Mevacor

Peripheral Arterial Disease, Primary Hypercholesterolemia, Coronary Revascularization + 16 more
Treatment
20 Active Studies for Mevacor

What is Mevacor

LovastatinThe Generic name of this drug
Treatment SummaryLovastatin, also known under the brand name Mevacor, is a drug used to lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. It belongs to a class of medications called statins, which work by blocking the production of cholesterol in the liver. Lovastatin and other statins are widely prescribed by doctors to help reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular events. While all statins are effective, lovastatin is less potent than other statins like rosuvastatin and may cause fewer side effects. Clinical studies have shown that taking lovastatin can result in a 25-40%
Mevacoris the brand name
image of different drug pills on a surface
Mevacor Overview & Background
Brand Name
Generic Name
First FDA Approval
How many FDA approvals?
Mevacor
Lovastatin
1987
285

Effectiveness

How Mevacor Affects PatientsLovastatin is a drug used to lower cholesterol levels in the blood by decreasing low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and total cholesterol while increasing high-density lipoprotein (HDL). High LDL, low HDL, and high triglyceride levels can increase the risk of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease. Studies have shown that taking lovastatin can reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular disease and all-cause mortality. Common side effects of lovastatin include muscle aches, which have been reported in 10-15% of people taking the drug. In rare cases, it can also cause liver dysfunction, which may manifest as
How Mevacor works in the bodyLovastatin works to reduce cholesterol levels by blocking an enzyme in the liver that helps make cholesterol. This reduces the amount of cholesterol in the body, and also inhibits the production of very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL). Taking lovastatin once a day, preferably in the evening, provides the best results. In addition to its cholesterol-lowering effects, lovastatin has been found to have other beneficial effects, such as improving endothelial function, stabilizing atherosclerotic plaques, reducing oxidative stress and inflammation, and inhibiting the thrombogenic response. It is also believed to

When to interrupt dosage

The recommended dose of Mevacor is contingent upon the specified condition, like Dyslipidemias, 1 year post-menarche and Cardiovascular Diseases. The dosage varies, in line with the approach of administration specified 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
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
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
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

Mevacor Contraindications
Condition
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
There are 20 known major drug interactions with Mevacor.
Common Mevacor 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.
Mevacor Toxicity & Overdose RiskThe highest dose of lovastatin that has been found to be non-toxic is higher than 15 g/m2. Five people have taken up to 200 mg of lovastatin without any major side effects. In rare cases of overdose, no serious symptoms have been reported and all patients recovered without any long-term problems. Animal studies have found an increased risk of liver, lung, stomach, and thyroid tumors, as well as testicular atrophy, decreased sperm count, and decreased fertility in males. However, there is no evidence that lovastatin is mutagenic.
image of a doctor in a lab doing drug, clinical research

Mevacor Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Mevacor?

134 active trials are presently being conducted to assess the potential of Mevacor to address Coronary Artery Atherosclerosis, Heart Attack and Coronary Heart Disease.
Condition
Clinical Trials
Trial Phases
Coronary Artery Atherosclerosis
2 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable, Phase 4
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
53 Actively Recruiting
Phase 4, Phase 2, Phase 3, Not Applicable, Phase 1, Early Phase 1

Mevacor Reviews: What are patients saying about Mevacor?

