HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors (Systemic)

BRAND NAMES:
In the U.S.
Lescol
Lipitor
Mevacor
Pravachol
Zocor
Baycol
BRAND NAMES:
In Canada
Lescol
Mevacor
Pravachol
Zocor
Other commonly used names are:
Epistatin
Eptastatin
Mevinolin
Synvinolin

Description
Atorvastatin, cerivastatin , fluvastatin, lovastatin, pravastatin, and simvastatin are used to lower levels of cholesterol and other fats in the blood. This may help prevent medical problems caused by cholesterol clogging the blood vessels.

These medicines belong to the group of medicines called 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitors. They work by blocking an enzyme that is needed by the body to make cholesterol. Thus, less cholesterol is made.

HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors are available only with your doctor's prescription, in the following dosage forms:

Oral
Atorvastatin
Tablets (U.S. and Canada)
Cerivastatin
Tablets #
Fluvastatin
Capsules (U.S. and Canada)
Lovastatin
Tablets (U.S. and Canada)
Pravastatin
Tablets (U.S. and Canada)
Simvastatin
Tablets (U.S. and Canada)

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.

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

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

For patients taking atorvastatin and simvastatin:

Do not take these medicines with large amounts of grapefruit juice

For patients taking lovastatin:

This medicine works better when it is taken with food. If you are taking this medicine once a day, take it with the evening meal. If you are taking more than one dose a day, take each dose with a meal or snack.

Dosing - The dose of these medicines 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 these medicines. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The number of capsules or tablets that you take depends on the strength of the medicine.

For atorvastatin
For oral dosage form (tablets):
For high cholesterol:
Adults10 to 80 milligrams (mg) once a day.
ChildrenUse and dose must be determined by your doctor.
For cerivastatin
For oral dosage form : Removed from the market by Bayer in August 2001 For fluvastatin
For oral dosage form (capsules):
For high cholesterol:
Adults20 to 40 milligrams (mg) once a day in the evening.
ChildrenUse and dose must be determined by your doctor.
For lovastatin
For oral dosage form (tablets):
For high cholesterol:
Adults 20 to 80 milligrams (mg) a day taken as a single dose or divided into smaller doses. Take with evening meals.
ChildrenUse and dose must be determined by your doctor.
For pravastatin
For oral dosage form (tablets):
For high cholesterol:
Adults10 to 40 mg once a day at bedtime.
ChildrenUse and dose must be determined by your doctor.
For simvastatin
For oral dosage form (tablets):
For high cholesterol:
Adults5 to 80 mg a day.
ChildrenUse 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.

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.
Keep the medicine from freezing. Do not refrigerate.
Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Be sure that any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children.