Lovastatin

What do lovastatin tablets do?

LOVASTATIN (Mevacor(R)) 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 not yet available.

What should my health care professional know before I take lovastatin?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

        •  an alcohol problem

        •  any hormone disorder (such as diabetes, under-active thyroid)

        •  blood salt imbalance

        •  infection

        •  kidney disease

        •  liver disease

        •  low blood pressure

        •  recent surgery

        •  seizures (convulsions)

        •  severe injury

        •  an unusual or allergic reaction to lovastatin, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

        •  pregnant or trying to get pregnant

        •  breast-feeding

How should I take this medicine?

Take lovastatin tablets by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the tablets with a drink of water. Lovastatin works best if taken with food. If you take the tablets once a day, take them with the evening meal. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What other medicines can interact with lovastatin?

        •  alcohol

        •  certain antibiotics such as clarithromycin and erythromycin

        •  danazol

        •  diltiazem

        •  grapefruit juice

        •  herbal medicines such as Went Yeast (Cholestin(R))

        •  isradipine

        •  medicines for fungal infections (examples: fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole, miconazole)

        •  medicines for treating HIV infections

        •  medicines to lower cholesterol or triglycerides (examples: clofibrate, fenofibrate, gemfibrozil, niacin)

        •  medicines that suppress your immune response (cyclosporine)

        •  medicine used to stop early pregnancy (mifepristone, RU-486 or Mifeprex(TM))

        •  nefazodone

        •  phenytoin

        •  verapamil

        •  warfarin

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What side effects may I notice from taking lovastatin?

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:

        •  blurred vision, or vision changes

        •  fever

        •  muscle aches or cramps

        •  reduced amount of urine passed

        •  skin rash, itching or peeling

        •  unusual tiredness or weakness

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

        •  constipation or diarrhea

        •  dizziness

        •  headache

        •  nausea, vomiting

        •  stomach pain or indigestion

What do I need to watch for while I take lovastatin?

Visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. You will need to have regular tests to make sure your liver is working properly.

Tell your prescriber or health care professional as soon as you can if you get any unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness, especially if you also have a fever and tiredness.

Lovastatin is only part of a total cholesterol-lowering program. Your physician or dietician can suggest a low-cholesterol and low-fat diet that will reduce your risk of getting heart and blood vessel disease. Avoid alcohol and smoking, and keep a proper exercise schedule.

If you are going to have surgery tell your prescriber or health care professional that you are taking lovastatin.

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.

Store at room temperature between between 5 and 30 degreesC (59 and 86 degreesF). Protect from light. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

NOTE: This information is not intended to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions, or adverse effects for this drug. If you have questions about the drug(s) you are taking, check with your health care professional.