Mevacor is a type of drug used to treat high triglycerides and high cholesterol, among other things. This eMedTV article offers an overview of this medication, with detailed information on its dosing guidelines, side effects, and more.
Gas, diarrhea, and headaches are some common Mevacor side effects. As this eMedTV page explains, there are also more serious side effects that need to be reported to your doctor immediately, such as vomiting or yellowing of the skin.
Muscle aches occasionally occur in people taking Mevacor. As this eMedTV article explains, this symptom is more common when the medicine is first started or when the dosage is adjusted. This page offers an overview of Mevacor and muscle aches.
Joint pain occurs in less than 1 percent of people taking Mevacor. This eMedTV article provides an overview of Mevacor and joint pain, and offers suggestions on short-term pain relief, including the use of acetaminophen and heat/cold therapy.
As this eMedTV article explains, Mevacor and weight gain do not appear to be linked. However, if you notice a weight gain while taking this drug, there are a number of things you can do. This page contains a list of suggestions for weight control.
Most people taking Mevacor do not experience depression as a side effect. This eMedTV page covers the relationship between Mevacor and depression. This page also describes symptoms of depression and offers suggestions on what to do if depression occurs.
Up to 3 percent of people experience muscle pain as a side effect of Mevacor. This portion of the eMedTV library discusses Mevacor and muscle pain, including information on when this side effect is most likely to occur.
For patients taking Mevacor, liver side effects (such as increased liver enzymes) may occur. This eMedTV page offers an overview of Mevacor and liver problems, including information on other liver problems that may occur, such as hepatitis.
This eMedTV segment discusses the link between Mevacor and memory loss. Because memory loss is such a rare side effect of Mevacor, research scientists are unsure whether it is actually caused by the medication itself or something else.
High cholesterol and triglycerides can be lowered by using Mevacor. The drug can also prevent heart disease. This eMedTV segment explains these and other uses of Mevacor in detail and discusses its use in children as well as off-label uses.
The average Mevacor dosage ranges from 10 mg to 80 mg once daily or split in two divided doses. This part of the eMedTV site offers other dosing information, including guidelines for children and precautions for taking the medication safely.
Mevacor drug interactions may alter Mevacor's effectiveness and potentially cause severe side effects. This eMedTV resource contains a list of drugs that may interact with Mevacor, including danazol, fibrates, and gemfibrozil.
When niacin and Mevacor are used together, there is an increased risk of serious muscle problems occurring. This eMedTV page discusses why there is an increased risk and gives an example of when a doctor may actually recommend combining the drugs.
Combining grapefruit juice and Mevacor can increase the levels of Mevacor in the blood. As this eMedTV page explains, grapefruit interferes with an enzyme used by the body to break down Mevacor, which causes the drug to stay in the body longer.
This eMedTV page offers several Mevacor precautions and warnings, including detailed information on pregnancy risks, possible side effects, people who should avoid the drug, and symptoms you should report immediately to your doctor.
Because Mevacor is considered a pregnancy Category X drug, it is not recommended for pregnant women. This eMedTV article offers an overview of Mevacor and pregnancy. This page also describes the FDA's pregnancy category system.
As this page of the eMedTV library explains, generic Mevacor is manufactured by several companies and is available in three different strengths. The drug is sold under the name Lovastatin tablets and is used to treat conditions related to heart disease.
This eMedTV resource lists various Mevacor alternatives, including other statins and other cholesterol medicines. Other types of cholesterol drugs include fibrates, niacin, bile acid sequestrants, and cholesterol absorption inhibitors.
