Mevacor
Lovastatin
Drug Class and Mechanism of Action of Mevacor
Mevacor is a cholesterol lowering agent. It inhibits the production of cholesterol in liver by inhibiting enzyme HMGCoA reductase. It lowers cholesterol as well as LDL (low density lipoprotein) which is considered bad cholesterol and primarily responsible for the development of coronary artery disease. Lowering of LDL cholesterol prevent progression of coronary heart disease and can even reverse it in many cases.
Therapeutic Uses of Mevacor
Mevacor is used in the treatment of diseases with high LDL cholesterol, when non pharmacological measures like diets low in cholesterol and saturated fat, exercise etc fail to lower cholesterol level in blood. A reduction in LDL cholesterol level usually occurs in two weeks after starting therapy with Mevacor. The National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) has given guideline for the use of Mevacor and other related medicines. These guidelines take into account other risk factors like diabetes, hypertension, cigarette smoking, low HDL cholesterol level, and family history of early coronary heart disease. The reduction in cholesterol level is dose dependent.
Direction of use of Mevacor
Mevacor can be taken on empty stomach or full stomach. Mevacor is most effective if it is taken after evening meal.
If You Miss a Dose of Mevacor
If you are taking once a day dose and you miss a dose of Mevacor, take it as soon as you remember if you remember within that day. Do not take it if you remember it in the next day and skip the missed dose. Than take it as regular dose. Do not take 2 doses of Mevacor at a time.
How to Store Mevacor
Mevacor tablets should be stored at room temperature in a tightly closed container away from heat and moisture. keep Mevacor out of reach of children.
More Information About Mevacor
To get the best result of Mevacor, use it along with low calorie diet, low cholesterol and low fat diet and regular aerobic exercise. Weight loss is required for the best result and you should follow the diet plan your doctor gives you.
Do not share it with others for whom it is not prescribe. Never use Mevacor for other medical conditions. If you are using Mevacor for long period of time, you should obtain refill before supply runs out.
Precautions to be Taken While Taking Mevacor
- Do not take Mevacor if are allergic to Mevacor or any of the ingredients used in its manufacture.
- You should inform your doctor or dentist if you have to undergo any surgery or any dental procedure.
- You should ask your doctor or other health care provider before taking any medicine, either prescription medicine or any over the counter medicine.
- Women should not use Mevacor if they are pregnant. If you think you are pregnant or become pregnant during treatment with Mevacor, you should consult your doctor about the possible risk of it during pregnancy. If you are in child bearing age (15 to 45 years of age) you should take contraceptive measures while taking Mevacor. It is not clear if Mevacor is secreted in breast milk, but avoid breast feeding your baby if you are taking Mevacor.
- Some lab tests and medical tests should be performed like liver function tests and blood cholesterol levels, while taking Mevacor. These tests can be used for checking progress as well as detecting side effects of Mevacor. Keep all the lab appointments.
- If you take grapefruit or grapefruit juice while taking Mevacor, there may be increase blood levels of Mevacor and lead to serious side effects. You should discuss with your doctor if you are going to add grapefruit or grapefruit juice in your regular diet.
Possible Adverse Effects of Mevacor
- There are many side effects of Mevacor. Some of the side effects are minor and common and some of the side effects are serious but rare. The common side effects of Mevacor are nausea, constipation, diarrhea, gas, heartburn, headache, insomnia (sleeplessness) etc.
- The serious but uncommon side effects of Mevacor are abdominal pain, abdominal cramps, blurring of vision, dizziness, itching, muscle pain, muscle cramps, rash, yellowing of the skin or eyes etc.