noticed mostly during times of exertion. Not saying that it could not be caused from the medicine, but chances are that it is totally unrelated to the medicine. You mostly need to look for joint pain with taking Zocor, which could be a possible fatal side effect. Please know that I am NOT a doctor so this is not medical advice, just an educated opinion. I am a pharmacy student who teaches pharmacy technician certification at a local college. I hope your husband gets better!!! Definately consult your doctor immediately if the pain persists!
2007-03-29 01:01:39 · answer #2 · answered by MARSHAL 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Side effects and other information here - http://www.webmd.com/drugs/drug-6040-Zocor+Oral.aspx?drugid=6040&drugname=Zocor+Oral
2007-03-29 00:57:08 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