A highly-popular statin used to help manage cholesterol levels is being hit with a warning label by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) due to the fact that it may damage muscles.

The drug simvastatin, which goes by the brand name Zocor in many cases, has been found to actually increase the risk of muscle damage in its users.

The FDA has stated that in two different trials, known as SEARCH and AtoZ, the drug shows that it increased the risk of skeletal muscle damage, known as myopathy.

It appears that the increased risk comes from the 80 milligram doses which are commonly taken daily by patients.

Doctors are being urged not to prescribe the 80-milligram dose of simvastatin to any new patients, as well as to watch for existing patients.

The 80-milligram dose should only continue for existing patients if they have been on the drug for over a year without any muscle issues.

If you are someone close to you has taken 80 mg. Simvastatin-Zocor, and suffered from rhabdomyolosis, myopathy, kidney failure or damage, liver failure or damage, or death, please call Phoenix Arizona Personal Injury Attorney Steve Leshner for a no-charge review and consultation regarding your potential case.