MEVACOR

Drug Name: MEVACOR

MEVACOR DESCRIPTION:
LOVASTATIN - ORAL (LOW-vuh-stat-in)

COMMON MEVACOR BRAND NAME(S):
Mevacor

MEVACOR SIDE EFFECTS:
Stomach upset, gas, heartburn, change of taste, diarrhea, constipation, skin rash, impotence, insomnia, headache, dizziness or blurred vision may occur the first few days as your body adjusts to the medication. If these effects persist or become bothersome, inform your doctor. Notify MD promptly if you experience: muscle ache/pain, fever, unusual tiredness or weakness, vision changes, yellowing eyes and skin. If MEVACOR makes you dizzy or lightheaded, avoid driving or engaging in activities requiring alertness. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

HOW TO USE MEVACOR:
MEVACOR: MEVACOR is usually taken with the evening meal. Take as directed. MEVACOR must be taken regularly to keep cholesterol low. It may take a few weeks to months before the full effects of MEVACOR are noticed.

MEVACOR USES:
Lovastatin is used to lower cholesterol and fats in the blood to help prevent heart attacks and strokes.

MEVACOR PRECAUTIONS:
Before taking lovastatin tell your doctor if you have: liver disease, severe infection, kidney disease, low blood pressure, low thyroid function, seizures, history of alcoholism, any allergies (especially drug allergies). Limit alcohol intake, as this may aggravate drug side effects. Before having surgery, tell the doctor or dentist in charge that you are taking lovastatin. Lovastatin should not be used during pregnancy. If you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant, inform your doctor immediately. It is not known if lovastatin is excreted into breast milk. Because of the possible adverse effects to the infant, breast-feeding is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

MEVACOR DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Tell your doctor of all prescription or nonprescription drugs you take especially: niacin; cyclosporine; erythromycin; gemfibrozil; anticoagulants ("blood thinners"); azole antifungals (e.g., ketoconazole, itraconazole); clarithromycin; nefazodone; diltiazem; verapamil; protease inhibitors (e.g., indinavir). Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice unless your doctor instructs you otherwise. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

MEVACOR OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.

MEVACOR NOTES:
Your doctor may periodically perform lab tests during treatment to monitor your progress. For best results, exercise regularly and follow a doctor- approved, low-fat, low-cholesterol diet.

MISSED MEVACOR DOSE:
If you miss a dose, take as soon as remembered; do not take if it is almost time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.

MEVACOR STORAGE:
Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (between 15 and 30 degrees C) away from moisture and sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom.