Niacin and Lovastatin (Systemic)

Brand Names : Advicor

Proper Use of This Medicine

Use this medicine only as directed by your doctor. Do not use more or less of it, and do not use it more often or for a longer time than your doctor ordered. Also, this medicine works best if there is a constant amount in the blood. To help keep this amount constant, do not miss any doses and take the medicine at the same time each day.

Remember that this medicine will not cure your condition but it does help control it. Therefore, you must continue to take it as directed to keep your cholesterol levels down.

Follow carefully the special diet your doctor gave you. This is an important part of controlling your condition, and is necessary if the medicine is to work properly.

Do not drink any grapefruit juice around the time you take this medicine. It may be best to drink any grapefruit juice approximately 12 hours before or after you take your medicine. In addition, do not drink grapefruit juice in large quantities (more than one quart per day) while you are being treated with niacin extended-release and lovastatin combination. To do so may increase the risk of developing muscle problems. Check with your doctor if you have any questions.

Take this medicine at bedtime after eating a low fat snack. Swallow the tablet whole. Do not crush, break, or chew the tablet before you swallow it.

This medicine may cause you to have skin flushing which makes your face, neck, arms and occasionally, your upper chest to feel warm and look red. Flushing usually starts about two to four hours after you take your medicine, and may last up to several hours. Flushing can also cause itching and/or a tingling sensation. A more intense episode of flushing may include dizziness or faintness. If you take your medicine at bedtime, you may sleep through any flushing that occurs. If awakened by flushing, rise slowly to minimize the potential for dizziness or fainting. Avoiding alcohol or hot drinks may reduce the flushing. This effect should lessen after several weeks as your body gets used to the medicine. However, if the problem continues or gets worse, check with your doctor.

Dosing - The dose of niacin extended-release and lovastatin combination will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label . The following information includes only the average doses of niacin extended-release and lovastatin combination. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

• For oral dosage form (tablets):
  • • Adults - The starting dose is usually, 500 milligrams (mg) of niacin extended-release and 20 mg of lovastatin (combined in one tablet) one time a day, at bedtime with a low fat snack. Then your doctor may increase your dose a little at a time every 4 weeks, as your body gets used to the medicine, until your cholesterol is controlled.
    • Children - Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Missed dose - If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses. If you have not taken this medicine for more than 7 days, check with your doctor. You may need to have your dose reduced before you can start taking this medicine again.

Storage - To store this medicine:

• Keep out of the reach of children.
• Store away from heat and direct light.
• Do not store in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink, or in other damp places. Heat or moisture may cause the medicine to break down.
• Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Ask your doctor how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use. Be sure that any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children.