Zocor Lawsuits

High doses of the cholesterol drug Zocor, or generic simvastatin, have been linked to an increased risk of serious and potentially life threatening muscle problems. The FDA has warned that side effects of Zocor at 80 mg doses may increase the risk of muscle injury, myopathy or rhabdomyolysis.

ZOCOR LAWSUIT STATUS: Potential product liability lawsuits are being reviewed by Zocor lawyers for individuals throughout the United States who have been diagnosed with rhabdomyolysis, myopathy or severe muscle problems.

>>SUBMIT INFO ABOUT A ZOCOR MUSCLE INJURY<<

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OVERVIEW: Zocor (simvastatin) is a synthetic statin developed by Merck & Co., which is now widely available as generic simvastatin. Before patent protections expired in 2005, it was Merck’s best-selling drug and the second best selling cholesterol lowering drug in the world, bringing in $4.3 billion in 2005.

Simvastatin is also used in combination with other drugs in Vytorin and Simcor. The FDA estimates that 2.1 million people were prescribed some drug containing simvastatin in 2010.

In June 2011, the FDA issued a warning to doctors about potential side effects of Zocor when used at high doses (80 mg), saying that the cholesterol drug may increase the risk of muscle injury or myopathy. The warning came after more than a year of FDA experts reviewing clinical trials on Zocor and other drugs containing simvastatin, which had been available to the manufacturers for some time.

ZOCOR MUSCLE INJURY PROBLEMS: The FDA warns that the 80 mg dose of Zocor carries an increased risk of muscle injury, particularly in the first year of use. The high dose of the medication may cause users to face a risk of myopathy or rhabdomyolysis; rare forms of muscle injury.

Zocor muscle injury side effects may hospitalize about 5 out of every 100,000 people who take the highest dose of the medication. The FDA has urged doctors not to start new patients on 80 mg Zocor and to only give the high dose to patients who have taken it for more than a year without side effects.

Rhabdomyolysis is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition, that causes muscle fibers to begin to break down, releasing a protein called myoglobin, which can damage the kidneys as they attempt to filter it out of the bloodstream. 

Symptoms of rhabdomyolysis from Zocor may include:

  • Muscle Cramps
  • Tenderness
  • Stiffness
  • Pain
  • Spasms

The illness is usually reported in patients over 65 years of age or those who have renal impairment or uncontrolled hypothyroidism.

The FDA has also contraindicated Zocor, Vytorin and Simcor (two drugs that combine Zocor with other cholesterol medications) in combination with a wide variety of other drugs including Cyclosporin, Danazol, Noxafil, Gemcor and Lopid.

FIND OUT IF YOU MAY QUALIFY FOR A ZOCOR LAWSUIT: Free consultations and claim evaluations are provided by lawyers who are reviewing potential Zocor lawsuits throughout the United States. As a result of the drug makers’ failure to adequately warn about the risk of Zocor muscle problems, individuals may be entitled to financial compensation.

>>CONTACT A ZOCOR LAWYER ABOUT A POTENTIAL LAWSUIT<<

Photo via FDA.gov public domain U.S. government work

28 Comments

  • williamMay 15, 2015 at 6:04 pm

    I beleave the doctor got kick backs from these co.this drug can hunt more then your health ,it can affear your job and more

  • francineOctober 30, 2014 at 10:14 pm

    At age 59.11 had a hemorrhagic stroke that left me in a six week coma and comatose for over a year. The only drug I was taking was a statin 40 mg. Zocor/ Simvastatin. I was in Las Vegas. At the time I was a partner in an accounting firm. I lost wages, and over two year of my life. Over a year of hospitals, rehabs and home care.

  • ChristineSeptember 23, 2014 at 3:28 am

    Been on simavastun for at I east 3 years. I was on 10 milligrams now 20 milligrams. .but ever since then I have severe leg pain. .severe stiffness. I can no longer walk across the rm. Without my cane. I feel weak.and have dialated bile ducts..and weight gain..

