Lovastatin
Lovastatin is used together with diet to lower blood levels of bad cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein, or LDL), to increase levels of good cholesterol (high-density lipoprotein, or HDL), and to lower triglycerides (a type of fat in the blood).
Introductipon
Generic name: Lovastatin
Brand names: Altoprev, Mevacor, Altocor
Dosage forms: oral tablet (10 mg; 20 mg; 40 mg); oral tablet, extended release (20 mg; 40 mg; 60 mg)
Drug class: Statins
Uses
High cholesterol
Prevention of heart attack and stroke
Benefits
In High cholesterol
Lovalip 20mg Tablet works by reducing the amount of “bad” cholesterol (LDL) and raising the amount of “good” cholesterol (HDL) in your blood. Lowering the amount of cholesterol reduces the chances of heart diseases and helps you remain healthier for longer.
Take it regularly and make appropriate lifestyle changes (such as eating healthy and staying active) to maximize the effectiveness of this medicine. Keep taking it even if you feel well.
In Prevention of heart attack and stroke
High levels of cholesterol can cause your blood vessels to narrow (atherosclerosis) and put you at risk of having a stroke or heart disease. Lowering the amount of this fat reduces the chances of this happening and helps you remain healthier for longer. Keep taking this medicine even if you feel well.
Directions for use
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. Lovalip 20mg Tablet is to be taken with food.
How it works?
Lovalip 20mg Tablet 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).
Side effects
Lovastatin can cause the breakdown of muscle tissue, which can lead to kidney failure. Call your doctor right away if you have unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness especially if you also have fever, unusual tiredness, or dark colored urine.
Also call your doctor at once if you have:
Muscle weakness in your hips, shoulders, neck, and back
Trouble lifting your arms, trouble climbing or standing
Kidney problems–little or no urination, swelling in your feet or ankles, feeling tired or short of breath
Liver problems–loss of appetite, stomach pain (upper right side), tiredness, dark urine, jaundice (yellowing of the skin oeyes).
Common side effects of lovastatin may include:
Infections
Headache
Accidental injury.
Warnings
You should not take lovastatin if you have active liver disease, or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any you start or stop using. Many drugs can interact, and some drugs should not be used together.
Stop taking lovastatin and tell your doctor at once if you become pregnant.