Lovastatin

Lovastatin belongs to a group of medicines called statins. It is used to lower cholesterol and to reduce the risk of heart disease. Cholesterol is a fatty substance that builds up in your blood vessels and causes narrowing, which may lead to a heart attack or stroke. Lovastatin is a widely prescribed medicine and is regarded as safe for long-term use. It should be taken along with food to reduce the chances of nausea. Taking it regularly in the evening helps to maximize its effects. Most people with high cholesterol do not feel ill, but stopping your medicine may increase your cholesterol levels, making your condition worse and increasing your risk of heart disease and stroke. It is important to have your cholesterol levels checked regularly. This medicine is only one part of the treatment program which should also include a healthy diet, regular exercise, smoking cessation, moderation of alcohol intake and weight reduction. You can eat normally while taking this medicine, but try to avoid foods that are high in fat. Common side effects of this medicine include headache, stomach pain, constipation, muscle pain and weakness. These are usually mild and disappear after a short time. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you notice any yellowing of your eyes or get repeated or unexplained muscle pains. This medicine should not be used in some conditions such as liver disease. Also, pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers should not take this medicine as it may harm the developing baby. Diabetic patients should monitor their blood sugar levels while taking this medicine, as it may lead to an increase in blood sugar levels. Lovastatin is a lipid-lowering medication (statin). It works by blocking an enzyme (HMG-CoA-reductase) that is required in the body to make cholesterol. It thus lowers "bad" cholesterol (LDL) and triglycerides, raising the level of "good" cholesterol (HDL).

• High cholesterol • Prevention of heart attack and stroke

Lovastatin reduces cholesterol by competitively inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase, the rate-limiting step cholesterol biosynthesis.

Adult Dose: Oral Hyperlipidaemias; Primary prophylaxis of coronary artery disease Adult: Initially, 10-20 mg/day in the evening, may increase at intervals of at least 4 wk to max 80 mg/day as a single or in 2 divided doses. Child Dose: Oral Hyperlipidaemias; Primary prophylaxis of coronary artery disease Child: As an adjunct w/ heterozygous familial hypercholesterolaemia: 10-17 yr Initially, 10-20 mg once daily, may increase at intervals of 4 wk to max 40 mg once daily. Renal Dose: Renal impairment: CrCl (ml/min) Dosage Recommendation 20 mg/day.

Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. Lovastatin is to be taken with food.

If you miss a dose of Lovastatin, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double the dose

Common: • Headache • Stomach pain • Constipation • Feeling sick • Muscle pain • Weakness • Dizziness

[SAFE] Lovastatin does not usually affect your ability to drive. It should be taken in the evening after dinner and before sleeping. Inform your doctor if you experience fatigue, muscle weakness or muscle pain. Your doctor may check your liver function before starting the treatment and regularly thereafter. Inform your doctor if you notice signs of liver problems such as stomach pains, unusually dark urine or yellowing of skin or eyes. Inform your doctor if you have kidney disease, liver disease or diabetes before starting treatment with this medicine. If you are diabetic, monitor your blood sugar level regularly as Lovastatin may cause an increase in your blood sugar level. Do not take Lovastatin if you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Active liver disease or unexplained persistent elevated serum transaminases. Concomitant use w/ CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g. nefazodone, erythromycin, boceprevir, clarithromycin, telithromycin, HIV protease inhibitors, itraconazole, ketoconazole, posaconazole, telaprevir), gemfibrozil, ciclosporin. Pregnancy and lactation.

Increased risk of myopathy/rhabdomyolysis w/ amiodarone, colchicine, ranolazine, danazol, diltiazem and verapamil. May increase anticoagulant effect of warfarin. Potentially Fatal: Increased risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis w/ concomitant CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g. nefazodone, erythromycin, boceprevir, clarithromycin, telithromycin, HIV protease inhibitors, itraconazole, ketoconazole, posaconazole, telaprevir), gemfibrozil, ciclosporin.

[UNSAFE] It is unsafe to consume alcohol with Lovastatin.

[UNSAFE] Lovastatin is highly unsafe to use during pregnancy. Seek your doctor's advice as studies on pregnant women and animals have shown significant harmful effects to the developing baby.

[UNSAFE] Lovastatin is unsafe to use during breastfeeding. Data suggests that the drug may cause toxicity to the baby.

[CAUTION] Lovastatin should be used with caution in patients with severe kidney disease. Dose adjustment of Lovastatin may be needed. Please consult your doctor. However, talk to your doctor if you have any underlying kidney disease. Cautious dose adjustment is advised in patients with severe kidney disease. [CAUTION] Lovastatin should be used with caution in patients with liver disease. Dose adjustment of Lovastatin may be needed. Please consult your doctor.