Lovastatin

Pronunciation

Brand Names

Therapeutic Categories

What is this medicine used for?

• This medicine is used to lower lipids (cholesterol and others) in the body. It works hand-in-hand with a low fat diet.

How does it work?

• Lovastatin reduces cholesterol production in the body.

How is it best taken?

• Take with food at evening meal.
• Follow diet plan. Ask to see a nutritionist if you are not clear on diet.
• Do not take colestipol or cholestyramine within 4 hours of this medicine.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
• If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed one. Return to your regular schedule.
• Do not take a double dose or extra doses.

What are the precautions when taking this medicine?

• Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines, especially with certain antibiotics and other cholesterol-lowering medicines.
• Use caution if you have liver disease. Talk with healthcare provider.
• Do not take with grapefruit/grapefruit juice. Separate from this medicine by 2 hours.
• You can get sunburned more easily. Avoid lots of sun. Use sunscreen; wear protective clothing and eyewear.
• Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, throat; or any other symptoms involved.
• Do not use in pregnancy and do not get pregnant. Use birth control that you can trust while taking this medicine.
• Do not use if you are breast-feeding.

What are the common side effects of this medicine?

• Headache. Mild pain medicine may help.
• Diarrhea. Yogurt, Bifidobacterium bifidum , or Lactobacillus acidophilus may help. These products are available at health food stores or in some pharmacies.
• Belly pain and cramps.

What should I monitor?

• Follow your diet.
• Check blood work. Talk with healthcare provider.

Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately

• Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; tightness in the chest; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness.
• Yellowing of eyes or skin, easy bruising or bleeding.

How should I store this medicine?

• Store in a tight container at room temperature.

General statements

• Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
• Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, herbal/supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, pharmacist, physician assistant)
• Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter or natural products (herbs, vitamins).

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