Generic Zocor Is The Best And The Cheapest Alternative

By Author: Windsor Thompson
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Generic Zocor and Pravachol will now be sold at a much cheaper price than at what it has been selling until now. Both medicines belong to a class of statins. The Harvard Heart Letter also recommends the generic version of the medicines, if a patient has been taking them. The generic version differs from the brand-name version in inactive ingredients, appearance, and most importantly, price. While Zocor is available for about $2, it will now be available for about 35 cents in its generic version.

What Are Statins?

Statins are drugs that are good for bad cholesterol. They lower the cholesterol level in the blood by decreasing its production in the liver, by blocking an enzyme in the liver, which produces cholesterol. Cholesterol is important for the cells to function properly in the body. It is also responsible for the development of atherosclerosis. This condition leads to plaque formation in the arteries. Plaques form a blood clot when they rupture. They further block the arteries and reduce the flow of blood. Heart attack or angina is the result of the loss of blood supply from the arteries.

Statins ...
... are used to prevent and treat atherosclerosis, which causes heart attack, chest pain, and stroke. Some common examples of statins are simvastatin (Zocor), pravastatin (Pravachol), and atorvastatin (Lipitor). Lipitor is also used to lower cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL levels, and to improve the levels of HDL cholesterol. It also prevents strokes and heart attacks in patients who have type 2 diabetes. Now, you will also be able to get generic Lipitor in the market.

Generic Drugs

The law states that a generic drug should have identical active ingredients as its brand-name drug. The dosage, strength, and administration of the drug should be the same and it should have the same effect on the body. The quality of both the drugs should be the same and it should be manufactured under the same rules as set by the FDA for the brand-name drug.

The function of all the statins is the same—to lower LDL and total cholesterol levels. The availability of generic Zocor is beneficial for people who have been taking the brand-name drug, as the generic version costs much less. However, the generic versions of all statins are not available in the market. Although all of them have the same function, the medicines are chemically different.

The generic version of Zocor was approved by the FDA in June 2006. It was recommended to be taken along with a diet that contains less saturated fat and cholesterol. Statins account for a billion dollar business in the US and Zocor is one of the most widely prescribed drugs. Its generic version will definitely reduce the burden on millions of Americans.

Generic simvastatin tablets are available in strengths of 5, 10, 20, and 40 mg by some companies. There is a company that manufactures the 80 mg strength of the generic version. Generic Zocor is also good for certain adolescent patients who suffer from a genetically caused cholesterol problem. Before you start taking the generic version, remember to consult your physician. You can even buy the generic versions online. You can also take online consultancy services that some companies offer before you buy the generic versions. Although there are hardly any side effects besides muscle cramps or muscle pain, you must consult your doctor immediately if any other side effects appear.

Melany Stensley has her own health blog and wrote this article about generic Zocor and generic Lipitor after testing the products.