Lovastatin Extended-Release (Cont.)

Effects of Lovastatin Extended-Release

In previous research studies, people taking lovastatin extended-release 20 mg once in the evening were able, on average, to decrease LDL cholesterol by 30 percent, total cholesterol by 21 percent, and triglycerides by 13 percent; and to increase HDL by 12 percent. The effects of lovastatin extended-release on cholesterol and triglyceride levels were generally even greater for the higher doses.
 

When and How to Take Lovastatin Extended-Release

Some general considerations for when and how to take lovastatin extended-release include:
 
  • Your lovastatin extended-release medication should be taken in the evening at bedtime.
     
  • Swallow the tablets whole with a drink of water. Do not break, chew, or crush the lovastatin extended-release tablets.
     
  • For lovastatin extended-release to work properly, you have to take it as prescribed. Lovastatin extended-release will not work if you stop taking it.
     
  • Do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
     

Lovastatin Extended-Release Dietary Instructions

It is recommended that people on lovastatin extended-release not drink grapefruit juice because it can increase the levels of lovastatin extended-release in the blood, which can increase the risk of developing serious muscle problems. If you are being treated with lovastatin extended-release and want to continue drinking grapefruit juice, talk to your doctor about other cholesterol-lowering medications that you can take.
 
As with any cholesterol medication, you should continue to eat a low-fat, low-cholesterol diet as part of your cholesterol-lowering treatment program.
 
(Lovastatin Extended-Release Continued: Page 3)

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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;