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What is Lovastatin
LovastatinThe Generic name of this drug
Treatment SummaryLovastatin is a medication used to lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. It is part of a class of drugs called statins, which work by blocking the enzyme that produces cholesterol in your liver. Lovastatin is generally well-tolerated, making it a popular choice for both adults and children. It is often prescribed after a cardiovascular event or for people with a moderate to high risk of developing CVD. Other medications in the statin class include atorvastatin, pravastatin, rosuvastatin, fluvastatin, and simvastatin. Studies have shown that
Mevacoris the brand name
Lovastatin Overview & Background
Brand Name
Generic Name
First FDA Approval
How many FDA approvals?
Mevacor
Lovastatin
1987
285
Effectiveness
How Lovastatin Affects PatientsLovastatin is a medication used to lower cholesterol levels. It reduces the amount of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) in the blood and increases levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL), which can reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Clinical studies have found that taking lovastatin can reduce total cholesterol and LDL by 25-40%. However, taking lovastatin can also lead to muscle pain, tenderness or weakness, and in rare cases, even death. Taking lovastatin with other drugs such as fenofibrate, niacin, gemfibrozil, or cycl
How Lovastatin works in the bodyLovastatin works by blocking an enzyme that is important for producing cholesterol in the liver. This reduces the amount of cholesterol in the body and helps lower the risk of cardiovascular disease. It also has other effects on the body, including improving blood vessel function, stabilizing plaque in arteries, and reducing inflammation and oxidative stress. Lovastatin has also been linked to cancer prevention and treatment, by triggering cell death in certain cancer cells and increasing the expression of certain proteins that can help stop cancer growth.
When to interrupt dosage
The proposed portion of Lovastatin is reliant upon the determined condition, including Dyslipidemias, 1 year post-menarche and Cardiovascular Diseases. The extent of dosage fluctuates, based on the technique of delivery indicated in the table below.Condition
Dosage
Administration
elevation of serum triglyceride levels
20.0 mg, 40.0 mg, , 10.0 mg, 60.0 mg
, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Tablet, extended release; Tablet, multilayer, extended release, Tablet, extended release; Tablet, multilayer, extended release - Oral
Low-Density Lipoproteins
20.0 mg, 40.0 mg, , 10.0 mg, 60.0 mg
, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Tablet, extended release; Tablet, multilayer, extended release, Tablet, extended release; Tablet, multilayer, extended release - Oral
Coronary Heart Disease
20.0 mg, 40.0 mg, , 10.0 mg, 60.0 mg
, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Tablet, extended release; Tablet, multilayer, extended release, Tablet, extended release; Tablet, multilayer, extended release - Oral
Diet
20.0 mg, 40.0 mg, , 10.0 mg, 60.0 mg
, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Tablet, extended release; Tablet, multilayer, extended release, Tablet, extended release; Tablet, multilayer, extended release - Oral
Coronary Artery Atherosclerosis
20.0 mg, 40.0 mg, , 10.0 mg, 60.0 mg
, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Tablet, extended release; Tablet, multilayer, extended release, Tablet, extended release; Tablet, multilayer, extended release - Oral
1 year post-menarche
20.0 mg, 40.0 mg, , 10.0 mg, 60.0 mg
, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Tablet, extended release; Tablet, multilayer, extended release, Tablet, extended release; Tablet, multilayer, extended release - Oral
Coronary Revascularization
20.0 mg, 40.0 mg, , 10.0 mg, 60.0 mg
, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Tablet, extended release; Tablet, multilayer, extended release, Tablet, extended release; Tablet, multilayer, extended release - Oral
Peripheral Arterial Disease
20.0 mg, 40.0 mg, , 10.0 mg, 60.0 mg
, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Tablet, extended release; Tablet, multilayer, extended release, Tablet, extended release; Tablet, multilayer, extended release - Oral
Coronary heart disease
20.0 mg, 40.0 mg, , 10.0 mg, 60.0 mg
, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Tablet, extended release; Tablet, multilayer, extended release, Tablet, extended release; Tablet, multilayer, extended release - Oral
total cholesterol increased
20.0 mg, 40.0 mg, , 10.0 mg, 60.0 mg
, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Tablet, extended release; Tablet, multilayer, extended release, Tablet, extended release; Tablet, multilayer, extended release - Oral
Heart Attack
20.0 mg, 40.0 mg, , 10.0 mg, 60.0 mg
, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Tablet, extended release; Tablet, multilayer, extended release, Tablet, extended release; Tablet, multilayer, extended release - Oral
Cholesterol, LDL
