What is Lovastatin?
The combination of avastatin and diet is used to reduce blood levels of 'bad' cholesterol (low density lipoprotein, or LDL), increase "good" levels (high density lipoprotein, or HDL), and lower triglycerides.The use of lovastatin can lower the risk of stroke and heart attacks in adults who have diabetes or coronary artery disease.This medication guide does not list all possible uses of lovastatin.
Side effects of Lovastatin
Seek immediate medical care if you have difficulty breathing, hives or swelling in the lips, face or throat.Lovastatin may cause muscle breakdown, leading to kidney failure. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience unexplained muscular pain, tenderness, or weakness, especially if it is accompanied by a fever or unusual tiredness.
Call your doctor immediately if you:
- You may experience muscle weakness in the hips, shoulders, and neck.
- Having difficulty standing or climbing or lifting your arms;
- If you have kidney problems, it could be that your urine is not as frequent, that swelling of the feet or ankles makes you feel tired, or that your breath feels short.
- Jaundice is a yellowing of the skin and eyes.
Some of the most common side effects associated with lovastatin include:
- Infections;
- Headache
- Accidental injury.
There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. To report adverse effects, you can contact the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Similar/related drugs
Atorvastatin, rosuvastatin, simvastatin, ezetimibe, lipitor, fenofibrate, and Crestor
Warnings
If you have an active liver condition or are pregnant or nursing, you should not take this medication.Inform your doctor of all the medications you are taking, as well as any new ones. Some drugs are not to be taken together, and others can cause drug interactions.If you become pregnant, stop taking lovastatin immediately and inform your doctor.
Before you take this drug
You may be allergic to:
- You are pregnant or nursing.
- You have liver disease.
There are many drugs that can cause harmful interactions. Some drugs shouldn't be taken with lovastatin. If you are also taking
- Nefazodone;
- An antibiotic—clarithromycin, erythromycin, telithromycin;
- Antifungal medicine: itraconazole, ketoconazole, posaconazole, and voriconazole; or
- Antiviral medicines to treat HIV and hepatitis C: boceprevir (cobicistat), dasabuvir (elvitegravir), indinavir (lopinavir/ritonavir), ombitasvir, paritaprevir, saquinavir, telaprevir, and tipranavir
Inform your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms:
- Liver disease
- Muscle pain or weakness
- Kidney disease
- A thyroid disorder,
- If you consume large quantities of alcohol,
This can lead to renal failure. This is more common in older adults—people with kidney disease or hypothyroidism that has not been controlled (an underactive thyroid).This medication can harm an unborn child. To prevent pregnancy, use birth control. If you become pregnant, stop taking the medicine immediately and inform your doctor.Do not breastfeed while using this medicine.Lovastatin should not be used by anyone under the age of 18.
How to take Lovastatin?
Follow the directions in the guide or instructions that comes with the medication.Sometimes, your doctor will change the dose. Take the medicine exactly as directed.Do not chew or crush the tablet.You may need to have frequent blood tests. It could take as long as 4 weeks for your cholesterol levels to improve. Tests can be used to determine whether lovastatin works, even if there are no symptoms.If you are having surgery or have a medical emergency, it may be necessary to temporarily stop taking lovastatin. You should not stop taking this medication unless you are told to by your doctor.Lovastatin may be part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes diet, exercise, and weight management. You should follow your doctor's advice.Store away from moisture, heat, and light at room temperature.
What happens if I miss the dose?
If you are almost due for your next dose, skip the missed one. Never take two doses of the same medicine at once.
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention.
What should be avoided?
If you want to get the best results from lovastatin, avoid foods that are high in cholesterol or fat.Avoid alcohol. Alcohol can increase triglyceride and liver damage risks.Grapefruit can interact with lovastatin, causing unwanted side effects. Avoid grapefruit products.
Interaction with other drug
You may be at greater risk for serious muscle problems when you combine lovastatin with certain drugs. If you take any of these drugs, your doctor may have to alter your treatment plan.
- Cyclosporine;
- Danazol;
- Gemfibrozil, fenofibric acid, fenofibrate,
- Medicines that contain niacin
The list of drugs that can interact with lovastatin is not exhaustive. These include prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. This list does not include all possible drug interactions.
