Thursday, November 20, 2008
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Lovastatin
Name Generic Name Trade Name
Lovastatin Mevacor, Altoprev
Purpose To decrease total cholesterol, LDL, & triglycerides, and to raise HDL.
Action This medication inhibits an enzyme necessary to produce cholesterol in the liver. It also facilitates the removal of LDL cholesterol from the blood.
Dose The dosing range for Lovastatin and Mevacor is 10-80mg. They should be taken with the evening meal. The extended release form of this medicine, Altoprev, has a dose range of 20-60mg and is recommended at bedtime. Your doctor wants you to take _________________________ at the _____mg dose.
You should not take this medication if any of the following apply:
· You have active liver disease or unexplained elevated liver enzymes.
· Females who are pregnant, nursing, or likely to conceive.
· You take Erythromycin-type antibiotics (eg. Ery-tab, E-Mycin, or Biaxin).
· You take the immunosuppressant Cyclosporine (eg. Sandimmune or Neoral).
· You take azole-type antifungal drugs (eg. Sporanox, Diflucan, or Nizoral).
· You take the antidepressant Serzone (Nefazodone).
· You take HIV protease inhibitors.
· You should be cautious about taking this medication with Lopid (Gemfibrozil), Tricor or high doses of Niacin (Niaspan); however, combinations of these medications may be ordered by the Lipid MD with careful monitoring.
Possible side effects
This medication is generally well-tolerated. Call your doctor if you experience: GI problems, rash, blurred vision, muscle/joint aches, headaches, or dizziness. Report muscle pain or brown urine to us immediately, particularly if accompanied by fever and/or weakness.
Lab tests
In addition to a lipid profile, the blood tests AST and ALT will be done periodically to help assess liver function.
Special instructions
Do not drink grapefruit juice while taking this medication.
Always take the prescribed amount of medicine.
Avoid substantial use of alcohol.
Have lab tests done promptly when ordered to avoid risks.
If you are taking Coumadin, prothrombin times should be monitored closely.
PRECAUTION
Women capable of childbearing must have a pregnancy test (serum HCG) before starting this medication. This is a category X drug and not recommended for use during pregnancy or lactation.