Lostatin

Lostatin (Lovastatin) blocks the body`s ability to make cholesterol. It can help lower blood cholesterol for people who are at risk of getting heart disease or a stroke. This medicine is only for people whose cholesterol level is not controlled by diet.

Lostatin (Lovastatin) tablets should be taken by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take the tablets with food. If you take it once a day, take the dose with the evening meal. Swallow the tablets with a drink of water. Do not take with grapefruit juice; orange juice may be used instead. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take more often than directed. Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

The recommended starting dose for adults is 20 milligrams once a day, taken with the evening meal. Your physician may start you at 10 milligrams a day if you need only a small reduction in cholesterol. The maximum recommended dose is 80 milligrams per day, taken as a single dose or divided into smaller doses, as determined by your physician. Adjustments to any dose, as determined by your physician, should be made at intervals of 4 weeks or more.

Side effects of Lostatin (Lovastatin) that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:

• blurred vision, or vision changes
• dark yellow or brown urine
• decreased urination, difficulty passing urine
• fever
• muscle pain, tenderness, cramps, or weakness
• redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
• skin rash, itching
• unusual tiredness or weakness
• yellowing of the skin or eyes

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• constipation or diarrhea
• difficulty sleeping
• dizziness
• headache
• nausea, vomiting
• stomach pain or indigestion

Tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works.