Mevacor (Lovastatin)

Common uses

This medicine is an hmg-coa reductase inhibitor (also known as a "statin") used to lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels in your blood. It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Before using

Do not take Mevacor if you are also taking gemfibrozil, hiv protease inhibitors (such as ritonavir, lopinavir, or nelfinavir), azole antifungals (such as itraconazole or ketoconazole), macrolide antibiotics (such as erythromycin, clarithromycin, or troleandomycin), or nefazodone. If you are currently taking any of these medicines, tell your doctor or pharmacist before starting to take Mevacor. Additional monitoring of your dose or condition may be needed if you are taking amiodarone, "blood thinners" such as warfarin, bosentan, cyclosporine, diltiazem, fluconazole, imatinib, high doses of niacin (1 gram or more per day), fibrates (such as clofibrate or fenofibrate), verapamil, dalfopristin, quinupristin, voriconazole, or st. John's wort. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions, including muscle problems, alcohol use, allergies (especially to other "statins"), pregnancy, or breast-feeding.

Use of Mevacor is not recommended if you have a history of liver disease or abnormal liver function test results. Certain medical conditions, including low blood pressure; severe infection; uncontrolled seizures; or serious metabolic, endocrine, or electrolyte problems may increase your risk for side effects that can result in kidney problems while taking Mevacor. Contact your doctor if you develop one of these conditions. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about taking Mevacor.

Directions

Follow the directions for using Mevacor provided by your doctor. If you take 1 dose daily, take it with your evening meal unless directed otherwise by your doctor. Dosage is based on your medical condition, response to therapy, and use of certain interacting medicines. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details. Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice at the same time you take this medicine.

Store Mevacor at room temperature, away from heat and light. If you miss a dose of Mevacor, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Cautions

Do not take Mevacor if you have had an allergic reaction to it or are allergic to any ingredient in this product. Laboratory and/or medical tests, including liver function tests and blood cholesterol levels, may be performed to monitor your progress or to check for side effects. Keep all doctor and laboratory appointments while you are using Mevacor. Before having any kind of surgery, tell your doctor that you are taking Mevacor. Eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice while you are taking Mevacor may increase the amount of Mevacor in your blood, which may increase your risk for serious side effects. Talk with your doctor before including grapefruit or grapefruit juice in your diet while you are taking Mevacor.

Before you begin taking any new medicine, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist.

For women: do not use Mevacor if you are pregnant. If you suspect that you could be pregnant, contact your doctor immediately. It is recommended that women of childbearing age use effective birth control measures while taking Mevacor since lovastatin may cause fetal harm. It is unknown if Mevacor is excreted in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Mevacor.

Possible side effects

A side effect that may occur while taking Mevacor include constipation. If it continues or is bothersome, check with your doctor. Check with your doctor as soon as possible if you experience rash, yellow skin or eyes, unusual bleeding or bruising, or sore throat. This medicine may infrequently cause muscle damage (which can rarely lead to a very serious condition called rhabdomyolysis). Stop taking this medicine and contact your doctor immediately if you experience muscle pain/tenderness/weakness (especially with fever or unusual tiredness). An allergic reaction to Mevacor is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, or trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

If you take too much

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.

Additional information

For best results, Mevacor should be used along with exercise, a low-cholesterol/low-fat diet, and a weight loss program if you are overweight. Follow the dietary plan provided by your doctor. Do not share Mevacor with others for whom it was not prescribed. Do not use Mevacor for other health conditions. Keep Mevacor out of the reach of children and pets. If using Mevacor for an extended period of time, obtain refills before your supply runs out.