  • MarkJuly 22, 2014 at 2:11 am

    I am 40 yrs old was on simvastatin 40 mg for almost 2 months because my LDL high. Started having pains in my legs about a month and a half after I started taking them I thought it was from work at first but it progressively got worse then around 2 months it hurt to walk and my lower back was killing me. Went back to the doctor at he was asking about family history of diabetes and artrightous then[Show More]I am 40 yrs old was on simvastatin 40 mg for almost 2 months because my LDL high. Started having pains in my legs about a month and a half after I started taking them I thought it was from work at first but it progressively got worse then around 2 months it hurt to walk and my lower back was killing me. Went back to the doctor at he was asking about family history of diabetes and artrightous then he asked me about medication I was on and I told him simvastatin that he prescribe he immediately took me off of it and I have been off of it for 2 weeks but the pain is still there and it doesn't seem to get better I'm really worried because I feel like I'm 90 yrs old does the pain ever go away will I ever be back to normal

  • PamelaJuly 23, 2012 at 6:02 pm

    I was on Simvastatin 20mg. for 1 yr. before I started having muscle weakness in my knees. Doc stopped Sim., as this may be a side effect. Went back in 3 mo, pain worse, Doc said it's not the Sim, because it's all out of my system by now. Went to a rheumatologist, had X-rays and MRI...not arthritis, no bone damage. Continued to get worse, more pain and weakness in legs and hips. Go to another[Show More]I was on Simvastatin 20mg. for 1 yr. before I started having muscle weakness in my knees. Doc stopped Sim., as this may be a side effect. Went back in 3 mo, pain worse, Doc said it's not the Sim, because it's all out of my system by now. Went to a rheumatologist, had X-rays and MRI...not arthritis, no bone damage. Continued to get worse, more pain and weakness in legs and hips. Go to another rheumatologist, she dx myopathy with neuropathy resulting from statin use. Now in physical therapy, weakness continues to progress.

  • DonaldJuly 9, 2012 at 8:08 pm

    I have lost all use of my legs and most use of my arms and throat muscles very weak. I was on Zocor for abou 4 years and after short time began noticing muscle weakness in my legs. I had to quit my job at Walmart stocking shelves due to weakness. I complained to my doctor who told me "your have to realize you are just getting older", but is not the case, I was fine until then. Now 10 years later I[Show More]I have lost all use of my legs and most use of my arms and throat muscles very weak. I was on Zocor for abou 4 years and after short time began noticing muscle weakness in my legs. I had to quit my job at Walmart stocking shelves due to weakness. I complained to my doctor who told me "your have to realize you are just getting older", but is not the case, I was fine until then. Now 10 years later I have been diagnosed with a "mutated muscle gene", some type of myopathy but there is no doubt in my mind it is from Zocor!!!

  • bernardJune 21, 2012 at 8:02 pm

    hi to all, my story is petty much the same taking that "zocor for about 3 yrs, and i keep telling my dr.about my legs pain, first my dr. had me on 40mg. for about 2/12 yrs when i started telling her that my legs hurting that when she jack up my mg. to 80mg. now i have "permanent muscle damage" in both of my legs i wish someone, would help me with this matter. thank you mr bernard strickland

  • JerryJune 13, 2012 at 9:21 pm

    I was put on Tricor for my tryglicerides and had never had problems with my knees or feet or legs. Since I was sick and given a shot of roceftin and leavequin and decadron, I have excruciating pain in my kknees, and muscles spasms or cramps in my legs and my toes even draw. I can.t walk through Walmart and until I had this medicine combo , I never had problems with my muscles or cramps in my l[Show More]I was put on Tricor for my tryglicerides and had never had problems with my knees or feet or legs. Since I was sick and given a shot of roceftin and leavequin and decadron, I have excruciating pain in my kknees, and muscles spasms or cramps in my legs and my toes even draw. I can.t walk through Walmart and until I had this medicine combo , I never had problems with my muscles or cramps in my legs is there a reason for this cause I have a disabled husband nd so am I now, and I need to know..Thank you.

  • bernardJune 13, 2012 at 8:42 pm

    hi to all, my name is bernard, and i,m from birmingham,alabama, and i had been on "zocor" for 5-6 yrs. the last time i took that meds. was on "easter sunday" of 2005 that when the dr. told me to stop taking that meds. my "c.p.k." level was over 4300 . so now i have " permanent muscle damage" in both of my leg,s. i,m on a cane and sometime i can barely walk. i ,m all way,s in a lot of pain, and[Show More]hi to all, my name is bernard, and i,m from birmingham,alabama, and i had been on "zocor" for 5-6 yrs. the last time i took that meds. was on "easter sunday" of 2005 that when the dr. told me to stop taking that meds. my "c.p.k." level was over 4300 . so now i have " permanent muscle damage" in both of my leg,s. i,m on a cane and sometime i can barely walk. i ,m all way,s in a lot of pain, and it never stops. so now i,m on paim meds. but it still don,t stop the pain. thank you bernard

  • William O'BrienMarch 25, 2012 at 2:51 pm

    This is a killer drug. After my doctor in creased my dosage to 80 mg I ended in the intersive care unit of WCA Hospital, Jamestown, NY. My liver and kidneys had completely shut down and I lost all use of my legs. After 9 days after flushing my system with IV I returned. home. To this time I still have very limited use of my legs. I am now part of a action suite against Merck.

