lovastatin- In rare cases, lovastatin can cause a condition that results in the breakdown of
skeletal muscle tissue. This condition can lead to kidney failure. Call your doctor at once if you
have unexplained muscle pain or tenderness, muscle weakness, fever or flu symptoms, and dark
colored urine.
This medication can cause birth defects in an unborn baby. Do not use if
you are pregnant. Use an effective form of birth control, and tell your doctor if you
become pregnant during treatment.
Do not take lovastatin if you have liver disease, or if you are breast-feeding.
Before taking lovastatin, tell your doctor if you have diabetes, underactive thyroid, kidney
disease, a muscle disorder, or a blood disorder:
Avoid eating foods that are high in fat or cholesterol. Lovastatin will not be as effective
in lowering your cholesterol if you do not follow a cholesterol-lowering diet plan.
Avoid drinking alcohol while taking lovastatin. Alcohol can raise triglyceride levels,
and may also damage your liver while you are taking lovastatin.
There are many other drugs that can interact with lovastatin. Tell
your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes
vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a
new medication without telling your doctor.