Lovastatin Tablets

What is this medication?

LOVASTATIN (loe VA sta TIN) treats high cholesterol and reduces the risk of heart attack and stroke. It works by decreasing bad cholesterol and fats (such as LDL, triglycerides) and increasing good cholesterol (HDL) in your blood. It belongs to a group of medications called statins. Changes to diet and exercise are often combined with this medication.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Mevacor

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• Diabetes
• Frequently drink alcohol
• Kidney disease
• Liver disease
• Muscle pain or cramps
• Thyroid disease
• An unusual or allergic reaction to lovastatin, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breastfeeding

How should I use this medication?

Take this medication by mouth with water. Take it as directed on the prescription label at the same time every day. Take it with food. Keep taking it unless your care team tells you to stop.

Do not take this medication with foods or drinks that contain grapefruit.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While it may be prescribed for children as young as 10 years for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medication?

Do not take this medication with any of the following:

• Levoketoconazole
• Lonafarnib
• Mifepristone
• Nefazodone
• Some antibiotics, such as clarithromycin or erythromycin
• Some medications for cancer, such as adagrasib, ceritinib, idelalisib, ribociclib, tucatinib
• Some medications for fungal infections, such as itraconazole or ketoconazole
• Some medications for HIV or hepatitis, such as atazanavir, darunavir, indinavir
• Red yeast rice

This medication may also interact with the following:

• Alcohol
• Colchicine
• Cyclosporine
• Danazol
• Grapefruit juice
• Other medications for cholesterol
• Some medications for heart problems, such as amiodarone, diltiazem, dronedarone, ranolazine, verapamil
• Warfarin

Other medications may affect the way this medication works. Talk with your care team about all the medications you take. They may suggest changes to your treatment plan to lower the risk of side effects and to make sure your medications work as intended.

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress.

You may need blood work done while you are taking this medication.

Taking this medication is only part of a total heart healthy program. Ask your care team if there are other changes you can make to improve your overall health.

Your care team may tell you to stop taking this medication if you develop muscle problems. If your muscle problems do not go away after stopping this medication, contact your care team.

If you are going to need surgery or a procedure, tell your care team that you are taking this medication.

This medication may increase blood sugar. The risk may be higher in patients who already have diabetes. Ask your care team what you can do to lower your risk of diabetes while taking this medication.

Talk to your care team if you may be pregnant. Serious birth defects can occur if you take this medication during pregnancy. There are benefits and risks to taking medications during pregnancy. Your care team can help you find the option that works for you.

Talk to your care team before breastfeeding. Changes to your treatment plan may be needed.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• High blood sugar (hyperglycemia)—increased thirst or amount of urine, unusual weakness or fatigue, blurry vision
• Liver injury—right upper belly pain, loss of appetite, nausea, light-colored stool, dark yellow or brown urine, yellowing skin or eyes, unusual weakness or fatigue
• Muscle injury—unusual weakness or fatigue, muscle pain, dark yellow or brown urine, decrease in amount of urine
• Redness, blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

• Flu-like symptoms—fever, chills, muscle pain, cough, headache, fatigue
• Headache
• Stomach pain

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Protect from light. Keep the container tightly closed. Get rid of any unused medication after the expiration date.

To get rid of medications that are no longer needed or expired:

• Take the medication to a take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location.
• If you cannot return the medication, check the label or package insert to see if the medication should be thrown out in the garbage or flushed down the toilet. If you are not sure, ask your care team. If it is safe to put in the trash, empty the medication out of the container. Mix it with cat litter, dirt, coffee grounds, or another unwanted substance. Seal the mixture in a bag or container. Put it in the trash.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.