  • MELVINDecember 4, 2011 at 12:09 pm

    I WAS ON A LOWER DOSE OF SIMVASTATIN AND IT CASE ME TO HAVE A STROKE. AND I ALSO WAS DIAGNOSED WITH STATIN MYOPATHY..

  • ToniNovember 22, 2011 at 3:28 am

    I have been taking Simvastin 40 mg for several years after the placement of a few stents. Several months back the Dr increased me to the 80 mg after the FDA warning that I was not advised of. My legs cramp so bad at night I wake up in tears. I have severe pain in my arms legs and hips. I have been unable to work for almost 3 mths now. I now have myopathy, and nuropathy, with sever limitations [Show More]I have been taking Simvastin 40 mg for several years after the placement of a few stents. Several months back the Dr increased me to the 80 mg after the FDA warning that I was not advised of. My legs cramp so bad at night I wake up in tears. I have severe pain in my arms legs and hips. I have been unable to work for almost 3 mths now. I now have myopathy, and nuropathy, with sever limitations physically. I realize that I have other medical problems, COPD, and heart disease, but for a "Go Getter" I have been stopped in my tracks.

  • BobNovember 11, 2011 at 2:29 pm

    numerous problems due to zocor/simvistatin

  • BobNovember 11, 2011 at 2:24 pm

    Dr put me on zocor/simvistatin 5/10 mg in 2002, after 6 mo cramps thru out legs and arms caused much pain and discomfort. Finally my GP did blood tests, got call from Dr's took me off med, then first Dr, put me back on it 3 mo later saying other Dr didnt know what they were doing, and this time put me on 80 mg Zocor. 3+ mos later urine was like tomato juice, stools like blood sausage, had to[Show More]Dr put me on zocor/simvistatin 5/10 mg in 2002, after 6 mo cramps thru out legs and arms caused much pain and discomfort. Finally my GP did blood tests, got call from Dr's took me off med, then first Dr, put me back on it 3 mo later saying other Dr didnt know what they were doing, and this time put me on 80 mg Zocor. 3+ mos later urine was like tomato juice, stools like blood sausage, had to use walker due to cramping etc. Collapsed in Dr office, taken to hospital, where diagnosed with fatty almost cerotic liver, kidneys failing, and TOOK me OFF zocor for last time. Had to under go liver biopsy(tonnes of fun and painless) and to this day continue to take meds for the liver and kidney damage. Pancreas also damaged. 11/11/11 Found Med Provider said I was never on 80 mg Zocor all erased from records..no evidence. THEN WHY DO I HAVE THE PILL BOTTLE WITH PRECRIPTION AND ALL INFO IN MY POSSESSION!!!!

  • MicheleNovember 9, 2011 at 9:23 pm

    My Dr prescribed Simvastatin for me awhile back. I began to have muscle cramps in my legs almost nightly. I also noticed that my muscles were becoming weak especially in my legs. I mentioned this to my Doctor who passed it off as nothing. I stopped taking them. Now it's been maybe 2 years since and I have gotten even weaker and my muscles hurt alot im my arms and my legs. When I'm sitting down o[Show More]My Dr prescribed Simvastatin for me awhile back. I began to have muscle cramps in my legs almost nightly. I also noticed that my muscles were becoming weak especially in my legs. I mentioned this to my Doctor who passed it off as nothing. I stopped taking them. Now it's been maybe 2 years since and I have gotten even weaker and my muscles hurt alot im my arms and my legs. When I'm sitting down or getting out of bed it has gotten harder to get up. I have always been very strong and now I'm not. I have pain also in my muscles.

  • DebOctober 21, 2011 at 2:47 am

    My dad took Zocor for years. In 2207 I took him off the med. Do you think it has anything to do with Parkinsons?

