Mevacor is an HMG CoA reductase inhibitor. Mevacor (Lovastatin) blocks the production of cholesterol (a type of fat) in the body.

Mevacor is used, along with diet changes (restriction of cholesterol and fat intake), to lower cholesterol levels in people with primary hypercholesterolemia (too much cholesterol in the bloodstream).

Mevacor is used to reduce the amounts of LDL (bad) cholesterol and total cholesterol in the blood. This is important in

Mevacor works by inhibiting the rate at which cholesterol is formed in the body.

Mevacor blocks the synthesis of cholesterol in the liver. In turn, the liver must acquire its cholesterol from the blood stream.

Mevacor does so mainly in the form of LDL. Mevacor makes this possible by increasing LDL receptors. Mevacor also may help draw cholesterol to the liver for excretion. Mevacor lowers overall blood cholesterol as well as blood LDL cholesterol

Grapefruit and grapefruit juice may interact with Mevacor. The interaction could lead to potentially dangerous effects. Discuss the use of grapefruit and grapefruit juice with your doctor. Do not increase or decrease the amount of grapefruit products in your diet without first talking to your doctor.

Mevacor should be taken with meals. Take each dose of Mevacor with a full glass of water. Your doctor may want to monitor your liver function with blood tests before starting treatment with Mevacor,

Mevacor tends to enhance the blood-thinning effect of Coumadin.

In rare instances, Mevacor can also cause muscle pain and potential kidney damage when combined with the following: Clarithromycin (Biaxin) Clofibrate (Atromid-S) Cyclosporine (Sandimmune, Neoral) Erythromycin (E.E.S., PCE, others) Fenofibrate (Tricor) Fluconazole (DiFlucan) Gemfibrozil (Lopid) Itraconazole (Sporanox) Ketoconazole (Nizoral) Nefazodone (Serzone) Nicotinic acid or niacin (Niaspan) Protease inhibitors (a type of drug for HIV) such as Agenerase,

Most important fact about Mevacor:

Mevacor is usually prescribed only if diet, exercise, and weight-loss fail to bring your cholesterol levels under control. It s important to remember that Mevacor is a supplement--not a substitute--for these other measures. To get the full benefit of Mevacor, you need to stick to the diet and exercise program prescribed by your doctor.

Special Precautions Mevacor:

• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding: You should
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Mevacor is generally well tolerated. Any Mevacor side effects that have occurred have usually been mild and short-lived. If any Mevacor side effects develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Mevacor.

More common Mevacor side effects may include: Abdominal pain/cramps, altered sense of taste, blurred vision, constipation, diarrhea, dizziness, gas, headache, heartburn, indigestion,