Altocor

Generic name:lovastatin [ LOE-va-sta-tin ]
Brand names: Altocor, Altoprev, Mevacor
Drug class:Statins

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 4, 2022.

What is Altocor?

Altocor is a cholesterol-lowering medication that blocks the production of cholesterol (a type of fat) in the body.

Altocor reduces low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and total cholesterol in the blood. Lowering your cholesterol can help prevent heart disease and hardening of the arteries, conditions that can lead to heart attack, stroke, and vascular disease.

Altocor may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Warnings

In rare cases, Altocor can cause a condition that results in the breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue. This condition can lead to kidney failure. Call your doctor at once if you have unexplained muscle pain or tenderness, muscle weakness, fever or flu symptoms, and dark colored urine.

This medication can cause birth defects in an unborn baby. Do not use if you are pregnant. Use an effective form of birth control, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment. Do not take Altocor if you have liver disease, or if you are breast-feeding.

Before taking Altocor, tell your doctor if you have diabetes, underactive thyroid, kidney disease, a muscle disorder, or a blood disorder:

Avoid eating foods that are high in fat or cholesterol. Altocor will not be as effective in lowering your cholesterol if you do not follow a cholesterol-lowering diet plan.

Avoid drinking alcohol while taking Altocor. Alcohol can raise triglyceride levels, and may also damage your liver while you are taking Altocor.

There are many other drugs that can interact with Altocor. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Altocor?

Do not use Altocor if you are allergic to lovastatin, if you are pregnant or breast-feeding, or if you have liver disease.

Before taking Altocor, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

• diabetes;

• underactive thyroid;

• kidney disease; or

• a muscle disorder.

If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take Altocor.

FDA pregnancy category X. Altocor can cause birth defects. Do not use this medication if you are pregnant. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant during treatment. Use an effective form of birth control while you are using this medication. It is not known whether lovastatin passes into breast milk. Do not take Altocor without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. Altocor is not for use in children younger than 10 years of age.