Lovastatin (Mevacor) is an HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor.

Take Lovastatin (Mevacor) exactly as directed.

Avoid drinking large quantities of grapefruit juice while taking Lovastatin (Mevacor).

Consult your health care professional if you need to change your diet whilst taking Lovastatin (Mevacor).

Although side effects from Lovastatin (Mevacor) are not common, they can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

blurred vision
constipation
diarrhea
dizziness
gas
headache
heartburn
muscle pain
rash or itching
stomach pain or cramps
tenderness
upset stomach
weakness(with or without a fever)

Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

Amiodarone, certain azole antifungals (eg, itraconazole, ketoconazole), danazol, diltiazem, fibrates (eg, gemfibrozil, clofibrate), fluconazole, HIV protease inhibitors (eg, ritonavir), imatinib, immunosuppressants (eg, cyclosporine), macrolide antibiotics (eg, clarithromycin, erythromycin), mibefradil, nefazodone, niacin, non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (eg, delavirdine), streptogramins (eg, dalfopristin), telithromycin, vasopressin receptor antagonists (eg, conivaptan), verapamil, or voriconazole because they may increase the risk of muscle or kidney problems
Bosentan, carbamazepine, rifampin, or St. John's wort because they may decrease Lovastatin (Mevacor)'s effectiveness
Anticoagulants (eg, warfarin), cimetidine, digoxin, hormonal birth control (eg, birth control pills), macrolide immunosuppressants (eg, tacrolimus), or spironolactone because the risk of their side effects may be increased by Lovastatin (Mevacor)

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Lovastatin (Mevacor) may interact with other medicines that you take.

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222.

If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding

if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement

if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances

if you have low blood pressure, a serious infection, kidney problems, diabetes, or a history of seizures

if you are very ill, have certain muscle problems (eg, pain, weakness), or have metabolism, hormonal, or electrolyte problems

if you drink alcohol or have a history of liver problems or alcohol abuse

if you have a certain type of high cholesterol

if you have had an organ transplant or have recently had major surgery or a serious injury

Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Lowering high cholesterol in certain patients.

Lovastatin (Mevacor) is used along with an appropriate diet.

This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture.

Check with your doctor before drinking alcohol while you are taking Lovastatin (Mevacor).

Follow the diet and exercise program given to you by your health care provider.

Tell your doctor or dentist that you take Lovastatin (Mevacor) before you receive any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery.

Women who may become pregnant should use effective birth control while taking Lovastatin (Mevacor).

Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.

If you have any questions about Lovastatin (Mevacor), please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.