GENERIC NAME: NIACIN EXTENDED-RELEASE/LOVASTATIN - ORAL (NYE-uh-sin/LOW-vuh-stat-in)

BRAND NAME(S): Advicor

Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage

USES: This combination medication is used along with a proper diet to help lower cholesterol and fats (triglycerides) in the blood. It combines lovastatin (an HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor), also known as a "statin", and niacin which is a B-complex vitamin. In general, this product is prescribed after non-drug treatment options have not been fully successful at lowering cholesterol (e.g., diet change, increase in exercise, weight loss if overweight). Reducing cholesterol and triglycerides help prevent strokes and heart attacks.

HOW TO USE: If you are currently taking a long-acting form of niacin, your doctor can switch you to this combination product after you have reached your proper niacin dosage. If you are currently taking an immediate-release form of niacin, inform your doctor before switching to long-acting niacin. Doses of immediate-release and long-acting niacin are not equal. When switching to long-acting niacin, it is recommended that you use a low dose for several weeks so your body can adjust to the effects. This will also help to reduce the risk of an infrequent but severe liver side effect (fulminant hepatic necrosis). Consult your doctor or pharmacist for details, and follow dosing instructions carefully. Once you have reached your proper dose of long-acting niacin, your doctor may switch you to this combination product. If you have never taken niacin before, you need to first be treated with long-acting niacin (in gradually increasing dosage) before starting this combination lovastatin/niacin product. Take this medication by mouth usually once daily at bedtime with a low-fat snack, or as directed by your doctor. Taking the drug in this manner will increase its absorption and help reduce stomach upset. Swallow this medication whole. Do not crush, chew, or break the medication; this can destroy the long action of the drug and may increase side effects. Dosage is based on your medical condition, response to therapy, and use of certain interacting medicines. Many of the drugs listed in the Drug Interactions section may increase the chances of muscle injury when used with lovastatin/niacin. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details. Avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice while being treated with this medication unless your doctor instructs you otherwise. Grapefruit juice can increase the amount of certain medications in your bloodstream. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details. If you also take certain other drugs to lower your cholesterol (bile acid-binding resins such as cholestyramine or colestipol), allow at least 4 to 6 hours between taking those drugs and this product. Avoid drinking alcohol or hot drinks prior to taking this medicine to reduce the risk of an uncomfortable side effect caused by niacin (flushing). Taking non-enteric coated aspirin or an aspirin-like medication (e.g., NSAIDs like ibuprofen or naproxen) 30 minutes before taking this medicine may help reduce the risk of flushing. Consult your doctor for more information and before taking any aspirin or NSAID product. Do not stop using this medication unless instructed by your doctor. If you have stopped taking niacin for 7 days or more and are resuming treatment, it is recommended that you restart with the lowest dose of this drug before gradually increasing back up to your maintenance dose. Contact your doctor for further instructions. Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. Remember to use it at the same time each day. It may take up to 4 weeks before the full benefit of this drug takes effect. It is important to continue taking this medication even if you feel well. Most people with high cholesterol or triglycerides do not feel sick.

From the Doctors at MedicineNet.com

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