Medication Basics
Generic Name: Lovastatin
Brand Name: Mevacor, Altoprev
Medication Class: Cholesterol Medication – Statin
Description
Statins are critically important medications to prevent heart attacks due to high cholesterol. They work by forcing the liver to eliminate more “bad” cholesterol, or LDL. In addition, they have been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects and can stabilize or reduce plaques in coronary arteries, the full significance of which have yet to be determined. Regardless, they should be prescribed in every patient, if possible, who either has coronary artery disease or is at high risk of developing coronary artery disease as they have been shown to reduce both heart attacks and death from cardiovascular disease over time. Lovastatin is one of the first statin cholesterol medications to be marketed, but is used less due to relatively limited ability to lower LDL compared to other statins.
When might my doctor prescribe this medication?
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High cholesterol
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After a heart attack (or myocardial infarction/acute coronary syndrome)
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Coronary artery disease (or blockages in my coronary arteries)
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High risk for having a heart attack due to coronary artery disease
I should NOT take this medication if:
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I have had an allergic reaction to lovastatin in the past
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I have severe liver disease
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I am pregnant or plan on becoming pregnant
Adverse Effects (common)
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Muscle pain (or myalgias)
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Diarrhea
Adverse Effects (rare, but serious)
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Liver failure
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Kidney failure from muscle breakdown (or rhabdomyolysis)
Common Adult Doses and Forms
Lovastatin (Mevacor): 10 mg to 60 mg once daily at bedtime
Lovastatin ER (Altoprev): 20 mg to 60 mg once daily at bedtime
Dosage Forms:
Lovastatin (Mevacor) (tablet): 10 mg, 20 mg, 40 mg
Lovastatin ER (Altoprev) (extended release tablet): 20 mg, 40 mg, 60 mg
How should I take this medication?
Lovastatin can be taken with or without food. Most statins should be taken near bedtime as cholesterol consumption by the liver is highest during sleep. Do not crush or chew the extended release formulation (Altoprev).
Please note that the content on CardioSmart is a summary of the most generally pertinent information about this drug but does not cover every side effect or precaution. However, everyone is unique, and the extent to which the information applies specifically to you should be a key point of discussion between you and your cardiologist or health care provider. The ultimate judgment regarding your care must be made by you and your healthcare provider together, in light of circumstances specific to you as a patient.
