Why is this medication prescribed?

Altocor is prescribed primarily to lower cholesterol levels in the blood. It belongs to a class of drugs called statins, which work by inhibiting an enzyme in the liver responsible for producing cholesterol. By reducing cholesterol, Altocor helps prevent heart disease, strokes, and other cardiovascular conditions. It is often used in conjunction with lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise to manage cholesterol levels more effectively.

How should this medicine be used?

Altocor (generic lovastatin) should be used according to your doctor’s instructions. Here are some general guidelines for its use:

• Dosage: Take the medication exactly as prescribed. The dose may vary depending on your condition and response to treatment. It’s usually taken once daily, with the evening meal.
• Administration: Swallow the tablets whole with a glass of water. Do not crush or chew the tablets.
• Diet and Lifestyle: Follow any dietary or lifestyle changes recommended by your doctor, as these can enhance the effectiveness of the medication.
• Consistency: Take the medication at the same time each day to help remember to take it consistently.
• Missed Dose: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose—do not double up to make up for a missed dose.
• Regular Monitoring: Your doctor will likely schedule regular follow-up appointments to monitor your cholesterol levels and assess for any potential side effects.

Always follow your healthcare provider’s specific instructions and consult them if you have any questions or concerns about taking Altocor.

Other uses for this medicine

Other Uses for Altocor (Lovastatin):

• Heart Disease Prevention: Besides lowering cholesterol, lovastatin can help prevent heart attacks and strokes in individuals at high risk of cardiovascular events.
• Atherosclerosis: It can be used to slow the progression of atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) in certain patients.
• Coronary Artery Disease: It may be prescribed to manage and treat coronary artery disease (CAD).

What special precautions should I follow?

Special Precautions:

• Allergies: Inform your doctor if you have any allergies, particularly to statins or other medications.
• Liver Function: Monitor liver function regularly, as lovastatin can affect liver enzymes. Your doctor might recommend liver function tests before and during treatment.
• Muscle Pain: Report any unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness, as statins can cause muscle-related side effects, including rare but serious conditions like rhabdomyolysis.
• Kidney Function: Use with caution if you have kidney problems, as the medication can affect kidney function.
• Drug Interactions: Be aware of potential interactions with other medications, including certain antibiotics, antifungals, and other cholesterol-lowering drugs. Inform your doctor of all medications and supplements you are taking.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Lovastatin is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding due to potential risks to the baby. Use effective birth control while on this medication if you are of childbearing age.
• Alcohol Consumption: Limit alcohol intake, as excessive drinking can increase the risk of liver problems.
• Grapefruit: Avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice, as they can interact with lovastatin and increase the risk of side effects.

Always consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice and adjustments based on your health condition and other medications you might be taking.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

• Fat Intake: Follow a low-fat diet to enhance the effectiveness of lovastatin in managing cholesterol levels. Your doctor may recommend specific dietary changes.
• Consistent Eating Habits: Take the medication with or shortly after your evening meal to improve absorption and effectiveness.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

• Timing: If you miss a dose and it’s still within a few hours of your regular dose time, take it as soon as you remember.
• Next Dose: If it’s almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose; do not double up to make up for the missed dose.

What side effects can this medication cause?

Altocor (lovastatin) can cause a range of side effects. Common side effects include:

• Digestive Issues: Nausea, diarrhea, constipation, or stomach pain.
• Muscle Problems: Muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness. In rare cases, this can lead to more serious conditions like rhabdomyolysis.
• Headache: Commonly reported, though generally mild.
• Fatigue: Feeling unusually tired or weak.

Serious side effects, though less common, include:

• Liver Damage: Symptoms like yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), dark urine, or severe abdominal pain.
• Muscle Damage: Severe muscle pain, weakness, or cramps that may indicate rhabdomyolysis, a rare but serious condition.
• Kidney Problems: Symptoms like reduced urine output or swelling in the legs and feet.
• Allergic Reactions: Rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing.

If you experience any severe or unusual symptoms, it is important to contact your healthcare provider immediately. They can assess your condition and determine if any adjustments to your medication are needed.

What should I know about storage and disposal of this medication?

Storage and Disposal of Altocor:

• Storage:
  • Store Altocor at room temperature, away from moisture and heat.
  • Keep it in a cool, dry place out of reach of children and pets.
• Disposal:
  • Dispose of any unused or expired medication properly. Many pharmacies offer take-back programs or disposal kiosks.
  • Avoid flushing the medication down the toilet or pouring it into a drain unless instructed to do so by your pharmacist or doctor, as this can harm the environment.

In case of emergency/overdose

• Symptoms of Overdose: Overdose symptoms might include severe muscle pain, weakness, or cramping, and liver issues such as yellowing of the skin or eyes.
• Action: If you suspect an overdose, contact emergency services or go to the nearest emergency room immediately.
• Contact Poison Control: You can also call your local poison control center for advice on how to proceed.

What other information should I know?

• Regular Check-ups: Ensure regular follow-ups with your healthcare provider to monitor your response to the medication and check for any side effects.
• Medication History: Keep your healthcare provider informed of all other medications and supplements you are taking to avoid potential interactions.
• Lifestyle Changes: Continue to follow any prescribed lifestyle changes, such as diet and exercise, to help manage your cholesterol levels effectively.
• Patient Information: Read the patient information leaflet provided with your medication for detailed information on usage, precautions, and potential side effects.

Always consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice and instructions.