20.0 mg, 40.0 mg, , 10.0 mg, 60.0 mg
, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Tablet, extended release; Tablet, multilayer, extended release, Tablet, extended release; Tablet, multilayer, extended release - Oral
Unstable Angina Pectoris
20.0 mg, 40.0 mg, , 10.0 mg, 60.0 mg
, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Tablet, extended release; Tablet, multilayer, extended release, Tablet, extended release; Tablet, multilayer, extended release - Oral
Hypercholesterolemia
20.0 mg, 40.0 mg, , 10.0 mg, 60.0 mg
, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Tablet, extended release; Tablet, multilayer, extended release, Tablet, extended release; Tablet, multilayer, extended release - Oral
Dyslipidemias
20.0 mg, 40.0 mg, , 10.0 mg, 60.0 mg
, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Tablet, extended release; Tablet, multilayer, extended release, Tablet, extended release; Tablet, multilayer, extended release - Oral
Apolipoprotein
20.0 mg, 40.0 mg, , 10.0 mg, 60.0 mg
, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Tablet, extended release; Tablet, multilayer, extended release, Tablet, extended release; Tablet, multilayer, extended release - Oral
Cardiovascular Diseases
20.0 mg, 40.0 mg, , 10.0 mg, 60.0 mg
, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Tablet, extended release; Tablet, multilayer, extended release, Tablet, extended release; Tablet, multilayer, extended release - Oral
Low-Density Lipoproteins
20.0 mg, 40.0 mg, , 10.0 mg, 60.0 mg
, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Tablet, extended release; Tablet, multilayer, extended release, Tablet, extended release; Tablet, multilayer, extended release - Oral
Primary Hypercholesterolemia
20.0 mg, 40.0 mg, , 10.0 mg, 60.0 mg
, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Tablet, extended release; Tablet, multilayer, extended release, Tablet, extended release; Tablet, multilayer, extended release - Oral
Warnings
Lovastatin has seven contraindications. For any of the conditions outlined in the following table, Lovastatin should not be consumed.Lovastatin ContraindicationsCondition
Risk Level
Notes
active liver disease
Do Not Combine
Breast Milk Production
Do Not Combine
Transaminases
Do Not Combine
Pulse Frequency
Do Not Combine
Severe Hypersensitivity Reactions
Do Not Combine
Lovastatin may interact with Pulse Frequency
unexplained elevations of serum transaminases
Do Not Combine
Pulse Frequency
Do Not Combine
Common Lovastatin Drug Interactions
Drug Name
Risk Level
Description
Abemaciclib
Major
The metabolism of Abemaciclib can be decreased when combined with Lovastatin.
Alectinib
Major
The metabolism of Alectinib can be decreased when combined with Lovastatin.
Aminophylline
Major
The metabolism of Aminophylline can be decreased when combined with Lovastatin.
Amoxapine
Major
The metabolism of Amoxapine can be decreased when combined with Lovastatin.
Axitinib
Major
The metabolism of Axitinib can be decreased when combined with Lovastatin.
Lovastatin Toxicity & Overdose RiskThe lethal dose of lovastatin is higher than 15 g/m2. Five people took up to 200 mg of the drug without any major side effects. Although some people have taken accidental overdoses of lovastatin, none of them experienced any symptoms and recovered without any long-term effects. Studies have indicated that lovastatin may increase the risk of liver cancer, lung tumors, stomach and thyroid tumors, and may cause testicular atrophy, reduced sperm production, and decreased fertility in males. There is no evidence that lovastatin is mutagenic.
Lovastatin Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Lovastatin?
134 active trials are currently underway to assess the potency of Lovastatin in Coronary Artery Atherosclerosis, Heart Attack and Coronary Heart Disease management.Condition
Clinical Trials
Trial Phases
Coronary Artery Atherosclerosis
1 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable
Coronary Revascularization
1 Actively Recruiting
Phase 4
1 year post-menarche
0 Actively Recruiting
Low-Density Lipoproteins
0 Actively Recruiting
elevation of serum triglyceride levels
2 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable
Coronary Heart Disease
12 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable, Phase 3, Phase 2
Hypercholesterolemia
2 Actively Recruiting
Phase 3, Not Applicable
Coronary heart disease
0 Actively Recruiting
total cholesterol increased
0 Actively Recruiting
Apolipoprotein
0 Actively Recruiting
Low-Density Lipoproteins
0 Actively Recruiting
Cholesterol, LDL
0 Actively Recruiting
Dyslipidemias
1 Actively Recruiting
Phase 2
Cardiovascular Diseases
0 Actively Recruiting
Peripheral Arterial Disease
39 Actively Recruiting
Phase 1, Not Applicable, Phase 3, Phase 2, Early Phase 1
Unstable Angina Pectoris
0 Actively Recruiting
Diet
5 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable
Primary Hypercholesterolemia
16 Actively Recruiting
Early Phase 1, Not Applicable, Phase 3, Phase 2
Heart Attack
54 Actively Recruiting
Phase 4, Phase 2, Phase 3, Not Applicable, Phase 1, Early Phase 1
Lovastatin Reviews: What are patients saying about Lovastatin?