  • JosephOctober 3, 2011 at 10:25 pm

    I was on Lipitor since 2002.No problem except a leg cramp now and then. Because of the cost my DR. put me on 80 mg. Simvastatin Nov. 2010. In about five months my legs started to stiffen with pain when getting up in the morning,and during the day after sitting. After an hour of streching , and moving around I almost feel normal with a slight ache,and weakness in my legs. I am now off both lipitor[Show More]I was on Lipitor since 2002.No problem except a leg cramp now and then. Because of the cost my DR. put me on 80 mg. Simvastatin Nov. 2010. In about five months my legs started to stiffen with pain when getting up in the morning,and during the day after sitting. After an hour of streching , and moving around I almost feel normal with a slight ache,and weakness in my legs. I am now off both lipitor, and simvastatin.

  • marySeptember 24, 2011 at 11:06 am

    My husband has been taking simvastatin at the 40 mg dosage per day with no problems for years ...however in the last 6 months dr's increase him to 80 mg per day. He now suffers with cramping and sharp lower back muscle pains, leg cramping and at times severe stomach cramps and pressure. Seems like he always has some sort of muscle pains ! we will now investigate this 80 mg connection...as he has [Show More]My husband has been taking simvastatin at the 40 mg dosage per day with no problems for years ...however in the last 6 months dr's increase him to 80 mg per day. He now suffers with cramping and sharp lower back muscle pains, leg cramping and at times severe stomach cramps and pressure. Seems like he always has some sort of muscle pains ! we will now investigate this 80 mg connection...as he has always been ''otherwise'' healthy with no symtons like this prior to the bump to 80 ms per day. Really, out of the blue...constant muscle issues !!! His kidneys also ''hurt'' and we thought possibly kidney stones but the dr's said no...he recently went thru an upper GI series for the stomach pressure and cramping with no results - and a clean bill of health....still the sharp back muscle pains, stomach pressure and muscle cramping continue. we will now ask the dr' about myopathy or other possibilities from the 80 mg dosage.

  • ANA M.September 3, 2011 at 5:05 am

    I LOST MY HUSBAND FROM THIS MED. THE DOCTOR STARTED HIM ON 80MG AFTER HE KNEW ABOUT HE RECALL AND ABOUT THE LIMITATION OF MEDS. HE MY HUSBAND ANTONIO WAS ALSO DRINKING THE ALODIPINE 10MG FOR YEARS AND THE FDA SAY THE THESES 2 MEDS DO NOT MIX. MY HUSBAND OF 34 YEARS DIED ON JUNE 27TH, 2011 FROM THESES MEDS. THE REPORT STATES THAT THE DOCTOR SHOULD NOT START NEW PATIENTS ON THIS MED AND THEY DID IT[Show More]I LOST MY HUSBAND FROM THIS MED. THE DOCTOR STARTED HIM ON 80MG AFTER HE KNEW ABOUT HE RECALL AND ABOUT THE LIMITATION OF MEDS. HE MY HUSBAND ANTONIO WAS ALSO DRINKING THE ALODIPINE 10MG FOR YEARS AND THE FDA SAY THE THESES 2 MEDS DO NOT MIX. MY HUSBAND OF 34 YEARS DIED ON JUNE 27TH, 2011 FROM THESES MEDS. THE REPORT STATES THAT THE DOCTOR SHOULD NOT START NEW PATIENTS ON THIS MED AND THEY DID IT ANY WAY.THE RECALL WAS SENT TO THE DOCTORS ON JUNE 8TH, 2011 AND ON THE 10T OF JUNEHE STARTED HIM ON THIS PILL 17 DAYS AFTER I LOST MY FRIEND, HUSBAND, ANS WOUNDERFULL FATHER, ALL BECAUSE OF THE GRRED OFTHE DOCTOR. GOD HELP ME!

  • RitaAugust 26, 2011 at 5:47 am

    I've been on Zocor 80mg for years now. Have leg cramping and pain but have other health issues (fibromyalgia) so never thought about it being the Zocor.

  • AnnAugust 9, 2011 at 9:04 pm

    For everyone who has excess acid change your diet to 70Alkali 30 acid foods or 80 to 20. Find out what these are and just do it. Drugs always come with a bill. Nature is free. This also helps your bones for ostopaenia and osteoporosis. Try a quarter of a lemon juiced in hot water then cooled, and a few almonds to get rid of reflux symptoms, or even some Organic(must) yoghurt. A tip to thin blo[Show More]For everyone who has excess acid change your diet to 70Alkali 30 acid foods or 80 to 20. Find out what these are and just do it. Drugs always come with a bill. Nature is free. This also helps your bones for ostopaenia and osteoporosis. Try a quarter of a lemon juiced in hot water then cooled, and a few almonds to get rid of reflux symptoms, or even some Organic(must) yoghurt. A tip to thin blood is to use Garlic(maybe make garlic butter on toast) or roast it with some vegatables and it tastes great. All the very best to you.

