cerivastatin, Baycol

Cerivastatin is a drug that lowers cholesterol in the blood by blocking the enzyme in the liver that is responsible for producing cholesterol. It lowers total cholesterol as well as the LDL subfraction of cholesterol in the blood. LDL cholesterol is believed to be the "bad" cholesterol that is primarily responsible for the development of coronary artery disease. Lowering LDL cholesterol levels retards and may even reverse coronary artery disease. Cerivastatin is in the same class of drugs (HMGCoA reductase inhibitors) as atorvastatin (Lipitor), simvastatin (Zocor), pravastatin (Pravachol), lovastatin (Mevacor), and fluvastatin (Lescol). Cerivastatin was approved by the FDA in 1997.

Baycol

GENERIC AVAILABLE: no

yes

Cerivastatin generally is well-tolerated, and side effects are rare. Minor side effects include constipation, diarrhea, fatigue, gas, heartburn, nasal congestion, and headache. Cerivastatin should be used with caution in patients with alcoholic or other liver diseases. Persistently abnormal liver tests during treatment are rare but may require discontinuation of the medication. Rare cases of muscle damage due to inflammation (myositis) have been reported with other drugs in the same class as cerivastatin, and is presumed also to occur with cerivastatin as well. (Muscle inflammation causes the release of muscle protein, myoglobin, into the blood where it is carried to the kidneys and leads to kidney failure.)

Cerivastatin usually is taken once daily at bedtime. It may be taken with or without food.

With other drugs in the same class as cerivastatin, the risk of muscle damage (see below) is increased when they are given at the same time as other medications such as cyclosporine (Sandimmune; Neoral), gemfibrozil (Lopid), erythromycin, itraconazole (Sporanox) and nicotinic acid. It is assumed that cerivastatin will interact similarly.

It is not known if cerivastatin causes harm to the fetus if taken during pregnancy. Cerivastatin may be used in pregnancy if the physician feels that its benefits outweigh its potential risks.

It is not known if cerivastatin is secreted in breast milk. Therefore, the physician and patient must weigh the benefits against the potential risks of treating nursing mothers.

What preparations of cerivastatin are available?

Tablets, 0.3mg, 0.4mg, and 0.8mg.

How should I keep cerivastatin stored?

Tablets should be stored at room temperature, 15-30°C (59-86°F).