Mevacor

The active ingredient in Mevacor is lovastatin. This lipid-lowering agent belongs to a class of medications known as HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors or statins. It works to lower cholesterol levels by decreasing the amount of cholesterol made by your liver and by increasing the breakdown of bad cholesterol.

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and read all documents provided, including the full Prescribing Information, FDA-Approved Product Labeling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide, before using Mevacor. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Mevacor:

• Take this medication exactly as directed by your healthcare provider.
• Take with the evening meal if taking once daily. The recommended dosing range of lovastatin is 10 to 80 mg/day in single or two divided doses.
• If you miss a dose of lovastatin, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take it at its next scheduled time.
• Avoid grapefruit juice concentrate since it decreases the metabolic clearance of lovastatin and increases its plasma concentrations.

The most common side effects of Mevacor include:

• Headache.
• Muscle pain (myopathy) or muscle cramps.
• Blurred vision.
• Constipation.
• Diarrhea.
• Abdominal pain.
• Stuffy nose.
• Infection.

Some individuals may experience serious side effects of lovastatin. These side effects may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical help:

• Severe allergic reaction - hives, itching, swelling, rash.
• Severe muscle damage (rhabdomyolysis) - muscle pain, weakness, or tenderness, dark-colored urine, and tiredness.
• Liver damage - jaundice (yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes), loss of appetite, black, tarry, or bloody stools, and stomach pain.
• Increased blood sugar.

These are not all of the possible side effects of Mevacor. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before starting Mevacor, it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including whether you have:

• Muscle weakness or pain that cannot be explained.
• Kidney problems.
• Active liver disease or an increase in liver enzymes.
• Diabetes.
• History of stroke.
• Thyroid problems.

• Previous allergic reaction/hypersensitivity to any component of this medication.
• Active liver disease or unexplained persistent elevations of serum transaminases.
• Concomitant administration with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (itraconazole, ketoconazole, voriconazole, HIV protease inhibitors, boceprevir, erythromycin, clarithromycin, nefazodone).

The medication usually takes about 2 to 6 weeks to have a significant effect on the cholesterol level in your blood.

When Mevacor is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Make sure that you tell your healthcare professional about anything that you are taking to avoid any negative drug interactions, including:

• Medication used for HIV, AIDS, or Hepatitis C.
• Ketoconazole, itraconazole, or voriconazole.
• Erythromycin or clarithromycin.
• Colchicine.
• Cyclosporine.
• Digoxin.
• Medications for heart conditions (amiodarone, diltiazem, verapamil).
• Medications for high cholesterol, like niacin or fibrates (gemfibrozil, fenofibrate).

Mevacor is available in a variety of dosage forms, including:

• 20 mg extended-release oral tablets.
• 40 mg extended-release oral tablets.
• 60 mg extended-release oral tablets.
• 10 mg oral tablets.
• 20 mg oral tablets.
• 40 mg oral tablets.

Store this medication at room temperature and keep it out of reach of children.

Merck & Co. is the pharmaceutical company that manufactures Mevacor.

There are lower-cost generics available of the brand-name Mevacor.

Do not stop or adjust your use of this medication without first consulting with your doctor.

Lovastatin may cause harm to an unborn baby. Talk to your doctor if you are already pregnant or if you have any plans to become pregnant. They will know or recommend what is best for you.

Do not take lovastatin while you are breastfeeding. Talk to your doctor if you are already breastfeeding or if you have any plans to breastfeed. They will know or recommend the best way to feed your infant.