Altoprev (Lovastatin Extended-Release Tablets) Drug Center: Guide to Drug Information for Professionals, Patients and Caregivers at RxList

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May 24, 2012

Altoprev

Statins (How They Work, Side Effects and Interactions) »

What are statins and how do they work?

Statins (or HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors) are a class of drugs that reduce cholesterol in individuals who have dyslipidemia (abnormal fats in the blood) and thus are at risk for cardiovascular disease. Dyslipidemia may involve an elevation of total cholesterol, a reduction of low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and/or triglycerides, or a reduction of high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol in blood. Statins work by blocking the enzyme in the liver that is responsible for making cholesterol. This enzyme is called hydroxy-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase (HMG-CoA reductase).

Cholesterol is described as a soft wax-like fatty substance that is found in the blood stream and in cells. It is important to note that cholesterol is a naturally existing substance in all individuals from birth and its presence is actually necessary for promoting an overall healthy body. About 75% of cholesterol is produced by the liver and oth...

Read the Statins (How They Work, Side Effects and Interactions) article »

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Altoprev

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Altoprev Drug Center

What is Prescribing information?

The FDA package insert formatted in easy-to-find categories for health professionals and clinicians.

Altoprev Prescribing Information: Indications & Dosage

Therapy with ALTOPREV® lovastatin extended-release tablets should be a component of multiple risk factor intervention in those individuals with dyslipi-demia who are at risk for atherosclerotic vascular disease. ALTOPREV® (lovastatin extended-release tablets) should be used in addition to a diet restricted in saturated fat and cholesterol as part of a treatment strategy to lower Total-C and LDL-C to target levels when the response to diet and other nonpharmacological measures alone has been inadequate to reduce risk.

ALTOPREV® (lovastatin extended-re...

Read the complete drug monograph for Altoprev »

What is Altoprev Prescribing Information?

Drug Description - Indications & Dosage - Side Effects & Drug Interactions - Warnings & Precautions - Contraindications - Medication Guide and More

What is Patient information?

Easy-to-read and understand detailed drug information and pill images for the patient or caregiver from Cerner Multum.

Altoprev Patient Information: Side Effects

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 lovastatin 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.

Less serious side effects may include:

mild stomach pain, gas, bloating, stomach upset, heartburn;
nausea;
constipation; or
diarrhea.

This i...

Read the complete patient information for Altoprev »

What is Altoprev Patient Information?

Possible Side Effects - Images - What Is - How Should I Take It - What If I Miss a Dose - What Should I Avoid and More

What is Consumer information?

A concise overview of the drug for the patient or caregiver from First DataBank.

Altoprev Consumer Information: Uses

Lovastatin is used along with a proper diet to help lower "bad" cholesterol and fats (such as LDL, triglycerides) and raise "good" cholesterol (HDL) in the blood. It belongs to a group of drugs known as "statins." It works by reducing the amount of cholesterol made by the liver. Lowering "bad" cholesterol and triglycerides and raising "good" cholesterol decreases the risk of heart disease and helps prevent strokes and heart attacks.

In addition to eating a proper diet (such as a low-cholesterol/low-fat diet), other lifestyle changes that may help this medication work better include exercisi...

Read the complete consumer information for Altoprev »