Mevacor Medication

• Mevacor

Mevacor is a type of drug used to treat high cholesterol and high triglycerides, among other things. This eMedTV article offers an overview of Mevacor, including information on its dosing guidelines, side effects, and more.

• Mevacor Side Effects

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.

• Mevacor and Muscle Aches

Muscle aches occasionally occur in patients 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.

• Mevacor and Joint Pain

Joint pain occurs in less than 1 percent of patients taking Mevacor. This eMedTV article provides an overview of Mevacor and joint pain, and also offers suggestions on short-term pain relief, including the use of acetaminophen and heat/cold therapy.

• Mevacor and Weight Gain

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.

• Mevacor and Depression

Depression occurs in less than 1 percent of patients taking Mevacor. 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.

• Mevacor and Muscle Pain

Up to 3 percent of patients 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.

• Mevacor and Liver Problems

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.

• Mevacor and Memory Loss

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.

• Mevacor Uses

Mevacor is used to treat high cholesterol and high triglycerides, and to prevent heart disease. This eMedTV segment explains these and other Mevacor uses in more detail and discusses Mevacor use in children.

• Mevacor Dosage

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 dosage information, including dosing guidelines for children and precautions for taking the medication.

• Mevacor Drug Interactions

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.

• Niacin and Mevacor

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.

• Grapefruit Juice and Mevacor

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.

• Mevacor Precautions and Warnings

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 to your doctor immediately.

• Mevacor and Pregnancy

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.

• Generic Mevacor

Generic Mevacor is currently available under the name of Lovastatin tablets. As this section of the eMedTV library explains, the generic Mevacor is manufactured by two companies and is available in three strengths: 10 mg, 20 mg, and 40 mg.

• Mevacor Alternatives

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.