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)?

Lovastatin is a cholesterol-lowering medication that blocks the production of cholesterol (a type of fat) in the body.

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.

The combination of lovastatin and niacin is used to lower cholesterol and triglycerides (types of fat) in the blood. Lowering your cholesterol and triglycerides can help prevent heart disease and coronary artery disease (also called atherosclerosis), conditions that can lead to heart attack, stroke, and vascular disease.

This medication is also used to lower the risk of heart attack in people with high cholesterol who have already had a heart attack.

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 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 may include:

• warmth, redness, or tingly feeling under your skin;
• sweating or chills;
• swelling;
• headache, weakness;
• stomach or back pain;
• nausea, vomiting, diarrhea; or
• itching or rash.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

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 lovastatin or niacin, if you are pregnant or breast-feeding, or if you have liver disease, a stomach ulcer, or active bleeding.

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.

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.

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.