Mevacor (Lovastatin)

Description

Mevacor is used in the treatment of high cholesterol levels. It is an HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor and belongs to a family of drugs known as statins. The main component of Mevacor is lovastatin.

 

Uses

 

Mevacor is prescribed to individuals who have dangerously high levels of cholesterol. This medication decreases the amount of fats, such as cholesterol, that are manufactured by the liver. The lowering of cholesterol levels reduces the prevalence of heart attacks and strokes. It also lowers the threat of heart-related diseases.

 

Mevacor produces the best results when it is followed by a healthy diet.

 

This medication can also decelerate the rate at which blockage in the arteries occur. This reduces the need for surgery to be performed to remove such obstacles. In certain cases, Mevacor may decrease the risk of angina occurring. Your doctor will be able to provide you with the full extent of the benefits Mevacor can provide.

 

Dosage

 

Always follow your doctor’s instructions regarding dosage. Do not take a higher or lower dose of Mevacor than you have been directed.

 

This medication should be taken orally.

 

The recommended dosage is 20 mg of Mevacor. This dose should be taken once a day before your evening meal.
Do not consume grapefruit or grapefruit juice while taking this medication.

 

There are certain cholesterol lowering drugs such as colestipol and cholestyramine that may inhibit the effect of Mevacor. If you have been prescribed these medications, take Mevacor at least an hour before. You can also take Mevacor four hours after you have taken your other prescribed medication.

 

If you missed your dose, take it as soon as you remember. If your next dose needs to be taken soon, do not take the missed dose. Instead, take your scheduled dose. Do not combine your doses.

 

In case you overdose on this medication, call emergency services.

 

Side Effects

 

There may be mild side effects of taking Mevacor:

 

 Rash or inflammation of the skin
 Puffiness or swelling of the face
 Breathing problems
 Increase in weight
 Headache

 

There are less likely but severe side effects of Mevacor:

 

 Muscle discomfort or frailty
 Fever
 Fatigue
 Dark colored urine
 Decrease in urine production
 Body pain
 Digestion problems
 Disorientation or trouble with memory
 Symptoms of high blood sugar levels
 Difficulty sleeping
 Liver problems
 Nausea

 

Consult your physician immediately if you experience any of these side effects.

 

Contraindications

 

 Do not take Mevacor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. If you become pregnant while you are taking this medication, stop immediately and contact your physician.

 

 Inform your doctor if you are allergic to lovastatin before this medication is prescribed to you. Also tell your doctor about any allergic reactions you may have with any other substance.

 

 Blood thinners and gemfibrozil have a negative effect on Mevacor.

 

 There are certain other medications such as ones prescribed to treat antifungals, HIV, and hepatitis C that may negatively impact Mevacor.

 

 Before you are prescribed this medication, tell your doctor if you have ever had kidney or liver problems, diabetes, or any issues with your thyroid. Also inform you doctor if you consume more than two alcoholic drinks every day.

 

 Do not consume any products with red yeast rice as an ingredient. You may develop muscle or liver ailments.