5Patient Review
10/26/2018 I've been taking this for a while now and it's really helped me. However, I recently developed scleroderma, which my doctor thinks might be caused by this medication. If anyone else has had a similar experience, please let me know.
5Patient Review
10/16/2020 I don't think I'll be renewing my prescription for this pill. It doesn't agree with my stomach since they switched manufacturers, and I'm currently taking the generic teva 576 version.
4.3Patient Review
5/1/20143.7Patient Review
9/28/2017 After taking Lovastatin for a few months, I realized that the drug was causing me a lot of pain. I now wonder how long it will take to get out of my system. The side effects are really bad and this drug should be banned.
3.7Patient Review
8/8/2014 I experienced more frequent bowel movements and swelling in my lower extremities while taking this medication.
3.3Patient Review
12/16/2015 I was warned about potential muscle pain before starting this medication, and unfortunately I experienced exactly that within just ten days. The weakness and pain was so severe that I had to stop taking the medication and my doctor took me off of it. It's been two months now and I'm still struggling with the aftermath.
3.3Patient Review
11/10/2017 Though this drug worked as it was supposed to, the side effects were not worth it for me. These included gas, loose bowel movements, sporadic muscle and bone pain, and pains in the back of my eyes. All of these effects were erratic and unpredictable.
3Patient Review
8/2/2015 I experienced some pretty severe pain while taking this drug, to the point where I could hardly move. It's been a few weeks and I'm still feeling the effects. Overall, not a great experience.
3Patient Review
9/7/2014 After the pharmacy switched to a different manufacturer for my Lovastatin, I started breaking out in hives. It took weeks for me to connect the dots, but as soon as I stopped taking the medication, the hives cleared up. Not sure if it was an ingredient in the new pills or the Lovastatin itself that caused the reaction.
3Patient Review
7/25/20143Patient Review
2/3/2015 I am not a fan of this treatment. I have most of the listed side effects, and my doctor says it's just because of my age. I don't think that's true though; Lovastatin has really put a damper on my quality of life.
2.7Patient Review
4/3/20142.3Patient Review
9/22/2014 I have had one knee replacement and one corrective knee surgery, Laminectomy L-1 thru L-5 and now have arthritis in the right hip. Never had any problems prior to taking STATIN drugs but I due have great LDL test results.
2.3Patient Review
2/9/2019 I've been taking this drug for a decade now, three times 20 mg per day. I have experienced some muscle problems, but nothing major.
2Patient Review
11/1/2015 I've been on this statin for a while, but in the past few years I've started to experience sore, inflamed joints. My hair has also been falling out more, but my doctor said that's just due to stress. I'm hoping to switch to something else soon as this isn't working well for me.
1.7Patient Review
5/18/2018 I've been on Lovastatin for a while now, but about eight months ago I started having weird tingling and burning sensations at the bottom of my feet. I've seen two different foot doctors and had all sorts of tests done (MRI's, nerve conduction, etc.), but they still can't figure out what's wrong. I'm starting to wonder if it might be the Lovastatin.
1Patient Review
12/26/2016 I started taking lovastatin a few weeks ago and unfortunately had to stop because the stomach pains, backaches, and general aches in my limbs were too much. I'm hoping these side effects will dissipate soon.
1Patient Review
11/11/2014 I'm not sure if this treatment also lowers blood pressure, as I have not experienced that side effect. Has anybody else?
Patient Q&A Section about lovastatin
These questions and answers are submitted by anonymous patients, and have not been verified by our internal team.What's the difference between statin and lovastatin?
"There are two types of statins, simvastatin and lovastatin. Simvastatin is more effective at lowering cholesterol levels, while lovastatin is reserved for drug combinations or if a patient has an undesirable reaction to simvastatin."
Answered by AI
Is lovastatin a blood thinner?
"Statin medications not only improve the cardiovascular system by working on the inner lining of blood vessels and the heart muscle, but they also have a side effect of decreasing the blood's clotting ability. This is generally seen as a beneficial side effect with no increased risk of internal bleeding."
Answered by AI
What is the difference between Crestor and lovastatin?
"Crestor is one of the most effective statins to improve cholesterol and is also available as a generic. It lowers cholesterol. Mevacor can improve cholesterol, but it is not as strong as other statin medicines."
Answered by AI
What is the side effect of lovastatin?
"Lovastatin can cause an allergic reaction that makes it hard to breathe or swallow. Other symptoms include swelling in your face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs."
Answered by AI