High cholesterol is not good for your heart but taking high doses of the cholesterol lowering drug Zocor is not good for your kidneys, joints, lungs, and sex life. People taking 80 mg doses of Zocor (generic is simvastatin) or Vytorin 10/80 which has 10 mg of Zetia plus 80 mg Zocor may suffer rhabdomyolysis. Rhabdo is the most serious type of muscle injury and can lead to severe kidney damage, kidney dialysis, kidney failure, and sometimes death.

As of November 2010, more adverse reactions were noted due to the post-marketing experience. New Zocor side effects are erectile dysfunction and interstitial lung disease. According to the Mayo Clinic, interstitial lung disease describes a group of disorders, caused by progressive scarring of lung tissue. Interstitial lung disease eventually affects the ability to breathe and get enough oxygen into your bloodstream. In March 2010, the Food & Drug Administration made an announcement that 80 mg doses of Zocor increased the risk of muscle injury as compared to lower doses of Zocor and possibly other statin drugs but made no attempt to recall the higher dose. The announcement was based on a review from a large clinical trial and data from other sources.

Doctors continue to prescribe high doses of Zocor and pharmaceutical representatives continue to push high doses of Zocor. It's business as usual. It's mega business for Merck & Co.

Two wrongs never make a right. If you or a loved one has suffered rhabdo, kidney damage, or lung damage after taking the 80 mg dose of Zocor - you should definitely talk to a personal injury lawyer to find out if you have a Zocor unsafe drug lawsuit.