5Patient Review
12/17/2011
Mevacor for Combined High Blood Cholesterol and Triglyceride Level
I've been taking Mevacor for 20 years now, and it's really worked well for me. I had a heart attack when I was younger and my cholesterol levels were through the roof, but since then they've been manageable. The only downside is that the VA can't seem to get their hands on it anymore, and the other statins have some pretty severe side effects.
5Patient Review
8/19/2008
Mevacor for High Cholesterol
Unfortunately, this treatment caused some severe problems for me after just a few months. Namely, constipation and fatigue.
4.7Patient Review
3/25/2009
Mevacor for High Cholesterol
I experienced some muscle weakness and pain, as well as fatigue and decreased energy levels.
4Patient Review
7/11/2009
Mevacor for Changes Involving Fatty Deposits in the Blood Vessels
This treatment is really effective for leg cramps.
3.7Patient Review
1/25/2008
Mevacor for High Cholesterol
3.7Patient Review
9/7/2008
Mevacor for High Cholesterol
The medication had some minor side effects for me, nothing too bad.
3.3Patient Review
10/29/2009
Mevacor for High Cholesterol
I found that this drug was much less effective than other similar drugs I've tried. Even at high doses, I saw no results. It's not worth it if it doesn't work.
3.3Patient Review
8/30/2011
Mevacor for Heterozygous Inherited High Blood Cholesterol
I've been on this drug for a few months now and have developed shortness of breath. I initially thought it was due to the dry, dusty weather we've been having, but after reading a report from Mayo Clinic, I realized that this is a common side effect of Lovastatin. I'm also experiencing problems with other statin drugs. I'll update this review after talking to my doctor on Tuesday.
3.3Patient Review
12/7/2009
Mevacor for High Cholesterol
I've been feeling heavier since I started taking this, and also seem to be forgetting things more often. Has anyone else experienced this?
3Patient Review
3/2/2008
Mevacor for High Cholesterol
2.7Patient Review
7/30/2008
Mevacor for Combined High Blood Cholesterol and Triglyceride Level
I've only been using this medication for a month, but I'm excited by what I've read about its effectiveness. I'll report back with my own results soon!
2.7Patient Review
1/30/2010
Mevacor for High Cholesterol
I experienced severe cramps and weakness in my legs after only a few months of using this medication. I'm relatively healthy for my age and exercise regularly, so this was unexpected. Every statin I've tried has had this effect on me.
2.3Patient Review
8/7/2008
Mevacor for Combined High Blood Cholesterol and Triglyceride Level
My doctor had me start with a 20 mg dosage. It helped lower my cholesterol, but my doctor said it wasn't enough and upped the ante to 40 mg. At that dosage I experienced severe muscle aches and loss of coordination.
2.3Patient Review
2/22/2008
Mevacor for High Cholesterol
2Patient Review
5/15/2011
Mevacor for Combined High Blood Cholesterol and Triglyceride Level
This medication helped with my muscle pains after a few weeks, but unfortunately also caused nausea that was just as bad. I couldn't ride in cars or sleep at night without feeling sick to my stomach.
2Patient Review
11/25/2013
Mevacor for High Cholesterol
I switched to this generic about a month ago from Lovastatin, which was working for me. So far, I haven't seen any improvement.
1Patient Review
1/20/2010
Mevacor for High Cholesterol
I took lovastatin for a couple years and saw some success in managing my high cholesterol. However, I started experiencing severe leg weakness and cramps, lack of energy, and general fatigue. My doctor discontinued the medication and switched me to something else, and I've seen much better results since.
image of drug pills surrounding a glass of water symbolizing drug consumption

Patient Q&A Section about mevacor

These questions and answers are submitted by anonymous patients, and have not been verified by our internal team.

What are the side effects of Mevacor?

"You may experience some or all of the following side effects: headache, muscle pain/tenderness/weakness, joint pain, back pain, stomach pain, gas, bloating, stomach upset."

Answered by AI

What is the brand name for Mevacor?

"Lovastatin is available under the brand names Mevacor and Altoprev."

Answered by AI

What is the most serious side effect of lovastatin?

"This is a serious, potentially fatal condition that causes muscle pain, tenderness, and weakness along with kidney problems.

Lovastatin may cause serious muscle problems, including myopathy and rhabdomyolysis. Myopathy is a condition characterized by muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness. Rhabdomyolysis is a potentially fatal condition that causes muscle pain, tenderness, and weakness along with kidney problems."

Answered by AI

What is Mevacor prescribed for?

"Lovastatin is a drug that helps to lower bad cholesterol levels and raise good cholesterol levels when taken alongside a proper diet. It is a type of drug known as a statin, which works by reducing the amount of cholesterol produced by the liver."

Answered by AI

Clinical Trials for Mevacor

Have you considered Mevacor clinical trials? We made a collection of clinical trials featuring Mevacor, we think they might fit your search criteria.
Have you considered Mevacor clinical trials? We made a collection of clinical trials featuring Mevacor, we think they might fit your search criteria.
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