LOVASTATIN EXTENDED-RELEASE - ORAL

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LOVASTATIN EXTENDED-RELEASE - ORAL

PHONETIC PRONUNCIATION: (LOE-va-STAT-in)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Altoprev

GENERIC NAME(S): lovastatin

Uses

USES: Lovastatin is used along with a proper diet to help lower "bad" cholesterol and fats (such as LDL, triglycerides) and raise "good" cholesterol (HDL) in the blood. It belongs to a group of drugs known as "statins." It works by reducing the amount of cholesterol made by the liver. Lowering "bad" cholesterol and triglycerides and raising "good" cholesterol decreases the risk of heart disease and helps prevent strokes and heart attacks. In addition to eating a proper diet (such as a low-cholesterol/low-fat diet), other lifestyle changes that may help this medication work better include exercising, losing weight if overweight, and stopping smoking. Consult your doctor for more details.


How to use LOVASTATIN EXTENDED-RELEASE - ORAL

HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually once daily at bedtime. Do not crush or chew extended-release tablets. Doing so can release all of the drug at once, increasing the risk of side effects. Also, do not split the tablets unless they have a score line and your doctor or pharmacist tells you to do so. Swallow the whole or split tablet without crushing or chewing. Dosage is based on your medical condition, response to treatment, age, and other medications you may be taking. Be sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). Avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice while using this medication unless your doctor instructs you otherwise. Grapefruit can increase the amount of this medication in your bloodstream. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details. If you also take certain other drugs to lower your cholesterol (bile acid-binding resins such as cholestyramine or colestipol), take lovastatin at least 1 hour before or at least 4 hours after taking these medications. These products can react with lovastatin, preventing its full absorption. Take this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. Remember to take it at the same time each day. It is important to continue taking this medication even if you feel well. Most people with high cholesterol or triglycerides do not feel sick. It is very important to continue to follow your doctor's advice about diet and exercise. It may take up to 4 weeks before you get the full benefit of this drug.

Side Effects

SIDE EFFECTS: Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. A very small number of people taking lovastatin may have mild memory problems or confusion. If these rare effects occur, talk to your doctor. Rarely, statins may cause or worsen diabetes. Talk to your doctor about the benefits and risks. This drug may rarely cause muscle problems (which can rarely lead to very serious conditions called rhabdomyolysis and autoimmune myopathy). Tell your doctor right away if you develop any of these symptoms during treatment and if these symptoms persist after your doctor stops this drug: muscle pain/tenderness/weakness (especially with fever or unusual tiredness), signs of kidney problems (such as change in the amount of urine). This medication may rarely cause liver problems. If you notice any of the following rare but serious side effects, tell your doctor right away: yellowing eyes/skin, dark urine, severe stomach/abdominal pain, persistent nausea/vomiting. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Precautions

PRECAUTIONS: Before taking lovastatin, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: liver disease, kidney disease, alcohol use. Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). Limit alcoholic beverages. Daily use of alcohol may increase your risk for liver problems, especially when combined with lovastatin. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information. Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially muscle problems. This medication must not be used during pregnancy. Lovastatin may harm an unborn baby. Therefore, it is important to prevent pregnancy while taking this medication. Consult your doctor for more details and to discuss the use of reliable forms of birth control (such as condoms, birth control pills) while taking this medication. If you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant, tell your doctor right away. It is unknown if this medication passes into breast milk. Because of the possible risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using this drug is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Interactions

DRUG INTERACTIONS: See also How to Use section. Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval. Some products that may interact with this drug include: "blood thinners" (such as warfarin), gemfibrozil. Other medications can affect the removal of lovastatin from your body, which may affect how lovastatin works. Examples include certain azole antifungals (such as itraconazole, ketoconazole, posaconazole, voriconazole), cobicistat, colchicine, cyclosporine, delavirdine, macrolide antibiotics (such as clarithromycin, erythromycin), nefazodone, HIV protease inhibitors (such as lopinavir, ritonavir), hepatitis C virus protease inhibitors (such as boceprevir, telaprevir), telithromycin, among others. Do not take any red yeast rice products while you are taking lovastatin since those products may also contain lovastatin. Taking lovastatin and red yeast rice products together can increase your risk of serious muscle and liver problems.

Overdose

OVERDOSE: If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

Images

ALTOPREV 20 MG TABLET
ALTOPREV 20 MG TABLET
ALTOPREV 20 MG TABLET
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orange
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ALTOPREV 40 MG TABLET
ALTOPREV 40 MG TABLET
ALTOPREV 40 MG TABLET
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peach
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ALTOPREV 60 MG TABLET
ALTOPREV 60 MG TABLET
ALTOPREV 60 MG TABLET
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light peach
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round
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logo and 60

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Faq for LOVASTATIN EXTENDED-RELEASE - ORAL

Lovastatin extended-release oral medication is primarily prescribed to lower cholesterol levels and prevent cardiovascular diseases like heart attacks and strokes.

Lovastatin extended-release belongs to a class of drugs called statins. It works by inhibiting an enzyme in the liver that is responsible for producing cholesterol. By reducing cholesterol production, Lovastatin helps lower the levels of LDL (bad cholesterol) and total cholesterol in the blood.

You should take Lovastatin extended-release exactly as prescribed by your doctor. It is usually taken once daily in the evening, with or without food. Breaking, crushing, or chewing the tablet can interfere with its delayed-release properties.

Common side effects may include headache, muscle aches, stomach pain, constipation, and diarrhea. If any of these side effects persist or worsen, you should consult your doctor.

Yes, Lovastatin can interact with several medications, including certain antibiotics, antifungal drugs, cholesterol-lowering medications, and certain antidepressants. It is crucial to inform your doctor about all the medications and supplements you are taking to avoid potential interactions.

People with liver disease, kidney disease, uncontrolled seizures, or with a history of allergic reactions to Lovastatin should exercise caution while taking this medication. It is also important to avoid alcohol consumption and maintain a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise and a low-cholesterol diet.

The effects of Lovastatin extended-release can usually be seen within a few weeks of starting the treatment. However, the full benefits may take up to 4-6 weeks to become evident. It is essential to continue the medication as prescribed by your doctor, even if you start feeling better.

No, Lovastatin extended-release should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. It may harm the unborn baby or pass into breast milk and harm the nursing infant. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult their healthcare provider for alternative medications.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is close to the next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Taking double doses to make up for a missed dose is not recommended.

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Disclaimer

IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.