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Altocor |
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What is Altocor and why is it prescribed? Altocor is an extended-release form of the cholesterol-lowering drug lovastatin. By releasing small amounts of the drug throughout the day, Altocor maintains a relatively steady level of lovastatin in the bloodstream. Altocor is prescribed to slow the clogging process in people who already have heart disease, and to fend off clogged arteries in people at risk of developing the disease. Like other drugs in its class, Altocor reduces the level of "bad" LDL cholesterol and raises the level of "good" HDL cholesterol. Altocor is usually prescribed only if diet, exercise, and weight loss fail to bring your cholesterol level under control. It is important to remember that Altocor is a supplement, not a substitute, for those other measures. To get the full benefit of Altocor, you need to stick to the diet and exercise program prescribed by your doctor. How should you take Altocor? Follow your doctors directions for taking Altocor. Altocor is taken once a day at bedtime. Swallow Altocor whole. Do not break, chew, crush, or cut the tablets. If you miss a dose take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the dose you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Never take two doses at once. Store Altocor at room temperature. Protect from heat and humidity. Are there any Altocor side effects? Altocor side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. More common Altocor side effects may include back pain, diarrhea, flu-like symptoms, headache, infection, injury, joint pain, muscle pain, sinus inflammation, unspecified pain, and weakness. Less common Altocor side effects may include abdominal pain, dizziness, indigestion, insomnia, nausea, and urinary tract infection. What are the possible food and drug interactions when taking Altocor? If Altocor is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. Be sure to inform your doctor of all the prescription and over the counter medications you are taking. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Altocor with Antipyrine, Blood-thinning drugs (such as Coumadin and Dicumarol), Cimetidine (Tagamet), Clarithromycin (Biaxin), Cyclosporine (Sandimmune, Neoral), Erythromycin (E.E.S., PCE, and others), Gemfibrozil (Lopid), HIV protease inhibitors (such as Agenerase, Norvir, and Viracept), Itraconazole (Sporanox), Ketoconazole (Nizoral), Spironolactone (Aldactone), Nefazodone (Serzone), Nicotinic acid or niacin (Niaspan, Niacor), or Verapamil (Calan, Verelan). Do not take Altocor with large amounts of grapefruit juice. Are there any special warnings about Altocor? In rare cases, drugs such as Altocor cause rhabdomyolysis, a potentially fatal condition that destroys muscle cells and sometimes causes kidney failure. Alert your doctor immediately if you experience any unexplained muscle tenderness, weakness, or pain, especially if you also have a fever or feel sick. You'll probably need to give up Altocor therapy. Because Altocor may affect the liver, your doctor may order blood tests to check liver function. Blood tests will probably be done before you start taking this medication, at 6 weeks and 12 weeks after you start taking the drug, when your dosage is increased, and periodically after that (semi-annually). If the tests detect a significant problem, Altocor therapy will have to be stopped. You'll be monitored especially closely if you have a history of liver disease or drink substantial quantities of alcohol. If you have surgery or a major illness, you'll be told to stop taking Altocor until you get better. Altocor is not recommended for individuals below age 20. |
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