Mevacor

Other names used:

• Altocor®
• Rovacor®

Active Ingredients:

• Lovastatin

How does Mevacor work and what pharmaceutical group does it belong to?

Mevacor works by lowering cholesterol. To improve the condition drug treatment may not be sufficient as the patient also needs to improve the nutrition and perform physical exercise. Such treatment reduces the risk of heart attack and pain in the chest caused by angina. Mevacor is used in order to slow the blockage of blood vessels. The therapeutic effects manifests after 2 weeks and the maximum effect is reached after 4-6 weeks of treatment.

Which conditions are treated with Mevacor?

• Primary hypercholesterolemia, combined hypercholesterolemia
• Hypertriglyceridemia
• Atherosclerosis

What should a patient know before using Mevacor?

The medicine should not be used in cases of:

• Hypersensitivity to any of the drug's components
• Increment in liver transaminase activity
• Expressed liver failure
• General severe health conditions
• Pregnancy, lactation period
• Child age

The preparation should be used with caution in:

• Chronic alcoholism
• Organ transplantation
• Chronic liver failure

Which adverse effects may manifest when using the medication?

The side effects of the drug include:

• Gastrointestinal tract: heartburn, nausea, constipations or diarrhea, bloat, xerostomia, loss of appetite, gastralgy, liver function disorders, hepatitis, acute pancreatitis
• Nervous system: dizziness, headaches, insomnia, convulsions, mental disorders
• Locomotor system: myalgia, myositis, myopathy, rhabdomyolysis
• Blood-forming organs: hemolytic anemia, leucopenia, thrombocytopenia
• Sensory organs: blurring in vision, cataract, optic nerve atrophy
• Allergic reactions: hives, angioedema, Lyell's syndrome, skin rash
• Other: potention decrease, acute kidney insufficiency, pain in the chest

It is not necessary that the side effects will manifest in an individual but the possibility still exist. For more information please consult your health care provider.

Which groups of drugs or specific preparations may interact with Mevacor?

The drug is affected by the following:

• Anticoagulants
• Immunosuppressors
• Hypolipidemic agent
• Nicotine acid
• Antifungal drugs

Tell your doctor about all the herbal preparations as well as prescription drugs that you are currently taking even if they are not on the list.

Important information for the patient:

Mevacor is supplied for individual use. Do not use it to treat other conditions not listed in the leaflet. Keep the product out of children reach. Do not reuse any disposable materials if supplied with the preparation.