I am one of the people who got the very rare side effects from taking simivastatin last year. I developed muscle and nerve damage to my thighs. I was on Avonex weekly injections at the time and the statin went directly to the weaken muscle site of my injections.

I started Zoxor (simivastatin) in April and 4 days later after my Avonex injection, I had strong, awful pain. I had no idea what it was and thought it was either a reaction to Avonex or my MS acting up. When I saw my Neuro in July, I forgot to tell her about the new med for cholesterol. She took me off of Avonex immediately and said she had never seen damage like this to both thighs. A few days after my visit, I called to let her know I started Zocor and I was told to stop taking it immediately.

My Cardiologist said no more statin drugs for me ever. I am now taking 1000mgs of non flush Niacin daily. If the Niacin doesn't work, there is one drug that is a non statin but not generic. I will take it and apply for patient assistance through the drug company.

The generic Zocor lowered my cholesterol dramatically but I now have permanent muscle and nerve damage to my thighs.