Lovastatin

Generic Name : Lovastatin

TradeName : Aztatin, Elstatin, Favolip, Lestric, Lipistat, Lochol, Lostatin, Lotin, Lovadac, Lovalip, Lovameg, Lovastat, Lovastrol, Lovatin, PRO HDL, Recol, Rovacor-20, Statin

Why it is prescribed (Indications) : Lovastatin is used, along with diet changes i.e., restriction of cholesterol and fat intake, to reduce the amount of cholesterol and certain fatty substances in your blood. Accumulation of cholesterol and fats along the walls of your arteries (atherosclerosis) decreases blood flow and, therefore, the oxygen supply to your heart, brain, and other body parts. Lowering your blood levels of cholesterol and fats may help to prevent heart disease, angina or chest pain, strokes, and heart attacks.

When it is to be taken : Lovastatin usually is taken once a day initially and then either once or twice a day. Take this medication with your evening meal, or with your morning and evenig meals if you take it twice a day.

How it should be taken : Lovastatin comes in tablet form. Your prescription label tells you how much to take at each dose.

Special Instruction :
1. Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory so that yor response to lovastatin be evaluated. You probably will have periodic blood tests to be sure tht your liver is working properly and to measure the cholesterol and fats in your blood. You may also have regular eye examinations.
2. The major risk factors in developing atherosclerosis and heart attacks are high blood levels of cholesterol and fats, obesity, cigarette smoking, high blood pressure, and diabetes.
3. Follow your doctor's advice on smoking, diet, exercises, and weight control.
4. If you have high blood pressure or diabetes, take your medication regularly and follow your doctor's dietary instructions e.g., low-sodium or low-salt diet for high blood pressure. Eat a low-cholesterol, low-fat diet: cottage cheese, fat-free milk, fish, vegetables, polutry, egg whites, and polyunsatureated oils and margarines, egg yolks, whole milk, cream, butter, shortening, lard, pastries, cakes, cookies, gravy, peanut butter, chocolate, olives, potato chips, coconut, cheese, coconut and palm oils, and other fatty and fried foods.
5. Ask your doctor any questions you have about a missed dose. Lovstatin must be taken regularly to be effective.

Side Effects :
1. Gas, abdominal pain or cramps, diarrhoea or constipation, nausea, indigestion, heartburn, headache, blurred vision, dizziness, rash, itching. If these effects are severe or persist, contact your doctor.
2. Muscle pain, tenderness, cramps, or weakness with or without fever. Contact your doctor immediately.

Other Precautions :
1. Do not take lovastatin if you are pregnant, think that you may be pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking this drug, stop taking it and contact your doctor.
2. Tell your doctor if you have liver disease, a severe infection, low blood pressure, or seizures.
3. Tell your doctor what prescription and nonprescription drugs you are taking, especially cyclosporine, erythromycin, gemfibrozil, niacin, and anticoagulants.
4. Before having surgery, tell the doctor or dentist in charge that you are taking lovastatin.

Storage Conditions :
Store this medication away from light and out the reach of children.