lovastatin and niacin Health Article

Generic name(s):

lovastatin and niacin

Brand name(s):

Advicor

What is the most important information I should know about lovastatin and niacin?

You should not take this medication if you are allergic to lovastatin or niacin, if you are pregnant or breast-feeding, or if you have liver disease, a stomach ulcer, or active bleeding.

Niacin can cause certain side effects, such as flushing (warmth, itching, redness, or tingly feeling under your skin). These effects can be made worse if you drink alcohol or hot beverages shortly after you take lovastatin and niacin. These effects should disappear over time as you keep taking the medication.

In rare cases, lovastatin can cause a condition that results in the breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue. This condition can lead to kidney failure. Call your doctor at once if you have unexplained muscle pain or tenderness, muscle weakness, fever or flu symptoms, and dark colored urine.

To be sure this medication is not causing harmful effects, your liver function will need to be tested on a regular basis. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.

If you stop taking lovastatin and niacin for longer than 7 days in a row, talk with your doctor before restarting the medication. You may need to start with a lower dose.

What is lovastatin and niacin?

Lovastatin is a cholesterol-lowering medication that blocks the production of cholesterol (a type of fat) in the body.

Niacin, also called nicotinic acid, is a B vitamin (vitamin B3). It occurs naturally in plants and animals, and is also added to many foods as a vitamin supplement. Niacin is also present in many multiple vitamins and nutritional supplements.

The combination of lovastatin and niacin is used to lower cholesterol and triglycerides (types of fat) in the blood. Lowering your cholesterol and triglycerides can help prevent heart disease and coronary artery disease (also called atherosclerosis), conditions that can lead to heart attack, stroke, and vascular disease.

This medication is also used to lower the risk of heart attack in people with high cholesterol who have already had a heart attack.

Lovastatin and niacin may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking lovastatin and niacin?

You should not take this medication if you are allergic to lovastatin or niacin, or if you have:

• liver disease;

• a stomach ulcer;

• active bleeding; or

• if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

Before taking lovastatin and niacin, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

• diabetes;

• underactive thyroid;

• kidney disease; or

• if you are also taking amiodarone (Cordarone, Pacerone) or verapamil (Calan, Covera, Isoptin, Verelan).

If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take lovastatin and niacin.

In rare cases, lovastatin can cause a condition that results in the breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue. This condition can lead to kidney failure. Call your doctor at once if you have unexplained muscle pain or tenderness, muscle weakness, fever or flu symptoms, and dark colored urine. FDA pregnancy category X. This medication can cause birth defects. Do not use lovastatin and niacin if you are pregnant. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant during treatment. Use effective birth control while you are using this medication. It is not known whether lovastatin and niacin passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.