Zocor Injury Attorneys

About Zocor

Zocor, the trademark name for the drug simvastin, is a cholesterol inhibiting drug that is only available by prescription. It is manufactured by Merck & Co, although the patent for the prescription drug expired in 2006 and generic brands are now available to the general public. Some other manufacturers of simvastatin are Ranbaxy Laboratories, Teva Pharmaceutical Industries, and Dr. Reddy's Laboratories.

Zocor helps lower cholesterol by inhibiting cholesterol production in the liver. It interrupts cholesterol synthesis and lipoprotein consumption, which reduces an individual's cholesterol and serum triglyceride levels. However, Zocor's benefits may be overshadowed by possible side effects, particularly when the drug is prescribed in 80 mg dosages.

Patient consumption of 80 mg dosages of Zocor has been linked to muscle injury in patients. Known as myopathy, this muscle injury consists of muscle pain, tenderness, and muscle weakness. Specifically though, patients who experience muscle injury are unknowingly susceptible to the release of a specific protein (myoglobin) that can damage the kidneys. This protein release is known as rhabdomyolysis, and can ultimately result in kidney failure which could result in death.

Zocor is available in 5, 10, 20, 40, and 80 mg dosages, and is often prescribed to treat coronary artery disease, hyperlipidemia, and hypercholesterolemia. While all dosages have been tested in clinical trials, only the 80 mg dose seems to be linked to patient muscle injury when taken. This muscle injury, in leading to kidney failure, puts stress on the rest of the body, and can also result in an increased likelihood of individuals experiencing major cardiovascular events. Other adverse reactions to Zocor use include headaches, asthenia (loss of strength), gastrointestinal issues such as nausea, abdominal pain or cramps, and dyspepsia (problematic digestion), and the possibility of upper respiratory infections.

Regardless of a drug's benefits, the dangers it poses need to be taken into more careful consideration before the drug is made available to the general public. While Zocor taken in low doses is an effective treatment for the above mentioned conditions, an 80 mg dosage is a danger to those individuals who are prescribed it. Even though the FDA has warned against the larger dose, it continues to be prescribed by doctors and physicians, and patients continue to suffer from its debilitating effects.

Pharmaceutical negligence can have serious health implications on individuals prescribed various medications. It is of the utmost importance that drugs are thoroughly tested to ensure that they are safe for general use. In the event that the FDA determines that a particular drug, such as Zocor, is a danger to consumers, then it becomes the responsibility of the pharmaceutical company to take all necessary steps to correct the problem. A failure to do so can be deemed negligence in a court of law.

If you've sustained health ailments as a result of 80 mg dosages of Zocor, please do not hesitate to contact the Zocor injury attorneys at Anapol Schwartz. Our veteran personal injury attorneys will fight to ensure that your rights as a patient are not infringed upon in a court of law. Call us today at 1-866-735-2792 for a free case evaluation.

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