Mevacor (Lovastatin) Patient Information: Missed a Dose and What Should I Avoid at RxList

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May 27, 2012

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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...

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Mevacor Patient Information including If I Miss a Dose

What happens if I miss a dose (Mevacor)?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose (Mevacor)?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.

An overdose of lovastatin is not expected to produce life-threatening symptoms.

What should I avoid while taking lovastatin (Mevacor)?

Avoid eating foods that are high in fat or cholesterol. Lovastatin will not be as effective in lowering your cholesterol if you do not follow a cholesterol-lowering diet plan.

Avoid drinking alcohol while taking lovastatin. Alcohol can raise triglyceride levels, and may also damage your liver while you are taking lovastatin.

Grapefruit and grapefruit juice may interact with lovastatin and lead to potentially dangerous effects. Discuss the use of grapefruit products with your doctor. Do not increase or decrease the amount of grapefruit products in your diet without first talking to your doctor.

What other drugs will affect lovastatin (Mevacor)?

Many drugs can interact with lovastatin. Below is just a partial list. Tell your doctor if you are using:

cholestyramine (Questran) or colestipol (Colestid);
danazol (Danocrine);
gemfibrozil (Lopid) or fenofibrate (Tricor);
niacin (Nicolar, Nicobid, Slo-Niacin, others);
nefazodone (Serzone);
amiodarone (Cordarone), diltiazem (Cartia, Cardizem, Dilacor, Tiazac), or verapamil (Verelan, Calan, Isoptin);
drugs that weaken your immune system such as cancer medicine or steroids, cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune, Gengraf), sirolimus (Rapamune), tacrolimus (Prograf), and others;
an antidepressant such as amitriptyline (Elavil, Etrafon), desipramine (Norpramin), fluoxetine (Prozac), fluvoxamine (Luvox), imipramine (Janimine, Tofranil), nefazodone (Serzone), or paroxetine (Paxil);
erythromycin (E-Mycin, Ery-Tab, others), clarithromycin (Biaxin), or telithromycin (Ketek);
an antifungal medication such as itraconazole (Sporanox), fluconazole (Diflucan), or ketoconazole (Nizoral);
a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin); or
HIV /AIDS medicine such as nelfinavir (Viracept) or ritonavir (Norvir).

This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with lovastatin. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about lovastatin.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

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