$Unique_ID{BRK03209}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{lovastatin}
$Subject{Mevacor Merck Sharp Dohme Antihyperlipidemic lipid-lowering drug
lovastatin hyperlipidemia high blood fat levels lipid cholesterol enzyme
LDL coronary heart disease atherosclerosis}
$Volume{}
$Log{
Mevacor*0320901.scf}

Copyright (C) 1993 Publications International, Ltd.


lovastatin
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BRAND NAME (Manufacturer)

     Mevacor (Merck Sharp & Dohme)

TYPE OF DRUG

     Antihyperlipidemic (lipid-lowering drug)

INGREDIENT

     lovastatin

DOSAGE FORM

     Tablets (20 mg)

STORAGE

     This medication should be stored at room temperature in a tightly closed,
light-resistant container.  Exposure to heat or moisture may cause this drug
to break down.

USES

     Lovastatin is used to treat hyperlipidemia (high blood fat levels).  It
is prescribed in conjunction with nondrug therapies, such as diet modification
and regular exercise, in an attempt to regulate lipid and cholesterol levels.
Lovastatin chemically interferes with an enzyme in the body that is
responsible for synthesizing cholesterol.  This decreases the LDL (low-density
lipoprotein) type of cholesterol, which has been associated with coronary
heart disease and atherosclerosis.

TREATMENT

     This medication should be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor.  If
you are to take the drug once a day, it is best to take the drug in the
evening.  Lovastatin can be taken with meals or a full glass of water if
stomach upset occurs.
     While using this medication, try to develop a set schedule for taking it.
If you miss a dose and remember within a few hours, take the missed dose and
resume your regular schedule.  If many hours have passed, skip the dose you
missed and then take your next dose as scheduled.  Do not double the dose.

SIDE EFFECTS

     Minor.

     Abdominal pain or cramps, constipation, diarrhea, gas, nausea, or stomach
pain.  These effects may be relieved by taking lovastatin with a meal, adding
fiber to your diet, or using mild stool softeners.

     Major.

     Tell your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or
particularly bothersome.  IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about
blurred vision (or any other visual changes or difficulties) or muscle pain or
tenderness, especially with malaise or fever.

INTERACTIONS

     There do not appear to be any significant drug interactions with this
medication.  However, you should make sure your doctor knows all the
medications you are taking.

WARNINGS

     * Tell your doctor about unusual or allergic reactions you have had to
any medications.
     * Tell your doctor if you have ever had liver disease, heart disease,
stroke, or disorders of the digestive tract.
     * In preliminary studies with lovastatin, some patients were found to
develop eye-related problems during treatment.  Although these findings are
inconclusive, and it has not yet been determined whether lovastatin is
involved in such occurrences, it is advisable to have regular checkups with
your ophthalmologist and inform him/her of your use of this drug.
     * This drug should not be taken if you are pregnant or breast-feeding an
infant.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.