Mevacor Tablets
Chemical Name: MEVACOR LOVASTATIN (LOE-va-sta-tin)
Common Mevacor uses
This medicine is an HMG-CoA reductase
inhibitor (also known as a "statin") used to
lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels in
your blood. It may also be used to treat
other conditions as determined by your
doctor.
Before using Mevacor
Some medicines or medical conditions may
interact with this medicine. INFORM YOUR
DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription and
over-the-counter medicine that you are
taking. DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE if you are
also taking fibrates such as gemfibrozil,
clofibrate, or fenofibrate; HIV protease
inhibitors such as ritonavir, lopinavir, or
nelfinavir; azole antifungals such as
itraconazole or ketoconazole; macrolide
antibiotics such as erythromycin,
clarithromycin, or troleandomycin;
nefazodone; or high-dose niacin (1 gram or
more per day). ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF YOUR
DOSE OR CONDITION may be needed if you are
taking amiodarone, "blood thinners" such as
warfarin, bosentan, cyclosporine, diltiazem,
fluconazole, imatinib, verapamil,
dalfopristin, quinupristin, voriconazole, or
St. John's wort. Inform your doctor of any
other medical conditions, including muscle
problems, alcohol use, allergies (especially
to other "statins"), pregnancy, or
breast-feeding. USE OF THIS MEDICINE IS NOT
RECOMMENDED if you have a history of liver
disease or abnormal liver function test
results. Certain medical conditions,
including low blood pressure; severe
infection; uncontrolled seizures; or serious
metabolic, endocrine, or electrolyte
problems may increase your risk for side
effects that can result in kidney problems
while taking this medicine. Contact your
doctor if you develop one of these
conditions. Contact your doctor or
pharmacist if you have any questions or
concerns about taking this medicine.
Mevacor Directions
Follow the directions for using this
medicine provided by your doctor. IF YOU
TAKE 1 DOSE DAILY, take it with your evening
meal unless directed otherwise by your
doctor. Dosage is based on your medical
condition, response to therapy, and use of
certain interacting medicines. Consult your
doctor or pharmacist for more details, since
many of the medicines listed in the Before
Using section may increase the chances of
muscle injury when used with this medicine.
AVOID DRINKING GRAPEFRUIT JUICE while taking
this medicine. STORE THIS MEDICINE at room
temperature, away from heat and light. IF
YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, take it as
soon as possible. If it is almost time for
your next dose, skip the missed dose and go
back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not
take 2 doses at once.
Mevacor Cautions
FOLLOW THE DIETARY PLAN provided by your
doctor. KEEP ALL DOCTOR AND LABORATORY
APPOINTMENTS while you are using this
medicine. BEFORE HAVING ANY KIND OF SURGERY,
tell your doctor that you are taking this
medicine. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW
MEDICINE, either prescription or
over-the-counter, check with your doctor or
pharmacist. FOR WOMEN: DO NOT USE THIS
MEDICINE if you are pregnant. IF YOU SUSPECT
THAT YOU COULD BE PREGNANT, contact your
doctor immediately. It is recommended that
women of childbearing age use effective
birth control measures while taking this
drug since lovastatin may cause fetal harm.
IT IS UNKNOWN IF THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED
in breast milk. DO NOT BREAST-FEED while
taking this medicine.
Possible Mevacor side effects
SIDE EFFECTS that may occur while taking
this medicine include constipation. If they
continue or are bothersome, check with your
doctor. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR AS SOON AS
POSSIBLE if you experience rash; yellow skin
or eyes; unusual bleeding or bruising; or
sore throat. This medicine may infrequently
cause muscle damage (which can rarely lead
to a very serious condition called
rhabdomyolysis). Stop taking this medicine
and CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you
experience muscle pain/tenderness/weakness
(especially with fever or unusual
tiredness). CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY
if you experience the following side effects
or symptoms of toxicity: swelling of hands,
face, lips, eyes, throat, or tongue; joint
pain; chest pain; dizziness; difficulty
swallowing or breathing; or hoarseness.If
you notice other effects not listed above,
contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.
Drug interactions
Drug interactions can result in unwanted
side effects or prevent a medicine from
doing its job. Use our drug interaction
checker to find out if your medicines
interact with each other.
Check drug interactions
If you take too much Mevacor
If
overdose is suspected, contact your local
poison control center or emergency room
immediately.
Additional Mevacor information
FOR
BEST RESULTS, this medicine should be used
along with exercise, a
low-cholesterol/low-fat diet, and a weight
loss program if you are overweight. Consult
with your doctor. DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE
with others for whom it was not prescribed.
DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other health
conditions. KEEP THIS MEDICINE out of the
reach of children and pets. IF USING THIS
MEDICINE FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME,
obtain refills before your supply runs out.
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