Mevacor

Generic name: Lovastatin

What is Mevacor?

Mevacor is a medication called a "statin" that lowers cholesterol in your blood. It can lower the "bad" LDL cholesterol and triglycerides in your blood. Mevacor can raise your "good" HDL cholesterol as well. Mevacor is for people who have not been able to adequately lower their cholesterol with exercise and a low-fat diet alone.

Mevacor may be used in people with heart disease (coronary artery disease) to slow the buildup of too much cholesterol in the arteries of the heart, therefore lowering the chances of needing procedures to help restore blood flow to the heart. Over time, it reduces your chances of experiencing a heart attack or angina.

Mevacor is also prescribed for adolescents who have a hereditary form of high cholesterol and have not been able to adequately lower it with exercise and a low-fat diet alone.

What is the most important information I should know about Mevacor?

Rarely, Mevacor can cause a side effect that can lead to the breakdown of your muscles, and is characterized by sudden muscle pain, weakness, or tenderness. Tell your doctor immediately if you experience these symptoms while taking Mevacor. The chances of this rare side effect increase if you are taking certain other drugs, so tell your doctor about all medications and supplements you are taking before starting Mevacor.

Do not take Mevacor if you are pregnant, think you may be pregnant, or are planning to become pregnant.

Over time, Mevacor may cause liver damage in some patients. When you are taking Mevacor, your doctor may perform simple blood tests to check your liver's health periodically.

Who should not take Mevacor?

You should not take Mevacor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant or if you are breastfeeding. You should also not take Mevacor if you have active liver disease or persistent liver damage. Do not take Mevacor if you are allergic to the medication or any of its ingredients.

What should I tell my doctor before I take the first dose of Mevacor?

Tell your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications you are taking before beginning treatment with Mevacor. Also, talk to your doctor about your complete medical history, especially if you have ever had chronic muscle aches or weakness, problems with your liver, or kidney disease. Also let the doctor know if you drink more than 2 glasses of alcohol daily.

What is the usual dosage?

The information below is based on the dosage guidelines your doctor uses. Depending on your condition and medical history, your doctor may prescribe a different regimen. Do not change the dosage or stop taking your medication without your doctor's approval.

Adults: The usual starting dose is 20 milligrams (mg) taken once daily, preferably with an evening meal. Your doctor may increase your individual dose up to a maximum of 80 mg taken as one or two doses daily.

Children 10 to 17 years old: The usual daily dose is 10-40 mg taken once or twice daily.

How should I take Mevacor?

Mevacor should be taken with food preferably in the evening. It should be taken at the same time every day.

What should I avoid while taking Mevacor?

Do not get pregnant or take the medication while breastfeeding. If you do get pregnant, stop taking Mevacor right away and call your doctor.

Avoid drinking more than 1 quart of grapefruit juice daily, as this may impair your body's ability to metabolize Mevacor. Avoid alcohol during drug therapy.

What are possible food and drug interactions associated with Mevacor?

If Mevacor is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Mevacor with the following: amiodarone, clarithromycin, cyclosporine, danazol, erythromycin, gemfibrozil, grapefruit juice (>1 quart daily), HIV medications called "protease inhibitors," itraconazole, ketoconazole, nefazodone, niacin, other lipid-lowering drugs, telithromycin, and verapamil.

What are the possible side effects of Mevacor?

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, tell your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking this drug.

Side effects may include: Upset stomach, flatulence, headache, diarrhea, constipation, or stomach pain.

More serious side effects may include: muscle problems, including muscle pain, tenderness or weakness; kidney problems, including kidney failure; and liver problems

You have a greater chance for developing muscle problems if you are taking certain other medicines with Mevacor.

Your doctor may do blood tests to check your liver before you start taking Mevacor, and periodically during treatment.

Call your doctor right away if you have any of the following symptoms: muscle problems such as weakness, tenderness, or pain without apparent cause, especially if you also have a fever or feel more tired than usual; nausea and vomiting; passing brown or dark-colored urine; unusual fatigue; yellowing of your skin and the whites of your eyes; stomach pain.

Can I receive Mevacor if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

No. Mevacor may cause fetal harm and should not be taken during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Mevacor?

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

How should I store Mevacor?

Mevacor should be stored at room temperature away from light.