Lovastatin Side Effects – Side Effects of Lovastatin

Learn LOVASTATIN Side effects and Safety Concerns of this of prescription cholesterol medication. Here we have provided comprehensive and accurate information about side effects of Lovastatin for consumers. Lovastatin is an enzyme blocking medicinal drug that is also known as statin. It is used for the treatment of a number of conditions related to heart disease including high cholesterol. It belongs to the class of drugs that are HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors. HMG-CoA reductase is an enzyme that is required by the body to synthesize cholesterol.

Lovastatin works by inhibiting this enzyme production thus decreasing excess levels of cholesterol to an amount that maintains normal body functions. Subsequent reduction in the cholesterol and triglyceride levels help prevent strokes and heart attacks. Administration of this drug successfully reduces the Low-Density lipoprotein (LDL) also known as the ‘bad’ cholesterol and has limited effect on High-Density lipoprotein (HDL) also referred to as ‘good’ cholesterol.

Just as any other medicine, Lovastatin is also characterized by certain health side effects. Although the side effects are not seen in all individuals they still do persist in some. In most cases the side effects are minor and might not require immediate expert attention, instead they can be easily cured. Also since the low severity of the side effects the medications can be safely consumed even at the advent of such health discomforts caused by the drug. Some of these side effects may include constipation, increased secretion of liver enzymes, gastric problems, headache, muscle pain like myalgia, diarrhea and abdominal pain.

Although not very often, these drugs are also known to cause muscle damage. A serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely but when it does occur it can lead to appearance of rashes, hives, itching, breathing difficulties, tightness in the chest, swelling of the mouth, face, lips or tongue, chest pain, dark colored urine, muscle pain including tenderness or weakness of the muscle tissue sometimes accompanied with fever or fatigue, pale textured stools, red and swollen skin with blisters and at a stage of peeling off and finally yellow coloration of the eyes and the skin.

There are some unwanted side effects also studied in a very rare group of individuals accounting to only 1% of the Lovastatin consuming population. These side effects include rhabdomyolysis-severe breakdown of muscles, joint pain, memory loss and depression. Consistent rise in levels of serum transaminases is observed. Also as another side effect of this drug in certain patients elevated levels of creatine kinase (CK) of atleast twice the normal level was observed. Some more miscellaneous adverse effects of Lovastatin that is observed in 0.5 % – 1% of the patients may include chest pain, gastrointestinal-acid regurgitation, dryness of mouth, vomiting, pain in the legs and the shoulders, anthralgia, insomnia, paresthesia, alopecia, pruritus and irritation of the eyes.

Thus before the intake of lovastatin you must notify your physician of your allergies. This medicine should not be ingested if any other medical condition persists. Also do not forget to mention your medical history to your doctor, in case you have existing medical conditions like active liver disease, heart disease, kidney disease, hypothyroidism, diabetes and alcohol addiction. Also notify your doctor prior to stopping your medications in the event of a major surgery, trauma, sepsis, severe metabolic disorders, low blood pressure and uncontrolled seizures. This drug is to be avoided during and post pregnancy since it has the ability to pass through breast milk and affect adversely the health of the nursing infants. Also caution is to be exercised in cases of older patients who are more prone to muscle damage.