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Common name
Mevacor (Lovastatin)
Synonyms: Lostatin, Lovacard, Recol, Altocor, Closterol, Colevix, Hipovastin, Lovasterol, Mevastatin, Pravastatin Rovacor, Sivlor
Description
Mevacor (Lovastatin) is an enzyme blocker (HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor), also known as a "statin". It is used along with a proper diet to help lower cholesterol and fats (triglycerides) in the blood. In general, this drug is prescribed after non-drug treatment options have not been fully successful at lowering cholesterol (e.g., diet change, increase in exercise, weight loss if overweight). Reducing cholesterol and triglycerides help prevent strokes and heart attacks.
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Active Ingredients:
Lovastatin
Therapeutic actions:
The mode of action of statins is HMG-CoA reductase enzyme inhibition. This enzyme is needed by the body to make cholesterol. Lovastatin causes cholesterol to be lost from LDL, but also reduces the concentration of circulating LDL (low density lipoprotein) particles. Apolipoprotein B concentration falls substantially during treatment with lovastatin. Lovastatin's ability to lower LDL is thought to be due to a reduction in VLDL, which is a precursor to LDL.
Also, Mevacor (Lovastatin) may increase the number of LDL receptors on the surface of cell membranes, and thus increase the breakdown of LDL. Lovastatin is proven to reduce the risk of coronary artery disease events, such as heart attack or angina (chest pain).
What is it used for?:
Mevacor (Lovastatin) is used, along with diet, to lower cholesterol levels in people with primary hypercholesterolemia (too much cholesterol in the bloodstream). High cholesterol levels foster the buildup of artery-clogging plaque, which can be especially dangerous when it collects in the vessels serving the muscles of the heart.
Mevacor is prescribed to prevent this problem
-called coronary heart disease
-or to slow its advance if the arteries are already clogging up.
Contraindications and cautions:
allergy to any ingredient in Mevacor
liver problems or unexplained abnormal liver function tests
pregnancy or breast-feeding
taking a macrolide antibiotic (eg, clarithromycin, erythromycin), an HIV protease inhibitor (eg, ritonavir), itraconazole, ketoconazole, mibefradil, nefazodone, or telithromycin Some medical conditions may interact with Mevacor .
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:
if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
if you have low blood pressure, a serious infection, kidney problems, diabetes, or a history of seizures
if you are very ill, have certain muscle problems (eg, pain, weakness), or have metabolism, hormonal, or electrolyte problems
if you drink alcohol or have a history of liver problems or alcohol abuse
if you have a certain type of high cholesterol (homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia)
if you have had an organ transplant or have recently had major surgery or a serious injury
Side effects:
As a rule Mevacor doesnt have any serious side effects. Any side effects that have occurred have usually been almost unnoticeable and short-lived. If any side effects develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Mevacor.
More common side effects may include: Abdominal pain/cramps, altered sense of taste, blurred vision, constipation, diarrhea, dizziness, gas, headache, heartburn, indigestion, itching, muscle cramps, muscle pain, muscle weakness with rash, nausea, rash, weakness
Interactions:
Amiodarone, certain azole antifungals (eg, itraconazole, ketoconazole), HIV protease inhibitors (eg, ritonavir), diltiazem, fibrates (eg, gemfibrozil, clofibrate), fluconazole, danazol, imatinib, immunosuppressants (eg, cyclosporine), niacin, macrolide antibiotics (eg, clarithromycin, erythromycin), mibefradil, nefazodone, non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (eg, delavirdine), streptogramins (eg, dalfopristin), telithromycin, vasopressin receptor antagonists (eg, conivaptan), verapamil, or voriconazole because they may increase the risk of muscle or kidney problems
Bosentan, carbamazepine, rifampin, or St. John's wort because they may decrease Mevacor 's effectiveness
Anticoagulants (eg, warfarin), cimetidine, digoxin, hormonal birth control (eg, birth control pills), macrolide immunosuppressants (eg, tacrolimus), or spironolactone because the risk of their side effects may be increased by Mevacor
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