Niacin and Lovastatin : How to Use

Niacin and Lovastatin - Systemic

Brand Names

Advicor Niacin and Lovastatin *** Before Using *** How to Use *** Fore Safe Use *** Side Effects

How to Use

Use this drug only as directed by your family doctor. Do not use more or less of it and do not use it more often or for a longer time than your family doctor ordered. Always this drug works best if there is a constant amount in the blood. To help keep this amount constant, do not miss any doses and take the drug at the same time each day.

Remember that this drug will not cure your condition but it does help control it. Therefore, you must continue to take it as directed to keep your cholesterol levels down.

Follow carefully the special diet your family doctor gave you. This is an important part of controlling your condition and is necessary if the drug is to work properly.

Do not drink any grapefruit juice around the time you take this drug. It may be best to drink any grapefruit juice approximately 12 hours before or after you take your drug. In addition, do not drink grapefruit juice in large quantities - more than one quart per day while you are being treated with niacin extended-release and lovastatin combination. To do so may increase the risk of developing muscle problems. Check with your family doctor if you have any questions.

Take this drug at bedtime after eating a low fat snack. Swallow the tablet whole. Do not crush, break, or chew the tablet before you swallow it.

This drug may cause you to have skin flushing which makes your face, neck, arms and occasionally, your upper chest to feel warm and look red. Flushing usually starts about two to four hours after you take your drug and may last up to few hours. Flushing can also cause itching anda tingling sensation. A more intense episode of flushing may include dizziness or faintness. If you take your drug at bedtime, you may sleep through any flushing that occurs. If awakened by flushing, rise slowly to minimize the potential for dizziness or fainting. Avoiding alcohol or hot drinks may reduce the flushing. This effect must lessen after few weeks as your body gets using to the drug. However, if the problem continues or gets worse, check with your family doctor.

Dosage

The dose of niacin extended-release and lovastatin combination will be various for various diseaseds Follow your family doctor's orders or the directions on the label . The following information includes only the average doses of niacin extended-release and lovastatin combination If your dose is various, do not change it unless your family doctor tells you to do so.

For oral dosage form - tablets:
- - Adults The starting dose is usually, 500 milligrams - mg of niacin extended-release and 20 mg of lovastatin - combined in one tablet one time a day, at bedtime with a low fat snack. Then your family doctor may increase your dose a little at a time every 4 weeks, as your body gets using to the drug, until your cholesterol is controlled.
  - Children Use and dose must be determined by your family doctor.

Missed dose If you miss a dose of this drug, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses. If you have not taken this drug for more than 7 days, check with your family doctor. You may need to have your dose reduced before you can start taking this drug again.

Storage To store this drug:

Keep out of the reach of children.
Store away from heat and direct light.
Do not store in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink, or in other damp places. Heat or moisture may cause the drug to break down.
Do not keep outdated drug or drug no longer needed. Ask your family doctor how you must dispose of any drug you do not use. Be sure that any discarded drug is out of the reach of children.