  • RobertAugust 9, 2011 at 1:47 am

    I have taken Zocor before and still on it.

  • rosalyAugust 4, 2011 at 1:48 pm

    i was taking simvastin and i end up in so much pain, all my muscles in my body hurt. i was not able to walk or hold items in my hand.

  • LarryAugust 4, 2011 at 1:18 pm

    Shortly after I was prescribed 20 mg. simvistatin for high cholesterol I developed muscle spasms in my legs which turned out to be Primary Lateral Sclerosis. After 5 years of disease progression it has evolved into ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease). After losing 35 pounds over the course of 1 year my neurologist told me to stop taking the drug. I have since gained back my weight and my condition has n[Show More]Shortly after I was prescribed 20 mg. simvistatin for high cholesterol I developed muscle spasms in my legs which turned out to be Primary Lateral Sclerosis. After 5 years of disease progression it has evolved into ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease). After losing 35 pounds over the course of 1 year my neurologist told me to stop taking the drug. I have since gained back my weight and my condition has not deteriorated at all in the past year. I believe that simvistatin triggered my PLS and subsequent deterioration of my health. Stop taking this drug no matter what the quantity!

  • CcynBolynnAugust 2, 2011 at 8:37 pm

    I have been taking 80mg simvastatin since March 2010, after I had a stent placed in a coronary artery on my heart and after heart attack. I am a 53 year old who recently (since 2007) lost 125 pounds by walking and changing my diet. A lot of good that did me. I suffer from every symptom of rhabdomyolyisis and have suffered consistently for a year. I reported these symptoms to my physician, who said[Show More]I have been taking 80mg simvastatin since March 2010, after I had a stent placed in a coronary artery on my heart and after heart attack. I am a 53 year old who recently (since 2007) lost 125 pounds by walking and changing my diet. A lot of good that did me. I suffer from every symptom of rhabdomyolyisis and have suffered consistently for a year. I reported these symptoms to my physician, who said it was probably from the fibromyalgia syndrome. LOL. Tomorrow I go to my new doctor to find out the results of my blood tests, and I am sorely afraid. I just found out about simvastatin 80mg being bad, but have been on it for over a year and was never told about the FDA warning. My mind and my body have suffered so much, including some confusion and memory problems, muscle spasms, cramping, the whole nine yards. Now I have to wonder how much damage has been done to my kidneys and whatever else. Thank You so much, Merck Pharmeceuticals...You made your greed money off the intense suffering of others. How do YOU sleep at night?

  • RoxanneJuly 23, 2011 at 1:42 am

    Ive been taken this drugs for years, first symtom I notice was bad pain in arm, and back, ran to emergency they said it was mucle spasms, sent me home with pain medication, came back, like months later, same thing and gave me, voxil or what ever the name of that harsh medication, it worked to knock of the pain but I refused to get hooked on that, but now the doctors are telling me I got oseopeini[Show More]Ive been taken this drugs for years, first symtom I notice was bad pain in arm, and back, ran to emergency they said it was mucle spasms, sent me home with pain medication, came back, like months later, same thing and gave me, voxil or what ever the name of that harsh medication, it worked to knock of the pain but I refused to get hooked on that, but now the doctors are telling me I got oseopeinia then the put me on fosamax, pain in arm came back got of that, so Next they telling me I got the full osteoparosis, so dam fustrated with doctors want to choke the hell out of all them, we are in a no win situation it there game we are all just the pieces there move.and they always get away with it.we are human genipigs.

  • MikeJune 27, 2011 at 10:29 pm

    I have not been diagnosed with rhabdomyolysis or myopathy, but I have been experiencing a lot of these symptoms over the last few years. I know I will have to see my Dr about this since I am supposed to take zocor for cholesterol problems.

  • MyraJune 25, 2011 at 7:46 am

    I had a severe reaction to simvastin (after being on the drug for several years) about a year ago which caused rhabdomyolysis causing my enzyme level to increase from the norm of 90 to 14,000/major muscle breakdown. I also have had continuing issues of confusion and memory problems since having the reaction.

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