Medications and Drugs
GENERIC NAME: CERIVASTATIN - ORAL (seh-RIV-uh-stat-in)
BRAND NAME(S): Baycol
Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage
USES: Cerivastatin is used to lower cholesterol and fats in the blood to help prevent heart attacks and strokes. This drug has been withdrawn from the U.S. market due to safety or effectiveness problems.
HOW TO USE: Take exactly as directed by mouth, usually once daily in the evening with or without food. The usual starting dose is 0.4 mg even if you have been taking other cholesterol-lowering drugs. Dosage is based on your medical condition, response to therapy, and use of certain interacting medicines. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details, since many of the drugs listed in the Drug Interactions section may increase the chances of muscle injury when used with this drug. When used with cholestyramine, cerivastatin should be taken about 5 hours (or more) after taking cholestyramine. The full cholesterol-lowering effect of this drug usually occurs within 4 weeks.
SIDE EFFECTS: Nausea, diarrhea, constipation, headache, or dizziness may occur. If these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor. Report promptly: stomach pain, arthritis-like pain, sinus congestion, sore throat. Unlikely but report promptly: back pain, chest pain, muscle weakness or pain, leg pain or swelling, difficulty sleeping, coughing, rash. Very unlikely but report promptly: yellowing of skin or eyes, vomiting, fever, mental/mood changes, sexual problems, unusual changes in the amount of urine. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek medical attention immediately. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
- Drug Interactions - Learn about potential drug interactions you may be exposed to. Drug interactions can occur with prescription drugs, OTC medication, vitamins, herbs, and supplements.
- Heart Attack Prevention Overview - Learn about heart attack and heart disease prevention through lifestyle changes, medication, and lowering your risk factor of a heart attack or other fatal heart condition.
- Statins - Read about statins, cholesterol lowering medications like Levacor, Zocor, Pravachol, Lipitor, Crestor, and more. Side effects, drug interactions, and patient information is also provided.
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