Prescription Zocor (value) Drug Information

DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE if you are also taking gemfibrozil, HIV protease inhibitors (such as ritonavir, lopinavir, nelfinavir), azole antifungals (such as itraconazole or ketoconazole), macrolide antibiotics (such as erythromycin, clarithromycin, or troleandomycin), or nefazodone. If you are currently taking any of these medicines, tell your doctor or pharmacist before taking this medicine. additional monitoring OF your dose OR condition may be needed if you are taking amiodarone, "blood thinners" (such as warfarin), fibrates (such as clofibrate or fenofibrate), bosentan, cyclosporine, dalfopristin or quinupristin, digoxin, diltiazem, fluconazole, imatinib, high doses of niacin {1 gram or more per day), rifamycins such as rifampin, St. John's wort, verapamil, or voriconazole. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions including kidney problems, muscle problems, alcohol use, allergies (especially to other "statins"), pregnancy, or breast-feeding. Certain medical conditions, including low blood pressure; severe infection; uncontrolled seizures; or serious metabolic, endocrine, or electrolyte problems may increase your risk for side effects that can result in kidney problems. Contact your doctor if you develop one of these conditions. USE OF THIS MEDICINE IS NOT RECOMMENDED if you have a history of liver disease or ongoing, abnormal liver function test results. HOW TO USE THIS MEDICINE: This medicine may be taken on an empty stomach or with food. Take this medicine in the evening unless otherwise directed by your doctor. Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice at the same time you take this medicine. CONTINUE TAKING THIS MEDICINE even if you feel well. Most people with high cholesterol do not feel sick. THIS MEDICINE MAY CAUSE INJURY TO YOUR MUSCLES especially when taken at higher doses or when taken with certain other medicines. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience muscle pain or weakness, especially with a fever. Eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice while you are taking this medicine may increase the amount of this medicine in your blood, which may increase your risk for serious side effects. Talk with your doctor before including grapefruit or grapefruit juice in your diet while you are taking this medicine. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. FOR WOMEN: DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE if you are pregnant. IF YOU SUSPECT THAT YOU COULD BE PREGNANT, contact your doctor immediately. IT IS UNKNOWN IF THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED in breast milk. DO NOT BREAST-FEED while taking this medicine. POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS: SIDE EFFECTS that may occur while taking this medicine include constipation, diarrhea, or stomach upset. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience muscle aches, pain, tenderness, or weakness, especially if associated with unusual tiredness and a fever; yellowing of skin or eyes; dark urine; change in the amount of urine; stomach pain; ongoing nausea or vomiting; blurred vision; or unusual bleeding or bruising. AN ALLERGIC REACTION to this medicine is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, or trouble breathing.