MEVACOR
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IMPORTANT NOTE:
THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION IS INTENDED TO SUPPLEMENT, NOT SUBSTITUTE
FOR, THE EXPERTISE AND JUDGMENT OF YOUR PHYSICIAN, PHARMACIST OR
OTHER HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL. IT SHOULD NOT BE CONSTRUED TO
INDICATE THAT USE OF THE DRUG IS SAFE, APPROPRIATE, OR EFFECTIVE FOR
YOU. CONSULT YOUR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL BEFORE USING MEVACOR.
LOVASTATIN - ORAL (LOW-vuh-stat-in)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S):
Mevacor
USES:
Lovastatin is used to lower cholesterol and fats in the blood to
help prevent heart attacks and strokes.
HOW TO TAKE MEVACOR:
MEVACOR is usually taken with the evening meal. Take as directed.
MEVACOR must be taken regularly to keep cholesterol low. It may take
a few weeks to months before the full effects of MEVACOR are
noticed.
SIDE EFFECTS:
Stomach upset, gas, heartburn, change of taste, diarrhea,
constipation, skin rash, impotence, insomnia, headache, dizziness or
blurred vision may occur the first few days as your body adjusts to
the medication. If these effects persist or become bothersome,
inform your doctor. Notify MD promptly if you experience:
muscle ache/pain, fever, unusual tiredness or weakness, vision
changes, yellowing eyes and skin. If MEVACOR makes you dizzy or
lightheaded, avoid driving or engaging in activities requiring
alertness. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact
your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS:
Before taking lovastatin tell your doctor if you have:
liver disease, severe infection, kidney disease, low blood pressure,
low thyroid function, seizures, history of alcoholism, any allergies
(especially drug allergies). Limit alcohol intake, as this may
aggravate drug side effects. Before having surgery, tell the doctor
or dentist in charge that you are taking lovastatin. Lovastatin
should not be used during pregnancy. If you become pregnant or think
you may be pregnant, inform your doctor immediately. It is not known
if lovastatin is excreted into breast milk. Because of the possible
adverse effects to the infant, breast-feeding is not recommended.
Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Tell your doctor of all prescription or nonprescription drugs you
take especially:
niacin; cyclosporine; erythromycin; gemfibrozil; anticoagulants
("blood thinners"); azole antifungals (e.g., ketoconazole,
itraconazole); clarithromycin; nefazodone; diltiazem; verapamil;
protease inhibitors (e.g., indinavir). Do not eat grapefruit or
drink grapefruit juice unless your doctor instructs you otherwise.
Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist
approval.
OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center
or emergency room immediately.
NOTES:
Your doctor may periodically perform lab tests during treatment to
monitor your progress. For best results, exercise regularly and
follow a doctor- approved, low-fat, low-cholesterol diet.
MISSED DOSE:
If you miss a dose, take as soon as remembered; do not take if it is
almost time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and
resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the
dose to catch up.
STORAGE:
Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (between 15
and 30 degrees C) away from moisture and sunlight. Do not store in
the bathroom.
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