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Q.

Why did the FDA limit the highest dose of Zocor?

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The FDA tightened its rules on who should take the highest approved dose of the statin drug simvastatin.

Simvastatin, which lowers LDL "bad" cholesterol, is sold under the brand name Zocor and as a generic drug. It's also an active ingredient in the drugs Vytorin and Simcor.

Due to the possible risk of muscle injury, the FDA now recommends that no new patients should start taking that dose -- 80 milligrams.

The highest dose of simvastatin is not off limits for everyone. But it's only for patients who have taken the 80-milligram dose for at least 12 months with no signs of muscle injury. That's because the muscle risk appears highest during the first 12 months on the drug.

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Read the Original Article: FDA Limits Highest Dose of Zocor
 
 
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