Zocor

What is Zocor?

Zocor is the branded version of a medication called simvastatin. It belongs to a group of medications known as statins. Statins help to lower the levels of “bad” cholesterol i.e. low-density lipoprotein (LDL-cholesterol), and fatty substances called triglycerides in the blood. It also helps to raise “good” cholesterol i.e. high-density lipoprotein (HDL-cholesterol) levels.

When cholesterol levels are too high this can lead to problems like hypertension, diabetes, heart disease and more. These conditions can increase the risk of strokes and heart attacks. By stabilising cholesterol levels, this reduces these risk factors.

Whilst taking Zocor, you should also be on a cholesterol-lowering diet to manage your high cholesterol and prevent the risk of heart complications.

How does Zocor work?

Simvastatin is the main active ingredient in Zocor, which works by stopping your liver from making cholesterol. It does this by blocking an enzyme in your liver called HMG-CoA reductase which is involved in the synthesis of cholesterol. By stopping this enzyme it reduces how much cholesterol the liver makes and therefore decreases LDL cholesterol, also known as, “bad” cholesterol.^[1]

Simvastatin also increases the level of HDL cholesterol, which helps remove excess cholesterol from the blood and carries it to the liver where it’s then excreted from the body.

Overall, Zocor will help regulate your cholesterol levels and lower your risk of heart disease.

What doses of Zocor are available?

Zocor is available in 10mg, 20mg, 40 mg and 80 mg tablets, the same as the generic version. Depending on how high your cholesterol levels are, a clinician will be able to assess which one you should take. Your body makes most of its cholesterol at night so it’s better to take Zocor once a day in the evening.

How to take Zocor

Your clinician will determine which dose of Zocor you should take, and you should follow their instructions carefully on how to take it. 

The usual starting dose is 10mg, 20mg or, in some cases, 40mg a day.

To take Zocor:

• take one tablet in the evening;
• you can take it with or without food;
• it’s also recommended not to have grapefruit juice as it can alter how the body metabolises simvastatin
• take Zocor along with a low-cholesterol diet.

How long does it take for Zocor to work?

Your cholesterol levels should be significantly lower within four weeks, provided you’ve been taking Zocor every day and keeping to a strict diet. You can also improve your cholesterol levels and overall health by:^[1]

• regularly exercising 
• reducing your alcohol consumption (if you drink)
• cutting down or quitting smoking (if you smoke

What happens if I make a mistake with Zocor?

If you’ve forgotten to take Zocor, don’t take a double dose to make up for the forgotten one. Just skip the missed tablet and wait to take your next dose at the scheduled time. If you’ve taken more than you should, you should contact your clinician so they can monitor your symptoms.