What Is Niacin Extended-Release/Lovastatin Used For?

There are several approved uses for niacin extended-release/lovastatin. The prescription medication can be used to treat high cholesterol or triglycerides, prevent heart disease, delay the progression of atherosclerosis in people with heart disease, and prevent repeat heart attacks in people with high cholesterol. Niacin extended-release/lovastatin should not be given to children, and there are no off-label uses.

Niacin Extended-Release and Lovastatin Information

Niacin Extended-Release/Lovastatin Uses: An Overview

Niacin extended-release/lovastatin (Advicor^®) is a prescription medication that has been licensed to treat several conditions. It is approved to be used when both niacin extended-release (Niaspan^®) and lovastatin (Mevacor^®) are needed.

Approved uses for lovastatin include:

Treating high cholesterol (hypercholesterolemia)
Preventing heart disease, including preventing heart attacks, chest pain (angina), and the need for certain heart procedures
Slowing down the progression of atherosclerosis (narrowing and hardening of the arteries) in people with heart disease.

Approved uses for extended-release niacin include:

Treating high cholesterol
Treating high triglycerides
Preventing repeat heart attacks in people with high cholesterol who have already experienced a heart attack.

Using Niacin Extended-Release/Lovastatin for High Cholesterol or Triglycerides

Niacin extended-release/lovastatin is used for treating high cholesterol in people who cannot lower cholesterol through lifestyle changes alone. The medication can lower total cholesterol and LDL ("bad cholesterol"), as well as increase HDL ("good cholesterol"). Niacin extended-release/lovastatin has also been shown to lower triglyceride levels in the blood.

(What Is Niacin Extended-Release/Lovastatin Used For? Continued: Page 2)