Warning: the info is intended to supplement, not substitute since, the expertise and judgment of your healthcare professional. it should not be construed to indicate that use about pill is safe or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using it medication.

Lovastatin extended release - oral

(low-vuh-stat-in)

common brand names: Altocor

Altocor Usage: Lovastatin is an enzyme blocker (HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor), also known as a 'statin'. it is used along with proper diet to help lower cholesterol and fats (triglycerides) in the blood. at general, this drug is prescribed after non-drug treatment options have not been fully successful at lowering cholesterol (e.g., diet change, increase in exercise, weight loss if overweight). Reducing cholesterol & triglycerides help prevent strokes & heart attacks.

How to use Altocor: Take this medication by mouth usually 1 time daily in bedtime, or as directed by your physician. this med may be taken with or without food. Swallow this medication whole. don't chew, crush or break drug; this can destroy the long action about drug & may increase side effects. Dosage is based on your medical condition, response to therapy, & use of certain interacting medicines. many of drugs listed in the medication Interactions section might increase chances about muscle injury when used with lovastatin. Consult your pharmacist or pharmacist for more details. Limit amount about grapefruit or grapefruit juice you may eat or drink (less than 1 quart day) while being treated with this medication, unless specifically directed otherwise. Grapefruit juice may increase the amount of certain medications in your bloodstream. Consult youre pharmacist or physician for more details. If you also take certain other tablets to lower your cholesterol (bile acid-binding resins such as cholestyramine or colestipol), take lovastatin at least 1 hour before or at least two hours after these medications. Use this medication regularly at order to get most benefit from it. Remember to use it in same time each day. it may take up to 4 weeks before the full benefit of it med takes effect. It's important to continue taking this drug even if you feel well. the majority of the people with high cholesterol do not feel sick.

Altocor side effects: Constipation or stomach pain may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly. this drug may infrequently cause muscle damage (which can rarely lead to a very serious condition called rhabdomyolysis). Stop taking this drug & tell your doctor immediately if you develop: muscle pain/tenderness/weakness (especially with fever or unusual tiredness). Tell your physician immediately if any of these highly unlikely but very serious side effects occur: yellowing eyes & skin, dark urine, severe fatigue, severe stomach/abdominal pain, persistent nausea, change in the amount of urine. serious allergic reaction to this medication is unlikely but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms about serious allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Altocor Precautions: this med should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using it medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: active liver disease. Before using this drug, tell some your pharmacist or pharmacist some your medical history, especially of: heart disease, history about liver disease, kidney disease, underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), diabetes (poorly controlled), alcohol use, any allergies (especially to other 'statins'). the rare development of severe muscle damage (see Side Effects) can infrequently lead to serious kidney problems. this medication is usually temporarily stopped if you have any condition which can increase youre risk of developing kidney problems. Before stopping youre medication, notify your physician immediately if you have any of next conditions: major surgery, trauma, serious illness (e.g., sepsis, severe metabolic/endocrine/electrolyte disorders), very LBP, uncontrolled seizures. Limit alcoholic beverages. daily use about alcohol may increase your chance for serious side effects. Caution is advised when using this drug in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to side effects about drug, especially muscle damage. Lovastatin must not be used during pregnancy. If you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant, inform you're pharmacist immediately. Its recommended that wonen of child-bearing age use effective birth control measures to prevent pregnancy while taking this drug since lovastatin can cause fetal harm. Consult your pharmacist or healthcare professional since more information. Based on information from related drugs, it drug may pass into breast milk & have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Breast-feeding isn't recommended while using this drug. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Altocor medication interactions: watch also the How To Use section. it med shouldnot be used with following pills because very serious, possibly fatal interactions may occur: certain azole antifungals (e.g., itraconazole, ketoconazole), delavirdine, HIV protease inhibitors (e.g., ritonavir, amprenavir, lopinavir), certain macrolide antibiotics (e.g., erythromycin, clarithromycin, troleandomycin), mibefradil, nefazodone, telithromycin. If you currently using any of these meds, tell your doctor or pharmacist before starting lovastatin. Use caution if following drugs combined with lovastatin because serious side effects such as muscle injury (myopathy) infrequently could occur: fibrates (e.g., gemfibrozil, fenofibrate), high-dose niacin (1 gram or more per day). Before using it medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist about every prescription & nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: azithromycin, 'blood thinners' (e.g., warfarin), cholestyramine, colestipol, other medications which affect certain liver enzymes (CYP 3A4 substrates, inhibitors, & inducers such as amiodarone, cyclosporine, diltiazem, verapamil, rifampin, St. John's wort, carbamazepine). don't start or stop any medicine with out healthcare professional or pharmacist approval.

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

Altocor special notes: do not share this medication with others. Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., blood cholesterol levels, liver function tests) should be performed periodically to monitor your progress or money for side effects. Consult you're physician for more details. for best results, this med should be used along with exercise, low-cholesterol/low-fat diet, & weight loss program if you overweight. Also to help reduce your risk of heart attacks and strokes, money you're blood pressure regularly, seek medical treatment if you're blood pressure is high, and stop smoking. Consult your healthcare professional for more details.

If you missed Altocor dose: If you miss dose, use it as soon as you remember. If It's near the clock of following dose, skip missed dose & resume your usual dosing schedule. do not double dose to catch up.

Altocor Storage: Store at room temperature between 68 degrees F & 77 degrees F (20 to 25 degrees C) away from light & moisture. do not store in bathroom. Keep every medicines away from child and pets.

Active Ingredients : Lovastatin Extended Release