Brand Names: Advicor

Generic Name: lovastatin and niacin (Pronunciation: LOE va sta tin and NYE a sin)

• 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 is lovastatin and niacin (Advicor)?

Niacin, also called nicotinic acid, is a B vitamin (vitamin B3). It occurs naturally in plants and animals, and is also added to many foods as a vitamin supplement. Niacin is also present in many multiple vitamins and nutritional supplements.

Lovastatin is in a group of drugs called HMG CoA reductase inhibitors, or "statins." Lovastatin reduces levels of "bad" cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein, or LDL) and triglycerides in the blood, while increasing levels of "good" cholesterol (high-density lipoprotein, or HDL).

The combination of lovastatin and niacin is used to lower cholesterol and triglycerides (types of fat) in the blood.

Lovastatin and niacin may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Advicor 20 mg-1000 mg

oblong, pink, imprinted with KOS, 1002

Advicor 20 mg-500 mg

oblong, yellow, imprinted with KOS, 502

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 taking this medicine and call your doctor at once if you a serious side effect such as:

• unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness;
• fever, unusual tiredness, and dark colored urine;
• chest pain, extreme dizziness, feeling like you might pass out;
• swelling, weight gain, urinating less than usual or not at all; or
• nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

Less serious side effects may include:

• headache, mild dizziness;
• diarrhea, mild nausea, stomach pain or indigestion;
• mild skin rash;
• back pain;
• flushing (warmth, redness, or tingly feeling); or
• cold symptoms such as stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Read the Advicor (niacin xr and lovastatin) Side Effects Center for a complete guide to possible side effects »

What is the most important information I should know about lovastatin and niacin (Advicor)?

You should not take this medication if you are allergic to niacin (Niaspan, Niacor, and others) or lovastatin (Altoprev, Mevacor), if you are pregnant or breast-feeding, or if you have liver disease, severe bleeding, or a stomach ulcer.

Before taking lovastatin and niacin, tell your doctor if you have ever had liver or kidney disease, heart disease, diabetes, gout, or a thyroid disorder, if you have recently had a heart attack, or if you drink more than 2 alcoholic beverages daily.

In rare cases, lovastatin and niacin can cause a condition that results in the breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue, leading 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, and dark colored urine.

There are many other drugs that can increase your risk of serious medical problems if you take them together with lovastatin and niacin. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. Keep a list of all your medicines and show it to any healthcare provider who treats you.