Advicor (Niacin XR and Lovastatin) Drug Information: Description, User Reviews, Drug Side Effects, Interactions

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May 26, 2012

Advicor

Stroke »

What is a stroke?

Brain cell function requires a constant delivery of oxygen and glucose from the bloodstream. A stroke, or cerebrovascular accident (CVA), occurs when blood supply to part of the brain is disrupted, causing brain cells to die. Blood flow can be compromised by a variety of mechanisms.

Blockage of an artery

Narrowing of the small arteries within the brain can cause a lacunar stroke, (lacune means "empty space"). Blockage of a single arteriole can affect a tiny area of brain causing that tissue to die (infarct).
Hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis) leading to the brain. There are four major blood vessels that supply the brain with blood. The anterior circulation of the brain that controls most motor activity, sensation, thought, speech, and emotion is supplied by the carotid arteries. The posterior circulation, which supplies the brainstem and the cer...

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Advicor®
(niacin extended-release/lovastatin) Tablets

DRUG DESCRIPTION

ADVICOR® (niacin extended-release and lovastatin) is intended to facilitate the daily administration of its individual components, Niaspan® and lovastatin, when used together for the intended patient population (see INDICATIONS AND USAGE and DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION).

ADVICOR contains niacin extended-release and lovastatin in combination. Lovastatin, an inhibitor of 3hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase, and niacin are both lipid-altering agents.

Niacin is nicotinic acid, or 3-pyridinecarboxylic acid. Niacin is a white, nonhygroscopic crystalline powder that is very soluble in water, boiling ethanol and propylene glycol. It is insoluble in ethyl ether. The empirical formula of niacin is C₆H₅NO₂ and its molecular weight is 123.11. Niacin has the following structural formula:

Lovastatin is [1S -[1(alpha)(R *), 3(alpha), 7(beta), 8(beta)(2S *, 4S *), 8a(beta)]]-1,2,3, 7,8,8a-hexahydro3,7-dimethyl-8-[2-(tetrahydro-4-hydroxy-6-oxo-2H-pyran-2-yl) ethyl]-1-naphthalenyl 2-methylbutanoate. Lovastatin is a white, nonhygroscopic crystalline powder that is insoluble in water and sparingly soluble in ethanol, methanol, and acetonitrile. The empirical formula of lovastatin is C₂₄H₃₆O₅ and its molecular weight is 404.55. Lovastatin has the following structural formula:

Lovastatin Structural Formula Illustration

ADVICOR tablets contain the labeled amount of niacin and lovastatin and have the following inactive ingredients: hypromellose, povidone, stearic acid, polyethylene glycol, titanium dioxide, polysorbate 80.

The individual tablet strengths (expressed in terms of mg niacin/mg lovastatin) contain the following coloring agents:

ADVICOR 500 mg/20 mg - Iron Oxide Yellow, Iron Oxide Red.
ADVICOR 750 mg/20 mg – FD&C Yellow #6/Sunset Yellow FCF Aluminum Lake.
ADVICOR 1000 mg/20 mg - Iron Oxide Red, Iron Oxide Yellow, Iron Oxide Black.
ADVICOR 1000 mg/40 mg – Iron Oxide Red.

What are the possible side effects of lovastatin and niacin (Advicor)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using this medication and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness with fever or flu symptoms and dark colored urine;
feeling like you might pass out;
fast or pounding heartbeats; or
feeling short of breath.

Less serious side effects...

Read All Potential Side Effects and See Pictures of Advicor »

What are the precautions when taking niacin xr and lovastatin (Advicor)?

Before taking this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to niacin or lovastatin; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: liver disease, kidney disease, alcohol use, stomach/intestinal ulcer, bleeding problems (such as low platelets), low levels of phosphate in the blood, gout.

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

This drug may make you dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity...

Read All Potential Precautions of Advicor »

Last reviewed on RxList: 4/26/2012
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.