Question about Zocor

Hello, I am 28 years old and this year I discovered my cholesterol was on the high end of normal ( total 199).  For six weeks I tried lifestyle changes and it did not lower, so now I am taking 40mg of Zocor at night.  I was wondering if their are side effects to this, and if this is ok to take for years? I have been having sharp dull pains under my left and right rib/breast area. Does anyone think there is a connection? I have been on it for 4 months.  I do not like the idea of being 28 and on this med, I am scared of long term effects. Any advice would be great.

[erijon]

I have been on Zocor for over 2 years with no side effects. I started for the same reason as you, I was at a total cholesterol of 219 and and LDL of 134 when I started. My first lipid panel 4 months after I started my total cholesterol was down to 163 and my LDL was 58. Granted, I also made several life style changes including diet and exercise. My doctor told me Zocor is safe for long periods and I may be on it forever (I'm 49 years old). I did go off it for 3 months and my cholesterol went back up. The main side effect to look out for is muscle pain, it's rare but you should report it to your doctor. He should be checking your liver function as well for the first year or so to be safe.

Good Luck!

Tony

[Barbarella]

I've been taking 20mg of Zocor for the last 4 yrs with no side effects.  Doctor wanted to put me on 40 mg, I refused because I was scared stiff of statins.  He said o.k. lets see if the 20 mg will work and they did.