WHAT IS Altocor/Lovastatin TABLETS?

LOVASTATIN/Altocor is known as a HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor or 'statin'. It lowers the level of cholesterol in the blood. This drug may also reduce the risk of heart attack or other health problems in patients with risk factors for heart disease. Diet and lifestyle changes are often used with this drug. This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

WHERE SHOULD I KEEP Altocor/Lovastatin?

Keep out of the reach of children.

HOW SHOULD I USE Altocor/Lovastatin?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take with food. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 10 years of age for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

Note: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

WHAT IF I MISS A DOSE?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

WHAT SHOULD I WATCH FOR WHILE USING Altocor/Lovastatin?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular check-ups. You may need regular tests to make sure your liver is working properly.

Tell you doctor or health care professional right away if you get any unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness, especially if you also have a fever and tiredness.

This drug is only part of a total heart-health program. Your doctor or a dietician can suggest a low-cholesterol and low-fat diet to help. Avoid alcohol and smoking, and keep a proper exercise schedule.

Do not use this drug if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. Serious side effects to an unborn child or to an infant are possible. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

If you are going to have surgery tell your health care professional that you are taking this drug.

Some drugs may increase the risk of side effects from lovastatin/Altocor . If you are given certain antibiotics or antifungals, your doctor or health care professional may stop lovastatin/Altocor for a short time. Check with your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

WHAT MAY INTERACT WITH Altocor/Lovastatin?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following:

• clarithromycin/Biaxin
• nefazodone
• troleandomycin
• protease inhibitors used to treat HIV infection
• mibefradil
• telithromycin
• herbal medicines like red yeast rice
• delavirdine
• erythromycin/E-mycin
• medicines for fungal infections like itraconazole/Sporanox, ketoconazole/Nizoral
• grapefruit juice
• other medicines for cholesterol

This medicine may also interact with the following:

• alcohol
• verapamil/Verelan sr
• danazol/Danocrine
• warfarin/Coumadin
• amiodarone/Pacerone
• St. John's wort
• cyclosporine/Gengraf
• mifepristone, RU-486
• diltiazem
• gemfibrozil/Lopid
• niacin
• fluconazole/Diflucan
• fenofibrate/Tricor
• voriconazole

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care providers a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

WHAT SIDE EFFECTS MAY I NOTICE FROM Altocor/Lovastatin?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• yellowing of the eyes or skin
• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
• muscle cramps, pain
• fever
• trouble passing urine or change in the amount of urine
• unusually weak or tired
• dark urine
• joint pain
• redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• stomach pain
• heartburn
• indigestion
• constipation
• gas

This list may not describe all possible side effects.

WHAT SHOULD I TELL MY HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS BEFORE I TAKE Altocor/Lovastatin?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• breast-feeding
• kidney disease
• liver disease
• frequently drink alcoholic beverages
• an unusual or allergic reaction to lovastatin/Altocor , other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• muscle aches or weakness
• other medical condition

What is the shelf life of the pills?

• The expiry date is mentioned on each blister. It is different for different batches. The shelf life is 2 years from the date of manufacture and would differ from batch to batch depending on when they were manufactured.