Information about Lovastatin (Generic Mevacor) :


Lovastatin (also known as a "statin") is an HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor that is used for lowering high cholesterol in certain patients. It decreases the production of certain fatty substances in the body, including cholesterol.

Lovastatin is recommended to use along with an appropriate diet in certain patients to reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, chest pain caused by angina, or blood vessel blockage.

Lovastatin may be also administered to treat other conditions as determined by your physician.

You should not use Lovastatin in case you have conditions mentioned below: you are allergic to any ingredient in Lovastatin; you have liver problems or unexplained abnormal liver function tests; you are pregnant or breast-feeding a baby; you are taking a macrolide antibiotic (eg, clarithromycin, erythromycin), an HIV protease inhibitor (eg, ritonavir), itraconazole, ketoconazole, mibefradil, nefazodone, or telithromycin

In such cases it is obligatory to consult with your doctor or health care provider before taking this medicine.

Before using Lovastatin you should tell your doctor if you have any medical conditions listed below: you are planning to become pregnant; you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement; you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances; you have low blood pressure, a serious infection, kidney problems, diabetes, or a history of seizures; you are very ill, have certain muscle problems (eg, pain, weakness), or have metabolism, hormonal, or electrolyte problems; you drink alcohol or have a history of liver problems or alcohol abuse; you have a certain type of high cholesterol (homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia); you have had an organ transplant or have recently had major surgery or a serious injury.

Be aware that Lovastatin may interact with some medicines. Consult with your health care provider in case you are taking any other drugs, especially any of the next: Amiodarone, certain azole antifungals (eg, itraconazole, ketoconazole), danazol, diltiazem, fibrates (eg, gemfibrozil, clofibrate), fluconazole, HIV protease inhibitors (eg, ritonavir), imatinib, immunosuppressants (eg, cyclosporine), macrolide antibiotics (eg, clarithromycin, erythromycin), mibefradil, nefazodone, niacin, non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (eg, delavirdine), streptogramins (eg, dalfopristin), telithromycin, vasopressin receptor antagonists (eg, conivaptan), verapamil, or voriconazole because the risk of muscle or kidney problems

may be increased; Bosentan, carbamazepine, rifampin, or St. John's wort because they may decrease effectiveness of Lovastatin; Anticoagulants (eg, warfarin), cimetidine, digoxin, hormonal birth control (eg, birth control pills), macrolide immunosuppressants (eg, tacrolimus), or spironolactone because the risk of their side effects may be increased;

It may not be a complete list of all interactions with other drugs. To prevent any complications you should check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use Lovastatin :
You should use Lovastatin as recommended by your doctor with or without food. Try not to eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice at the same time you take Lovastatin . It may increase the risk of possible side effects. You should consult with your doctor before including grapefruit or grapefruit juice in your diet.

Do not give up taking Lovastatin even if you feel well. Try not to miss any dose and take it according to regular scheduler.

In case you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next intake, skip the missed dose and take it according to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take double doses at once.

Ask your health care provider for extra information about Lovastatin usage.

Important safety information:
Taking of Lovastatin may lead to dizziness or blurred vision. These effects may be worsening by taking alcohol or certain medicines. Prevent driving or performing any other possibly unsafe actions.

Drinking alcohol daily or in large amounts may increase the risk of liver problems while taking Lovastatin . Consult with your doctor before drinking alcohol.

Follow the diet and exercise program given to you by your health care provider.

You should notice your doctor or dentist that you use Lovastatin before any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery.

Effective birth control should be taken by women who may become pregnant while taking Lovastatin. Ask your doctor for extra information.

Tell your doctor in case you have muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness to your doctor right away, especially if you also have a fever or general body discomfort.

To monitor your progress or to check for side effects lab tests, blood cholesterol levels, liver function tests, and creatine phosphokinase (CPK) blood levels, may be performed. Follow all doctor and lab appointments strictly.

Take Lovastatin with caution in the elderly as they are more likely to have its side effects, especially serious muscle problems.

Use Lovastatin with extreme caution in children younger than 10 years old and in those who have not reached puberty. Safety and effectiveness in these children have not been proved.

PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING:
You should not use Lovastatin in case you are pregnant because it may be harmful to the fetus. Try to avoid pregnancy while you are taking Lovastatin . If you suppose you may be pregnant, consult with your doctor immediately. It is not clear whether Lovastatin passes into breast milk. Avoid breast-feeding while using Lovastatin.

Possible side effects of Lovastatin:
You should consult with your doctor if you have any of side effects especially bothersome listed below: constipation.

Seek emergency in case you have any of these severe side effects:
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); chest pain; dark urine; muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness (with or without fever or fatigue); pale stools; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin; severe stomach pain; yellowing of the skin or eyes.

What is the expiration date of the pills?
This information is mentioned on each blister. The expiration date is 2 years from the date of manufacture. It may be different for various batches.