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In this Article

• What is lovastatin and niacin (Advicor)?
• What are the possible side effects of lovastatin and niacin (Advicor)?
• What is the most important information I should know about lovastatin and niacin (Advicor)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking lovastatin and niacin (Advicor)?
• How should I take lovastatin and niacin (Advicor)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Advicor)?
• What happens if I overdose (Advicor)?
• What should I avoid while taking lovastatin and niacin (Advicor)?
• What other drugs will affect lovastatin and niacin (Advicor)?
• Where can I get more information?

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking lovastatin and niacin (Advicor)?

You should not take this medication if you are allergic to lovastatin or niacin, or if you have:

• liver disease;
• a stomach ulcer;
• active bleeding; or
• if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

Before taking lovastatin and niacin, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

• diabetes;
• underactive thyroid;
• kidney disease; or
• if you are also taking amiodarone (Cordarone, Pacerone) or verapamil (Calan, Covera, Isoptin, Verelan).

If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take lovastatin and niacin.

In rare cases, lovastatin can cause a condition that results in the breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue. This condition can lead to kidney failure. Call your doctor at once if you have unexplained muscle pain or tenderness, muscle weakness, fever or flu symptoms, and dark colored urine.

FDA pregnancy category X. This medication can cause birth defects. Do not use lovastatin and niacin if you are pregnant. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant during treatment. Use effective birth control while you are using this medication.

It is not known whether lovastatin and niacin passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take lovastatin and niacin (Advicor)?

Take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results from this medication.

Take each dose with a full glass of water.

Lovastatin and niacin is usually taken at bedtime with a low-fat snack. Follow your doctor's instructions.

Do not crush, chew, or break a lovastatin and niacin tablet. Swallow the pill whole. The niacin ingredient in this pill is an extended-release form. Breaking or crushing the pill may cause too much of the drug to be released at one time.

Niacin can cause certain side effects, such as flushing (warmth, itching, redness, or tingly feeling under your skin). These effects can be made worse if you drink alcohol or hot beverages shortly after you take lovastatin and niacin. These effects should disappear over time as you keep taking the medication.

Lovastatin and niacin can cause you to have unusual results with certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using lovastatin and niacin.

To be sure this medication is not causing harmful effects, your liver function will need to be tested on a regular basis. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.

If you stop taking lovastatin and niacin for longer than 7 days in a row, talk with your doctor before restarting the medication. You may need to start with a lower dose.

Lovastatin and niacin is only part of a complete program of treatment that also includes diet, exercise, and weight control. Follow your diet, medication, and exercise routines very closely.

Store this medication at room temperature away from moisture and heat.