Brand
name:
LESTRIC (Lovastatin, Mevacor)
Pronounced: MEV-uh-core
Generic name: Lovastatin
Why is LESTRIC (Lovastatin, Mevacor) prescribed?
LESTRIC (Lovastatin, Mevacor) is used, along with diet, to lower cholesterol levels in people
with primary hypercholesterolemia (too much cholesterol in the bloodstream).
High cholesterol levels foster the buildup of artery-clogging plaque,
which can be especially dangerous when it collects in the vessels serving
the muscles of the heart. LESTRIC (Lovastatin, Mevacor) is prescribed to prevent this problem--called
coronary heart disease--or to slow its advance if the arteries are
already clogging up.
Most important fact about LESTRIC (Lovastatin, Mevacor) without prescriptions
LESTRIC (Lovastatin, Mevacor) is usually prescribed only if diet, exercise, and weight-loss
fail to bring your cholesterol levels under control. It's important
to remember that LESTRIC (Lovastatin, Mevacor) is a supplement--not a substitute--for these
other measures. To get the full benefit of the medication, you need
to stick to the diet and exercise program prescribed by your doctor.
How should you take LESTRIC (Lovastatin, Mevacor)?
LESTRIC (Lovastatin, Mevacor) should be taken with meals.
If you miss a dose.
Take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next
dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule.
Never take 2 doses at the same time.
Storage instructions...
Protect LESTRIC (Lovastatin, Mevacor) from light. Store at room temperature. Keep container
tightly closed.
LESTRIC (Lovastatin, Mevacor) side effects
LESTRIC (Lovastatin, Mevacor) is generally well tolerated. Any side effects that have occurred
have usually been mild and short-lived. If any side effects develop
or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only
your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking
LESTRIC (Lovastatin, Mevacor).
* Side effects may include:
Abdominal pain/cramps, altered sense of taste, blurred vision, constipation,
diarrhea, dizziness, gas, headache, heartburn, indigestion, itching, muscle
cramps, muscle pain, muscle weakness with rash, nausea, rash, weakness
Why should LESTRIC (Lovastatin, Mevacor) not be prescribed?
If you are sensitive to or have ever had an allergic reaction to LESTRIC
(Lovastatin, Mevacor) or similar anticholesterol drugs, you should
not take this medication.
Make sure that your doctor is aware of any drug reactions that you
have experienced.Unless you are directed to do so by your doctor, do
not take this medication if you are being treated for liver disease.
Do not take LESTRIC (Lovastatin, Mevacor) if you are pregnant or nursing.
Special warnings about LESTRIC (Lovastatin, Mevacor)
If you are being treated for any disease that contributes to increased
blood cholesterol, such as hypothyroidism, diabetes, nephrotic syndrome
(kidney and blood vessel disorder), dysproteinemia (an excess of protein
in the blood), or liver disease, your doctor will closely monitor your
reaction to LESTRIC (Lovastatin, Mevacor).
Drugs like LESTRIC (Lovastatin, Mevacor) have occasionally been known to damage muscle tissue,
so be sure to tell your doctor immediately if you notice any unexplained
muscle tenderness, weakness, or pain, especially if you also have a
fever or feel sick. Your doctor may want to do a blood test to check
for signs of muscle damage.
It is recommended that liver function tests be performed by your doctor
before treatment with LESTRIC (Lovastatin, Mevacor) begins, at 6 and 12 weeks after your
treatment has started or your dosage has been raised, and periodically
(about 6-month intervals) thereafter.
If you are planning to have elective surgery, LESTRIC (Lovastatin, Mevacor) should be discontinued
a few days before the operation. This drug should be used with caution
if you consume substantial quantities of alcohol or have a past history
of liver disease.
Possible food and drug interactions when taking LESTRIC (Lovastatin, Mevacor)
LESTRIC (Lovastatin, Mevacor) tends to enhance the blood-thinning effect of Coumadin. In
rare instances, it can also cause muscle pain and potential kidney
damage when combined with the following:
Amiodarone (Cordarone)
Clarithromycin (Biaxin)
Clofibrate (Atromid-S)
Cyclosporine (Sandimmune, Neoral)
Erythromycin (E.E.S., PCE, others)
Fenofibrate (Tricor)
Fluconazole (DiFlucan)
Gemfibrozil (Lopid)
Itraconazole (Sporanox)
Ketoconazole (Nizoral)
Nefazodone (Serzone)
Nicotinic acid or niacin (Niaspan)
Protease inhibitors (a type of drug for HIV) such as Agenerase, Crixivan,
Fortovase, Invirase, Norvir, and Viracept
Verapamil (Calan)
If you are taking LESTRIC (Lovastatin, Mevacor) with any of these drugs, (or with large
quantities of grapefruit juice), alert your doctor immediately at the
first sign of muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness, especially if accompanied
by fever or general body discomfort. If you need to take erythromycin,
Biaxin, Nizoral, or Sporanox, the doctor may temporarily take you off
LESTRIC (Lovastatin, Mevacor).
Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
You should take LESTRIC (Lovastatin, Mevacor) only if pregnancy is highly unlikely. If you
become pregnant while taking LESTRIC (Lovastatin, Mevacor), discontinue using it and notify
your physician immediately. There may be a potential hazard to the
developing baby. This medication may appear in breast milk and may
have an effect on nursing infants. If LESTRIC (Lovastatin, Mevacor) is essential to your
health, you should discontinue breastfeeding until your treatment with
LESTRIC (Lovastatin, Mevacor) is finished.
Recommended dosage for LESTRIC (Lovastatin, Mevacor)
