Zocor and rash

I have been taking Lipex (Simvastatin) for 6 months. During this time I have been experiencing an enormous amount of gas, cramps, constipation, headaches, blurred vision and an itching rash. Three weeks ago after looking up the side effects on the internet and finding these symptoms listed - I stopped taking the pill. My health has improved dramatically.

started taking zocor for 2 months and some fatigue, joint
pains in knees but worst side effect was rashes and lost
hair in large spots on my legs. Where loss of hair the
oil in the follicle has dried up and became hard. Doctor said
no relation. Quit taking for 2 months stop spredding. Started
again symptom got worse. Stopped taking again. I am sure
its Zocor. If its doing this to my skin whats happening to my
body organs? Started taking Red Yeast Rice Plus CoQ-10 with
flush-free niacin all in 1 pill from health food store for now.

I began taking Zocor May 11, 2004. On June 1, I developed a rash that was diagnosed as Shingles. It is believed that the virus that causes Shingles comes from Chicken Pox and lurks dormant in the body until a suppressed immune system provides conditions for eruption. My internet research shows me that Zocor has been shown to alter immune system response. I think the medical profession needs to re-think prescribing Zocor to patients until it is fully understood whether its benefits outweigh its apparent negative effects on the human immune system. I have stopped taking Zocor and plan to look for a means other than drugs to lower my cholesterol levels.

I just found this site and I'm totally AMAZED at all the similar complaints I have. I am a 46 year old female and have been on Zocor for about 6 years. My cholesterol is high, due to heredity. I've gone from 20mg, to 40 mg, to 80 mgs. I had leg cramps so badly with the 80 mg. that I just quit taking it. I was put back on 40 mgs. and still have many of the complaints.. i.e.... chronic muscle pain in neck, shoulders, arms, legs... chest pain/burning just doing minimal walking (saw cardiologist and had treadmill - nothing found)... a rash that comes and goes on my face, especially on and around my eyelids... insomnia... strange to horrible dreams... sudden lower abdonimal protrusion (never had that in my life!)... inability to lose weight... So, there you have it. I will be consulting with my doctor and getting off this horrible medicine! Diet and exercise will be a forever friend to me. I'm so glad I found this site.

Facial rashes, lowered sex drive, mild muscle pain, shortness of breath......is it really worth it. Will be looking into alternative treatments. Any suggestions?

I have been taking Zocor for about 4 months. I have had serious rashes and constant ringing in my ears.

I'm 36 w/high chol. Dr. has me on 80mg Zocor-its lowering chol. but cannot stand side-effect of eye pressure(puffy eyes), lowered sexual drive, headaches, rashes, and most of all loss of short-term memory and some depression. I notice that if I do not take it for a few days most of them go away. Does anyone know if any of these could become permanent?? The dr. does not seem to believe what I am saying about the drug. The side-effects are very real to me!! Whose interest does he have in mind??? I have heard similar storys here. Good luck folks!!!