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This medication contains two drugs, lovastatin and niacin, given to modify
the amount of cholesterol in the blood. By improving cholesterol levels, it
is used to prevent complications associated with atherosclerosis, including
very serious events such as heart attacks and stroke.
Before taking this medication, be sure that your physician is aware if you
have liver problems, renal problems, severe low blood pressure, active
stomach ulcer, gout, diabetes or a history of muscle problems with
cholesterol-modifying drugs.
Take this medication exactly as prescribed; to be effective it must be used
regularly in conjunction with a low fat diet. Take each dose with food. It
is usually taken once a day at bedtime with a low-fat snack. Do not crush
or chew the tablets. Swallow them whole.
When first starting to take niacin, most people experience a temporary side
effect that consists of warm skin, redness of the skin especially on the
face and neck, itching, and stomach upset. You may also develop a headache
or tingling. These effects start about 20 minutes after taking a dose, and
continue for 20 to 60 minutes. This is not harmful. As you continue to take
niacin, these effects will disappear, usually in 2 to 6 weeks. They will
come back if you stop taking the drug and start it again, or possibly when
you increase a dose. To lessen these effects, some people find it helpful
to take ASA (Aspirin) 325 mg thirty minutes before taking each dose of
niacin. Check with your physician before taking ASA. It may also help to
avoid drinking hot liquids, avoid drinking alcohol, and avoid taking a hot
shower or bath around the time that you take your dose. These measures are
usually necessary for the first few weeks only. If these symptoms continue,
contact your physician.
While taking this medication, do not drink grapefruit juice, or eat
grapefruit or tangelos in any form. Doing so could lead to an adverse
reaction.
This medication can interact with other medications; be sure to inform your
physician of all drugs that you are taking, including vitamins and mineral
supplements.
This medication is not recommended during pregnancy or while
breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking it, stop taking the
drug and consult your physician.
Serious side effects seldom occur. If you experience any persistent or
unusual effects while taking this drug, in particular unexplained nausea,
vomiting, abdominal pain, fatigue, yellow skin, dark urine, loss of
appetite, altered vision, muscle pain, or muscle tenderness, contact your
physician.
Diabetics should note that this medication may raise their blood glucose.
If this product makes you dizzy, be careful to get up slowly from a sitting
or lying position.
Keep this medication out of the reach of children. Store it away from heat,
direct light, and dampness (i.e. not in the bathroom or near the kitchen
sink), because heat and moisture could cause it to deteriorate.
If you have experienced any unexpected or serious reactions to this drug,
this can be reported to Health Canada's monitoring program (tollfree
telephone 1-866-234-2345, tollfree fax 1-866-678-6789). Note that this is
not an emergency number. Also ensure that your physicians are informed and
record all reactions for the future.
