Thursday, November 20, 2008
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Mevacor
Name Trade Name Generic Name
Mevacor Lovastatin
Purpose To decrease total cholesterol, LDL, & triglycerides, and to raise HDL.
Action Mevacor inhibits an enzyme necessary to produce cholesterol in the liver. It also facilitates the removal of LDL cholesterol from the blood.
Dose The recommended dosing range is 10 - 80 mg orally with the evening meal (or divided into 2 doses.) The Doctor wants you to start at _______mg.
You should not take Mevacor 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 Mevacor 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
Mevacor is generally well-tolerated. Call your doctor or the cholesterol clinic 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
· 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.