Drug Description:

This medicine, in addition to changes in diet, is used to lower high cholesterol levels. It is also used to slow down the progression of hardening of the arteries in patients with heart disease.Store tablets at 77 degrees F. Keep tightly closed. Protect from moisture and light.How much medicine you take and how often you take it depend on many factors, including the condition being treated and the age and weight of the patient. If you have any questions about the amount and/or frequency of the medicine you are taking, talk with your health care provider. Carefully read the information provided with this medicine and reread it each time you get this prescription refilled. Take this medicine exactly as prescribed by your health care provider. You must carefully follow the cholesterol-lowering diet given to you by your health care provider. This medicine may be taken with or without food. Contact your health care provider if unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness occur, especially if accompanied by general body discomfort or fever. If you are also taking cholestyramine or fluvastatin, take this medicine at bedtime at least 2 hours after taking cholestyramine or other bile acid resins. Stop using this medicine at once and contact your health care provider if you become pregnant while taking this medicine. Do not breastfeed your child while taking this medicine. This medicine may cause dizziness. Use caution while driving or performing other tasks requiring alertness, coordination, or physical dexterity. Patients with previous medical conditions should talk with their health care provider before taking this medicine. Do not stop taking this medicine without checking with your health care provider. Do not take more medicine than prescribed unless advised to do so by your health care provider. Contact your health care provider at once if you feel you have taken too much of this medicine. Do not take any other over-the-counter or prescription medications without talking with your health care provider. This includes any herbal preparations or dietary supplements. 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 health care provider. If more than one dose is missed, contact your health care provider or pharmacist.Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to any ingredient in this medicine you have liver disease you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeedingBefore using this medicine, tell your health care provider about any of the following: if you are taking any prescription medicine (eg, fibrates), nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement if you have severe kidney impairment if you regularly consume large amounts of alcohol if you have any other medical conditionBefore taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, liver disease, drink alcohol or have blood or muscle disorder.Most severe:  Muscle aches; muscle weakness.Most common:  Back pain; muscle pain; joint pain; arthritis; upper respiratory tract infection; sore throat; runny nose; sinus inflammation; coughing; indigestion; diarrhea; stomach pain; nausea; constipation; gas; flu-like symptoms (headache; tiredness); accidental injury; allergies; rash; tooth disorder; dizziness.Other:  Bronchitis; sleeplessness; urinary tract infection.