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Chemical Name: LOVASTATIN (LOE-va-sta-tin)
This medicine is an HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor (also known as a "statin") used
in combination with a low-cholesterol and low-fat diet to lower cholesterol and
triglyceride levels in your blood. It may also be used in certain adolescent
patients, age 10 to 17 years, who have a genetically caused cholesterol problem.
This medicine is not a cure for high cholesterol, but may help to control it.
This medicine may also be used in certain patients to reduce the risk of heart
attack, blood vessel blockage, or chest pain. It may also be used to treat other
conditions as determined by your doctor.
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 gemfibrozil,
HIV protease inhibitors (such as ritonavir, lopinavir, or nelfinavir), azole
antifungals (such as itraconazole or ketoconazole), macrolide antibiotics (such
as erythromycin, clarithromycin, or troleandomycin), telithromycin, or
nefazodone. If you are currently taking any of these medicines, tell your doctor
or pharmacist before starting to take this medicine. ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF
YOUR DOSE OR CONDITION may be needed if you are taking amiodarone, "blood
thinners" (such as warfarin), bosentan, cyclosporine, danazol, diltiazem,
fluconazole, imatinib, high doses of niacin (1 gram or more per day), fibrates
(such as clofibrate or fenofibrate), verapamil, dalfopristin, quinupristin,
voriconazole, or St. John's wort. DO NOT START OR STOP any medicine without
doctor or pharmacist approval. 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.
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. Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice at the same time you
take 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.
DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE if you have had an allergic reaction to it or are
allergic to any ingredient in this product. Laboratory and/or medical tests,
including liver function tests and blood cholesterol levels, may be performed to
monitor your progress or to check for side effects. 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. Eating
grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice while you are taking this medicine may
increase the amount of this medicine in your blood, which may increase your risk
for serious side effects. Talk with your doctor before including grapefruit or
grapefruit juice in your diet while 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 medicine 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.
A SIDE EFFECT that may occur while taking this medicine include constipation. If
it continues or is 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). An
allergic reaction to this medicine is unlikely, but seek immediate medical
attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching,
swelling, dizziness, or trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not
listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.
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.
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency
room immediately.
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.
FOLLOW THE DIETARY PLAN provided by 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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