CERIVASTATIN-ORAL, Baycol
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 This drug has been withdrawn from the U.S. market due to safety or effectiveness problems.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.
PRECAUTIONS: Before using this drug, tell your doctor your medical history, including: allergies (especially drug allergies), liver or kidney disease, history of alcohol use, uncontrolled seizure disorder, severe gland disorders, blood disorders (e.g., serious electrolyte imbalances). Limit alcohol intake as it may enhance certain side effects of this medication. Since this drug may cause dizziness or fatigue, use caution if operating machinery or performing hazardous tasks (e.g., driving). This drug must not be used during pregnancy. If you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant, inform your doctor immediately. This drug is excreted into breast milk. Because of the potential risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using this drug is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast- feeding.
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.
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