niacin extended-release/lovastatin - oral, Advicor

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

BRAND NAME(S): Advicor

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USES: This combination medication is used along with a proper diet to help lower "bad" cholesterol and fats (such as LDL, triglycerides) and raise "good" cholesterol (HDL) in the blood. Niacin is also known as vitamin B3 (nicotinic acid), one of the B vitamins. It works by reducing the amount of cholesterol made by the liver and by helping the body remove fats from the blood. Lovastatin belongs to a group of drugs known as "statins." It works by reducing the amount of cholesterol made by the liver. This product is prescribed after the use of one drug (niacin or lovastatin) has not been fully successful at lowering cholesterol.In addition to eating a proper diet (such as a low-cholesterol/low-fat diet), other lifestyle changes that may help this medication work better include exercising, drinking less alcohol, losing weight if overweight, and stopping smoking. Consult your doctor for more details.Lowering "bad" cholesterol and triglycerides and raising "good" cholesterol decreases the risk of heart disease and helps prevent strokes and heart attacks. Lowering triglycerides in people with very high triglyceride blood levels may also decrease the risk of pancreas disease (pancreatitis).

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