Lovastatin
About Lovastatin
Lovastatin belongs to a group of antilipemic medicines called HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors or statins used together with diet and exercise to reduce the risk of stroke and heart attack and to lower the chance of heart surgery in patients with heart disease or who are at risk of developing heart disease. Additionally, Lovastatin is also used to lower the amount of cholesterol and other fatty substances in the blood.
Lovastatin contains 'Lovastatin', which works by slowing the production of cholesterol and decreasing the amount of cholesterol that might build up on the artery walls and block blood flow to the brain, heart, and other parts of the body. Thereby, Lovastatin helps prevent heart disease, chest pain, heart attack, and stroke.
You are advised to take Lovastatin for as long as your doctor has prescribed it for you, depending on your medical condition. In some cases, Lovastatin may cause side effects such as headache, infections, nausea, weakness, and constipation. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and will resolve gradually over time. However, you are advised to talk to the doctor if the side effects persist or worsen.
Do not take Lovastatin if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, think you may be pregnant, or trying for pregnancy. Stop taking Lovastatin and consult a doctor immediately if you become pregnant while taking Lovastatin. Lovastatin is not recommended for children as the safety and effectiveness have not been established. Inform your doctor regarding your health condition and medicines you are taking to rule out any side effects/interactions.
Uses of Lovastatin
Medicinal Benefits
Lovastatin belongs to a group of antilipemic medicines called HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors or statins used together with diet and exercise to reduce bad cholesterol and increase good cholesterol levels. It helps lower the risk of heart attack, stroke, and other heart complications. Lovastatin contains 'Lovastatin', which works by slowing the production of cholesterol and decreasing the amount of cholesterol that might build up on the artery walls and block blood flow to the heart, brain, and other parts of the body. Thereby, Lovastatin helps prevent heart disease, chest pain, heart attack, and stroke.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Lovastatin
- Headache
- Weakness
- Constipation
- Nausea
- Infections
Drug Warnings
Do not take Lovastatin if you are allergic to any of its components. Inform the doctor if you have liver disease, muscle pain or weakness, kidney disease, thyroid disorder, diabetes, seizures, low blood pressure, or if you drink large amounts of alcohol. Do not take Lovastatin if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Stop taking Lovastatin and consult a doctor immediately if you become pregnant while taking Lovastatin. If you are due to undergo any surgery, including dental surgery, inform the doctor that you are taking Lovastatin.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Inform the doctor if you are taking fibrates (gemfibrozil), immunosuppressants (cyclosporine), androgenic hormones (danazol), calcium channel blockers (diltiazem, verapamil), and anti-arrhythmic drug (amiodarone).
Drug-Food Interactions: Avoid consuming grapefruit, grapefruit juice, and alcoholic beverages whilst on treatment with Lovastatin. Also, avoiding excessive consumption of green tea and green tea products is advised.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Inform the doctor if you have liver disease, kidney problems, diabetes, or rhabdomyolysis.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionAvoid consumption of alcohol as it might increase triglyceride levels and the risk of liver damage.
Pregnancy
unsafeLovastatin belongs to pregnancy category X. Lovastatin is not recommended during pregnancy. Stop taking Lovastatin and consult a doctor immediately if you become pregnant while on treatment with Lovastatin.
Breast Feeding
unsafeAvoid breastfeeding whilst on treatment with Lovastatin.
Driving
consult your doctorIt is not known if Lovastatin affects your ability to drive. Drive or operate machinery only if you are alert.
Liver
cautionLovastatin is not recommended if you have active liver disease. Please consult your doctor if you have a liver impairment or any concerns regarding this.
Kidney
consult your doctorCaution should be exercised; if you have kidney impairment, your doctor may modify the dose as needed.
Children
cautionLovastatin is not recommended for children as the safety and effectiveness have not been established.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Follow a cholesterol-lowering diet.
- Exercise regularly. It helps in maintaining proper weight and lowers cholesterol.
- Limit salt and sugar intake.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption.
- Choose healthy fats and cut down on trans fats.
- Include omega-3 fatty acids, fibre-rich food, fruits and vegetables.
- Get active by doing any physical activity such as swimming, brisk walking or jogging. Take stairs instead of elevators/lifts.
Special Advise
- Use effective methods of birth control to prevent pregnancy.
- Follow the exercise and dietary recommendations suggested by the doctor during the treatment with Lovastatin.
- Avoid foods high in cholesterol and fat.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Hyperlipidaemia: Hyperlipidaemia is commonly known as high cholesterol. High cholesterol levels might build up on the walls of the arteries, leading to blockage of blood flow to the heart and other body parts, which could cause heart disease, heart attack or stroke. Cholesterol is mainly of two types, namely 'bad cholesterol' and 'good cholesterol'. Bad cholesterol comprises low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and triglycerides (TG), which deposit fat in the arteries, leading to their blockage. Good cholesterol consists of high-density lipoprotein (HDL), which prevents the deposition of fats. Risk factors of high cholesterol are high-fat diet, obesity, lack of physical exercise, and smoking.
FAQs
Lovastatin is used to treat Hyperlipidaemia (high cholesterol), and to reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke.
Lovastatin helps lower bad cholesterol levels (low-density lipoprotein, or LDL) and triglycerides (a type of fat in the blood). It raises the levels of good cholesterol (high-density lipoprotein, or HDL). Thereby, Lovastatin lowers fats and cholesterol and helps in preventing heart attack or stroke.
Do not discontinue Lovastatin without consulting your doctor, as it could lead to the rise of cholesterol. To treat your condition effectually, continue taking Lovastatin for as long as prescribed. Do not be reluctant to speak with your doctor if you feel any difficulty while taking Lovastatin.
Lovastatin might cause rhabdomyolysis (breakdown of muscle tissue), which can lead to kidney failure. Consult your doctor immediately if you experience unexplained muscle pain, weakness, and tenderness, especially if associated with fever, unusual tiredness, or dark-coloured urine.
