LOVASTATIN
Generic Name: lovastatin (LOE va stah tin) Brand Names: Altocor, Mevacor Lovastatin is a member of the drug class of statins, used for lowering cholesterol and preventing cardiovascular disease (hypolipidemic agents). The mode of action of statins is HMG-CoA reductase enzyme inhibition. Lovastatin was isolated from a strain of Aspergillus terreus and it was the first statin approved by the FDA (August 1987). Lovastatin is also naturally produced by certain higher fungi such as Pleurotus ostreatus (oyster mushroom) and closely related Pleurotus spp. (Bobek et al., 1998)
Take lovastatin tablets by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take lovastatin tablets with food. If you take lovastatin once a day, take the dose with the evening meal. Swallow the tablets with a drink of water. Do not take lovastatin with grapefruit juice; orange juice may be used instead. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. LOVASTATIN blocks the body's ability to make cholesterol. Lovastatin can help lower blood cholesterol for patients who are at risk of getting heart disease or a stroke. It is only for patients whose cholesterol level is not controlled by diet. It is not a cure. Generic lovastatin tablets are available.  Rare cases of muscle problems and liver problems have been associated with the use of lovastatin and other similar medicines. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness, especially if accompanied by a fever or flulike symptoms or yellowing of the skin or eyes, abdominal pain, unexplained fatigue, dark colored urine or pale colored stools. These may be early symptoms of muscle or liver problems. |
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Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next regularly scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed. Do not take a double dose of this medication. Mevacor is generally well tolerated. Any side effects that have occurred have usually been mild and short-lived. If any side effects develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Mevacor. Side effects may include: Abdominal pain/cramps, altered sense of taste, blurred vision, constipation, diarrhea, dizziness, gas, headache, heartburn, indigestion, itching, muscle cramps, muscle pain, muscle weakness with rash, nausea, rash, weakness. Grapefruit and grapefruit juice may interact with lovastatin. The interaction could lead to potentially dangerous effects. Discuss the use of grapefruit and grapefruit juice with your doctor. Do not increase or decrease the amount of grapefruit products in your diet without first talking to your doctor. Alcohol and lovastatin can both be damaging to the liver. Alcohol should be used only in moderation. Discuss the use of alcohol with your doctor so that the potential for liver problems can be determined. Keep Lovastatin in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication. Do not take lovastatin without first talking to your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines: cyclosporine (Sandimmune, Neoral); gemfibrozil (Lopid), clofibrate (Atromid-S), or fenofibrate (Tricor); niacin (Nicolar, Nicobid, Slo-Niacin, others); erythromycin (E-Mycin, E.E.S., Ery-Tab, others) or clarithromycin (Biaxin); cholestyramine (Questran) or colestipol (Colestid); an antifungal medication such as itraconazole (Sporanox), fluconazole (Diflucan), or ketoconazole (Nizoral); nefazodone (Serzone); warfarin (Coumadin); a protease inhibitor such as amprenavir (Agenerase), indinavir (Crixivan), nelfinavir (Viracept), ritonavir (Norvir), lopinavir-ritonavir (Kaletra), or saquinavir (Invirase, Fortovase). You may not be able to take lovastatin, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you are taking any of the medicines listed above. Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with lovastatin. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products.
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