Advicor (Niacin/Lovastatin)

What is Advicor?

Advicor is a combination of Niacin, found naturally in plants and Lovastatin, which belongs to group of drugs called statins.

What is Advicor used for?

Advicor is helpful in eliminating the risks of heart diseases, strokes and heart attacks.

How does Advicor work?

Advicor works by reducing the levels of bad cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood and acting concurrently to increase the levels of good cholesterol.

How to use Advicor

Use Advicor in the manner prescribed by the doctor. Read the instruction leaflet very carefully before taking the drug. Do not take the medicine for longer period or in larger amount than prescribed.

The drug should be taken orally along with a low fat snack. The pill should be swallowed whole without crushing, chewing, or splitting the tablet. Hot beverages should be avoided before taking this drug to avoid flushing. Some doctors recommend the use of aspirin or anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen to avoid flushing. The intake of grapefruit juice increases the level of medication in the bloodstream and should be avoided.

Advicor warnings and precautions

The use of Advicor is not recommended if you are allergic to niacin or lovastatin. Also, you should inform your doctor if suffer from any other allergies because Advicor may contains inactive ingredients that may harm you.

Your doctor should also be informed about your medical history including details of liver diseases, alcohol use, kidney disease, ulcer problems, gout etc.

The drug causes of spells of dizziness; therefore, you should stay away from activities that require high levels of concentration. You should also get blood checked for blood glucose levels regularly. Older people should be careful while using this drug because it causes muscle problems. Advicor should not be used during pregnancy as lovastatin may harm the unborn baby.

What do I do if I have missed a Advicor dose?

If you have missed an Advicor dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue the routine.

What do I do if I have taken a Advicor overdose?

If you have taken an overdose of Advicor, consult your doctor right away.

Advicor interactions

To get the possible result from this medicine it is important to inform your doctor about all the other medications that you are taking including blood thinners like warfarin, vitamins or food supplements that contain niacin. Other drugs that may interfere with the working of the drug include azole antifungals, macrolide antibiotics, HIV protease inhibitors etc.     

Therefore, it is necessary to inform your doctor about all the prescription and non prescription drugs that you are taking, before using Advicor. Also, tell him about any herbal medicines, or mineral or vitamin supplements that you have been using.

Do not start taking any new medicine, without consulting your doctor.

Advicor side effects

Side effects from Advicor include flushing, headache, chills and dizziness two to four hours after taking the medication. Other lesser symptoms include nausea, stomach upset, vomiting and diarrhea.

However there are some serious side effects of Advicor that should be brought to the notice of the doctor promptly. These include toe/joint pain, swelling of the ankles/feet/hands, fast heartbeat, and fainting. Advicor may also cause serious muscle problems if it is not properly diagnosed in time. The use of the drug may also cause some serious allergic reactions, which include rashes, itching, dizziness, breathing trouble etc.