Zocor Precautions and Warnings

• Zocor can interact with certain medications and substances (see Zocor Drug Interactions).
   
• If you are an alcoholic or drink alcohol frequently, discuss this with your healthcare provider prior to starting Zocor. Alcohol can affect the way the liver works, indirectly affecting Zocor.
   
• Statins have been known to cause an increase in liver enzymes. Therefore, it is recommended that you have a blood test that looks at your liver function before starting Zocor and several months after treatment has started. These tests may also be recommended if the Zocor dosage is changed (see Zocor and Liver Problems).
   
• Rhabdomyolysis (the severe breakdown of muscles) and other serious muscle problems have rarely been reported with Zocor and other statins. You are at greater risk for developing muscle problems, such as rhabdomyolysis, with this drug if you:

• Have kidney damage

• Are elderly

• Are not being properly treated for hypothyroidism

• Are taking certain medications, such as fibrates (Lopid^®), niacin, cyclosporine, erythromycin, clarithromycin, telithromycin, HIV protease inhibitors, or antifungal medicines (see Zocor Drug Interactions for more medicines)

• Drink grapefruit juice or use grapefruit products (see Grapefruit Juice and Zocor).

Make sure to contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any muscle pain, weakness, or tenderness, especially if it is accompanied by a fever or if you feel ill (see Zocor and Muscle Pain).

• Zocor is a pregnancy Category X medicine, meaning that it could potentially cause harm to your unborn child. The safety of this drug in pregnant women has not been established. If you are pregnant, talk with your healthcare provider immediately (see Zocor and Pregnancy).
   
• It is not known whether Zocor passes through breast milk. Ask your healthcare provider whether to stop nursing or stop taking Zocor.
   

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