Niacin/lovastatin (By mouth)

Introduction:

Lovastatin (loe-va-STAT-in), Niacin (NYE-a-sin)

Lowers high cholesterol levels.

Brand Name(s):

Advicor

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to lovastatin or niacin, or if you have liver disease, unusual bleeding, or a peptic ulcer. You should not use this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

How to Use This Medicine:

Long Acting Tablet

  • Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to take and how often. Do not take more medicine or take it more often than your doctor tells you to. Carefully follow your doctor's instructions about any special diet or exercise program.
  • It is best to take this medicine at bedtime with a low-fat snack. Do not take it on an empty stomach. Swallow the tablet whole. Do not break, crush, or chew it.
  • If you are switching to this medicine from another form of niacin, ask your doctor about taking the correct dose. The dose of niacin in this medicine and in other forms may not be the same.
  • Never share your medicine with anyone.

If a dose is missed:

  • If you miss a dose or forget to take your medicine, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

  • Store the medicine at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
  • Keep all medicine away from children.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using blood thinners (Coumadin®), cyclosporine (Neoral®, Sandimmune®), clarithromycin (Biaxin®), erythromycin (Ery-Tab®, EES®, E-Mycin®), gemfibrozil (Lopid®), itraconazole (Sporanox®), ketoconazole (Nizoral®), nefazodone (Serzone®), heart or blood pressure medicine (such as verapamil, mecamylamine, Cardizem®, Inversine®, Tiazac®), or medicines to treat HIV/AIDS (Agenerase®, Crixivan®, Invirase®, Norvir®, Sustiva®, Viracept®).
  • Do not drink alcohol or grapefruit juice while you are using this medicine. Avoid taking vitamin or mineral supplements that contain niacin.
  • If you are also taking colestipol (Colestid®) or cholestyramine (Questran®) to lower your cholesterol, take them at least 4 hours before or after you take niacin/lovastatin.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

  • Using this medicine while you are pregnant can harm your unborn baby. Use an effective form of birth control to keep from getting pregnant. If you think you have become pregnant while using the medicine, tell your doctor right away.
  • Make sure your doctor knows if you have heart disease (especially a recent heart attack), liver disease, kidney disease, diabetes, or a history of stomach ulcer or alcoholism.
  • This medicine may cause redness, warmth, itching, or tingling under your skin. Ask your doctor about taking aspirin or ibuprofen (Motrin®, Advil®) to lessen or prevent these effects.
  • If you have to stop taking this medicine for a short time, ask your doctor before starting it again. You may need to start taking a smaller dose than you were taking before you stopped the medicine.
  • Make sure any doctor or dentist who treats you knows that you are using this medicine, especially if you are having surgery. This medicine may affect the results of certain medical tests.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in face or hands, swelling or tingling in the mouth or throat, tightness in chest, trouble breathing
  • Chest pain, fast or pounding heartbeat, sweating, chills
  • Lightheadedness or fainting
  • Muscle pain, weakness, or cramps
  • Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, pain in the upper stomach
  • Swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet
  • Yellow skin or eyes, dark-colored urine or pale stools

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

  • Headache
  • Mild nausea or diarrhea
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