Mevacor is used to lower the elevated levels of cholesterol (particularly Low-Density Lipoprotein) associated with normal or high levels of triglycerides. Elevated cholesterol can result in coronary heart disease (CHD) due to clogging of blood vessels (atherosclerosis) that carry oxygen and nutrients to the heart. Lovastatin is used to slow down the progression of atherosclerosis in the coronary arteries. Lovastatin belongs to a group of medicines called as lipid metabolism regulators. It inhibits or blocks the enzyme that is necessary for the body to make cholesterol. In this way, less cholesterol is produced in the liver. Thus, it helps to prevent heart disease caused by clogging of blood vessels with cholesterol and slows the progression of atherosclerosis of the arteries that nourish the heart. As a part of your treatment plan to lower cholesterol, your doctor may recommend a diet and other measures such as exercise and weight control.
Manufacturer Information
The generic form of Mevacor is Lovastatin. It comes from Canada manufactured by Apotex and India also called lovacard manufactured by Cipla. It may come from other international countries. Mevacor is available as tablets in the dosage forms of 20 mg and 40 mg.
Stop taking Mevacor and call your doctor at once if you have one of these serious side effects:
• Increased blood sugar
• Allergic reactions
• Liver problems
• Generalized weakness
• Unexplained muscle pain, muscle weakness or tenderness
Less serious side effects include fever, blurred vision, muscle effects, constipation, diarrhea, gas, stomach upset, nausea, pain in the abdomen, headache, dizziness, skin rash, poor memory, memory loss, confusion, depression, erectile dysfunction. Please call your doctor if you have any further concerns or questions.
Take Mevacor exactly as prescribed by your healthcare professional. It is usually recommended as a single dose with the evening meal or in two divided doses with the morning and evening meals. Your doctor may adjust your dose to a maximum of 80 mg/day, given in single doses with the evening meal or divided doses with the morning and evening meals. It is important to continue taking the tablets as instructed. Do not alter the dosage or stop taking the medicine without consulting your doctor. Mevacor may cause you to become drowsy or tired. Avoid drinking large quantities of alcohol. Do not start taking other medicines unless you have discussed it with your doctor. Do not use the medication if you are allergic to lovastatin or any other ingredients in the medication, are diagnosed with active liver disease, are pregnant or breastfeeding, are taking antifungal medications such as itraconazole, ketoconazole, HIV protease inhibitors such as indinavir, ritonavir, hepatitis C virus protease inhibitors such as boceprevir, certain antibiotics such as erythromycin, clarithromycin, antidepressant such as nefazodone, medicines containing cobicistat, the immunosuppressant cyclosporine. Mevacor may also interact with medications such danazol, verapamil and diltiazem (drugs used to treat high blood pressure and angina), amiodarone (a drug used to treat irregular heartbeat), colchicine (a drug used to treat gout), grapefruit juice. Before taking this medication, inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or breastfeeding, have thyroid problems, regularly drink three or more alcoholic drinks daily, are taking other cholesterol lowering medications such as niacin, gemfibrozil, have liver or kidney problems, diabetes, have undergone surgery or any other tissue injury, do excessive physical exercise, are of childbearing age. Cholesterol compounds are essential elements for the development of a fetus. Cholesterol-lowering drugs such as lovastatin can cause harm to the fetus. Mevacor should be stored at controlled room temperature between 15°C and 30°C, protected from light. Keep out of the reach and sight of children.