Lovastatin Uses
Lovastatin is used in the treatment of high cholesterol.
How it works
Lovastatin is a lipid-lowering medication (statin). It works by blocking an enzyme (HMG-CoA-reductase) that is required in the body to make cholesterol. It thus lowers "bad" cholesterol (LDL) and triglycerides, raising the level of "good" cholesterol (HDL).
Common side effects
Constipation, Dizziness, Feeling sick, Headache, Muscle pain, Stomach pain, Weakness
EXPERT ADVICE
- It should be taken in the evening after dinner and before sleeping.
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Inform your doctor if you experience fatigue, muscle weakness or muscle pain.
- Your doctor may check your liver function before starting the treatment and regularly thereafter. Inform your doctor if you notice signs of liver problems such as stomach pains, unusually dark urine or yellowing of skin or eyes.
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Inform your doctor if you have kidney disease, liver disease or diabetes before starting treatment with this medicine. If you are diabetic, monitor your blood sugar level regularly as Lovastatin may cause an increase in your blood sugar level.
- Do not take Lovastatin if you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy or breastfeeding.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q. What should I know about high cholesterol?
Cholesterol is a type of fat present in your blood. Total cholesterol is determined by the total amount of LDL and HDL cholesterol in the body. LDL cholesterol is called “bad” cholesterol. Bad cholesterol can build up in the wall of your blood vessels and slow or obstruct blood flow to your heart, brain, and other organs. This can cause heart disease and stroke. HDL cholesterol is called “good” cholesterol as it prevents the bad cholesterol from building up in the blood vessels. High levels of triglycerides are also harmful for you.
Q. What is it used for? How does it work?
Lovastatin belongs to a class of medicines called statins that lower the cholesterol in the blood. It is used along with a healthy diet and exercise to reduce bad cholesterol and to increase the amount of good cholesterol in the blood. It works by slowing the production of cholesterol in the liver. This, in turn, decreases the amount of cholesterol that accumulates on the walls of arteries. Improving the level of cholesterol in blood helps to reduce the risk of heart attack or stroke.
Q. When should I take Lovastatin?
Lovastatin is generally taken once a day preferably in the evening after dinner. Try taking this medicine at the same time every day to help remember when to take it.
Q. For how long should I take it?
You may need to take Lovastatin for life or for as long as directed by your doctor. The cholesterol levels will be maintained only till you keep taking Lovastatin. Stopping Lovastatin without starting a different treatment may increase your cholesterol levels again. This medicine has only a few side effects and is usually considered safe if taken as directed by the doctor.
Q. What foods should be avoided when taking it?
Lovastatin is used to decrease your blood cholesterol levels. Therefore, to seek the best results of this medicine, you should avoid foods which are high in calories like fried food and junk food. It is recommended to eat a low-fat and low-cholesterol diet. Be sure to follow all the exercise and dietary recommendations made by your doctor or dietician.
Q. Does Lovastatin make you tired?
Yes, Lovastatin can make you feel tired. This is because it reduces the energy supply to the muscles in the body. However, the exact reason behind the phenomenon is unknown and needs more research. Tiredness usually occurs after exertion. Generalized fatigue is more often seen in people with heart disease or those suffering from liver illness. Lovastatin also causes muscle damage which further worsens the tiredness. Therefore, you must consult your doctor if you feel tired while taking Lovastatin.
Q. Can I take alcohol with Lovastatin?
No, it is not advised to take alcohol with Lovastatin. This is because the risk of developing liver problems increases if you drink alcohol while taking this medicine. Moreover, there is a significant increase in triglyceride levels if Lovastatin is taken along with alcohol. This can further lead to liver damage and also worsen some of the side effects such as muscle pain, muscle weakness and tenderness. People with liver problems are therefore advised not to take Lovastatin without consulting their doctor. They must also refrain from consuming alcohol while taking this medicine to get maximum benefit.
Q. Is Lovastatin safe to take?
Yes, Lovastatin is safe to use if used as prescribed by the doctor and if the doctor's instructions are followed. The side effects of this medicine are few and do not occur in everyone.
Q. Does it cause diabetes?
If you are at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes, taking Lovastatin may increase this risk slightly. This is because Lovastatin can raise your blood sugar a little. If you already have type 2 diabetes, your doctor may advise monitoring your blood sugar levels more closely for the first few months. Tell your doctor if you find it harder to control your blood sugar.
