Mevacor (Lovastatin)

Do’s

• Take Mevacor exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider, following their instructions on dosage and frequency (once or twice daily).
• Take Mevacor with your evening meal, or as directed by your healthcare provider.
• Tell your healthcare provider about all medications you take, including prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, and herbal products. This helps avoid potential interactions.
• Take Mevacor regularly and at the same time(s) each day for maximum benefit.
• Continue taking Mevacor even if you feel well. High cholesterol and triglycerides often don't cause noticeable symptoms.
• Maintain a healthy diet and exercise routine as recommended by your healthcare provider.

Don'ts

• Don't eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while taking Mevacor unless your healthcare provider says it's safe. Grapefruit can increase side effects.
• Don't take more Mevacor than prescribed or take it more often than directed.
• Don't stop taking Mevacor without talking to your healthcare provider first.
• Don't expect immediate results. It may take up to 4 weeks to see the full effects.

Common side effects:

• Increased creatine phosphokinase in blood specimen
• Increased serum transaminases
• Gastrointestinal side effects, which tend to be mild and transient in nature and may dissipate with continued therapy
• Eye irritation, including tearing, redness, or discomfort
• Sore throat and nasal congestion
• Upper respiratory tract infections
• Headache
• Skin irritation, such as itching, reddening of the skin, or rash
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Weakness
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Allergic reactions, including rash, itching/swelling, and severe dizziness
• Tingling or numbness of the hands and feet
• Skin lesions caused by rosacea

Serious side effects that may require immediate medical attention include:

• Muscle problems, such as unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness, which could be symptoms of serious muscle problems like myopathy or rhabdomyolysis
• Liver problems, indicated by dark-colored urine, yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes
• Serious allergic reactions, including swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, skin rash, hives, or difficulty breathing

This is not an exhaustive list, and other side effects may occur. If you experience any unusual or severe side effects while taking Mevacor,  contact your healthcare provider for medical advice.

Disclose any allergies you have, including to lovastatin itself or other ingredients.

Medical history to discuss with your healthcare provider :

• Liver disease
• Kidney disease
• Alcohol use (heavy drinking can increase liver problems with lovastatin)

Inform your healthcare provider about all medications you take, including prescription, non-prescription, and herbal products.

Limit alcohol consumption. Daily use of alcohol can significantly increase your risk for liver problems, especially when combined with lovastatin.

Older adults may experience more side effects, particularly muscle problems.

Lovastatin should only be used during pregnancy if absolutely necessary due to potential harm to the unborn baby. Discuss risks and benefits with your healthcare provider.

Lovastatin might pass into breast milk and is not recommended for breastfeeding mothers due to potential risks to the infant. Consult your healthcare provider before breastfeeding.