What is Mevacor/Lovastatin used for?

This medicine is used with diet changes to lower the level of cholesterol in the blood.

If you have any questions about your medicine, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider. This medicine is to be taken by the patient in whom it was prescribed. Do not give it to others. This information is advisory only. It does not contain all information about this medicine. If you have any questions about your medicine, ask your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

How should Mevacor/Lovastatin be stored?

Store between 41 and 86 degrees. Protect from light and store in a well-closed, light resistant container.

General drug information:

When should Mevacor/Lovastatin not be taken?

Do not take this medication if you are allergic to any ingredient of this medicine you have liver disease you are pregnant or breastfeeding

What precautions should I follow when taking Mevacor/Lovastatin?

Before using this medicine, tell your health care provider about any of the following: if you plan on becoming pregnant if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine if you have any other medical conditions. Concurrent use of this medicine with other medicines (e.g. ketoconazole, spironolactone, or cimetidine) that may decrease the levels of endogenous steroid hormones.

What special warning(s) should I be aware of when taking Mevacor/Lovastatin?

This medicine should be used with caution in patients who consume substantial quantities of alcohol and/or have a past history of liver disease.

What are the side effects of Mevacor/Lovastatin?

Most severe:  Muscle wasting, leg pain, shoulder pain, arthralgia.

Most common:  Constipation; diarrhea; indigestion; gas; stomach pain/cramps; nausea; muscle pain; dizziness; sleeplessness, headache; rash/itching.

Other:  Blurred vision; heartburn.

How should I take Mevacor/Lovastatin?

How much medicine you take and how often you take it depends on many factors, including the condition being treated, your age, and weight. If you have any questions about the amount and/or frequency of the medicine you are taking, talk with your health care provider. Do not stop taking this medication without checking with your doctor. Do not take more medicine than prescribed unless advised to do so by your health care provider. It is recommended that liver function tests be performed before the initiation of treatment at 6 and 12 weeks after initiation of therapy or elevation in dose and periodically thereafter. Take with the evening meal. Report any unexplained muscle pain, tenderness or weakness, especially if accompanied by fever or general body aches, to your doctor. Also report any yellowing of the skin or eyes. This medicine is most effective when used with exercise and a diet that reduces the intake of cholesterol and saturated fats. Do not take any other over-the-counter or prescription medications without talking with your doctor. If a dose is missed, take it as soon as possible. If several hours have passed or if it is nearing time for the next dose, do not double the dose to catch up, unless advised by your doctor. If more than one dose is missed, contact your doctor or pharmacist.