Advicor (Niacin XR and Lovastatin) Drug Information: Medication Guide and Patient Information

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May 23, 2012

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Cholesterol »

Cholesterol facts

High cholesterol is also referred to as hypercholesterolemia (hyper=high + cholesterol + emia = in the blood) or hyperlipidemia
Cholesterol is a fatty substance that is an important part of the outer lining of cells in the body of animals.
Cholesterol is also found in the blood circulation of humans.
Cholesterol in the blood originates from dietary intake and liver production.
Dietary cholesterol comes primarily from animal sources including meat, poultry, fish, and dairy products.
Organ meats such as liver, are especially high in cholesterol content.
LDL (low density lipoprotein) cholesterol is called "bad" cholesterol, because elevated levels of LDL cholesterol are associated with an increased risk of coronary heart disease.
HDL (high density lipoprotein) cholesterol is called the "good cholesterol" because HDL cholesterol particles pre...

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PATIENT INFORMATION

Patients should be advised of the following:

to report promptly unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness (see WARNINGS, Myopathy/Rhabdomyolysis);
to report promptly any symptoms that may indicate liver injury, including fatigue, anorexia, right upper abdominal discomfort, dark urine or jaundice (see WARNINGS, Liver Dysfuction)
to take ADVICOR at bedtime, with a low-fat snack. Administration on an empty stomach is not recommended;
to carefully follow the prescribed dosing regimen (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION);
that flushing is a common side effect of niacin therapy that usually subsides after several weeks of consistent niacin use. Flushing may last for several hours after dosing, may vary in severity, and will, by taking ADVICOR at bedtime, most likely occur during sleep. If awakened by flushing, especially if taking antihypertensives, rise slowly to minimize the potential for dizziness and/or syncope;
that taking aspirin (up to approximately 30 minutes before taking ADVICOR) may minimize flushing;
to avoid ingestion of alcohol, hot beverages and spicy foods around the time of ADVICOR administration, to minimize flushing;
should not be administered with grapefruit juice;
that if ADVICOR therapy is discontinued for an extended length of time, their physician should be contacted prior to re-starting therapy; re-titration is recommended (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION);
to notify their physician if they are taking vitamins or other nutritional supplements containing niacin or related compounds such as nicotinamide (see DRUG INTERACTIONS);
to notify their physician if symptoms of dizziness occur;
if diabetic, to notify their physician of changes in blood glucose;
that ADVICOR tablets should not be broken, crushed, or chewed, but should be swallowed whole.