LOVASTATIN - ORAL

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LOVASTATIN - ORAL

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

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Mevacor

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 - ORAL

HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor, usually once daily with your evening meal. Some patients may be directed to take this medication twice daily. 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(s) 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

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LOVASTATIN 10 MG TABLET
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LOVASTATIN 10 MG TABLET
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Faq for LOVASTATIN - ORAL

Lovastatin is an oral medication used to lower cholesterol levels in the blood, particularly LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol, also known as "bad" cholesterol.

Lovastatin works by reducing the production of cholesterol in the liver. It inhibits an enzyme called HMG-CoA reductase, which is responsible for the synthesis of cholesterol in the body.

The usual starting dose of Lovastatin is typically 20 mg taken once daily in the evening. However, the dosage may vary depending on the individual's cholesterol levels and response to treatment. It is important to follow the prescribed dosage recommended by the healthcare provider.

Common side effects of Lovastatin may include headache, dizziness, muscle or joint pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. It is essential to inform your doctor if you experience severe muscle pain, weakness, or dark-colored urine, as these could be signs of a rare but serious side effect known as rhabdomyolysis.

Lovastatin has the potential to interact with several other medications, including certain antibiotics (e.g., erythromycin), antifungal drugs (e.g., ketoconazole), and certain heart medications (e.g., amiodarone). It is crucial to inform your healthcare provider about all the medications you are currently taking to avoid any potential drug interactions.

Lovastatin is not recommended for use during pregnancy, as it may cause harm to the developing fetus. It is important to use effective birth control methods while taking Lovastatin if you are of childbearing age and not planning a pregnancy.

Consuming grapefruit or grapefruit juice while taking Lovastatin can increase the levels of the medication in the blood, which may lead to an increased risk of side effects. It is advisable to avoid grapefruit products while on Lovastatin.

Lovastatin's cholesterol-lowering effects may take several weeks to become noticeable. It is essential to continue taking the medication as prescribed and follow a healthy lifestyle, including a nutritious diet and regular exercise, for optimal results.

It is important not to stop taking Lovastatin abruptly without consulting your healthcare provider. Suddenly stopping the medication may cause a rebound increase in cholesterol levels. A healthcare professional will guide you on the appropriate way to discontinue the medication if needed.

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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.