Niacin/Lovastatin cholesterol medication (Niacin/Lovastatin combination) is a fixed-dose combination product and (Niacin/Lovastatin) is not indicated for initial therapy. Therapy with lipid-altering agents should be only one component of multiple risk-factor intervention in individuals at significantly increased risk for atherosclerotic vascular disease due to hypercholesterolemia. Initial medical therapy is indicated with a single agent as an adjunct to diet when the response to a diet restricted in saturated fat and cholesterol and other nonpharmacologic measures alone has been inadequate.
(Niacin/Lovastatin combination) is indicated for the treatment of primary hypercholesterolemia (heterozygous familial and nonfamilial) and mixed dyslipidemia.
Patients treated with lovastatin who require further TG-lowering or HDL-raising who may benefit from having niacin added to their regimen.
Patients treated with niacin who require further LDL-lowering who may benefit from having lovastatin added to their regimen.
(Niacin/Lovastatin combination) should be taken at bedtime, with a low-fat snack, and the dose should be individualized according to patient response. (Niacin/Lovastatin combination) tablets should be taken whole and should not be broken, crushed, or chewed before swallowing. The dose of (Niacin/Lovastatin combination) should not be increased by more than 500 mg daily (based on the Niacin component) every 4 weeks. The lowest dose of (Niacin/Lovastatin combination) is 500 mg/20 mg. Doses of (Niacin/Lovastatin combination) greater than 2000 mg/40 mg daily are not recommended. If (Niacin/Lovastatin combination)therapy is discontinued for an extended period (>7 days), reinstitution of therapy should begin with the lowest dose of cholesterol medication(Niacin/Lovastatin combination).
Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. IF YOU TAKE 1 DOSE DAILY, take it at bedtime with a low-fat snack unless directed otherwise by your doctor. SWALLOW WHOLE. Do not break, crush, or chew before swallowing. Dosage is based on your medical condition, response to therapy, and use of certain interacting medicines.
Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details. This medicine is only recommended if you have taken either lovastatin or long-acting niacin alone before and may need to further reduce your cholesterol and/or triglyceride levels. Tell your doctor if you have not taken either lovastatin or long-acting niacin before starting treatment with this medicine. Also tell your doctor if you have been taking a short-acting form of niacin before you begin taking this medicine. It is recommended that you take long-acting niacin for several weeks before using this medicine so your body can adjust to its effects.
Side effects that may occur while taking this medicine include: nausea constipation diarrhea headache flushing stomach upset loss of appetite dizziness drowsiness indigestion If you experience any of these severe side effects, talk to you doctor immediately.
It may take several weeks for this medicine to work. Do not stop taking this medicine without talking to your doctor. Daily use of alcohol can increase your chances of liver damage. Keep all laboratory appointment while taking this medicine. Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to lovastatin or niacin. Tell your doctor if you experience muscle pain or weakness while taking this medicine.