Home :: Advicor

Advicor Medication - Uses & Side Effects

Generic Name: Niacin

LOVASTATIN; NIACIN (Advicor™) blocks the body's ability to make cholesterol. Advicor is an oral drug that is used for lowering cholesterol levels. The combination of lovastatin and niacin lowers the 'bad' cholesterol level (LDL) and increases the 'good' cholesterol level (HDL).

Advicor Dosage

• The usual starting dose of Advicor is one tablet containing 500 milligrams of extended-release niacin and 20 milligrams of lovastatin and you should be taken this medicine at bedtime with a low-fat snack. Your doctor may increase the dosage after four weeks, if the initial dose has not been effective.
• The maximum usual dosage is 2,000 milligrams of extended-release niacin and 40 milligrams of lovastatin.

Uses of Advicor

• Together, lovastatin and niacin are used to reduce levels of LDL cholesterol, total cholesterol, and triglycerides and to raise levels of "good" (HDL)cholesterol.
• It is also used to treat other medical conditions that are listed in the medication guide.

Side Effects of Advicor

If you are using Advicor, then discuss the side effects of Advicor with your doctor and if you feel any develop or change in intensity, then tell your doctor immediately. Side effects may include:

• severe flushing
• nausea
• vomiting
• diarrhea
• stomach distress
• dizziness
• fainting
• indigestion.

Warnings and precautions before taking Advicor:

• Before using this medication, you should tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially if you have heart disease, kidney disease, history of liver disease, underactive thyroid, diabetes, gout, history of stomach problems, low phosphate blood levels, alcohol use.
• If you are taking Advicor, then you may feel dizzy. So do not perform any activity that require more alertness such as driving or using machinery.
• If you have diabetes, then Advicor may affect your blood sugar levels. You should tell your doctor if you note any changes.

Drug Interaction:- If you are taking certain drugs with Advicor, then it may be increased, decreased, or altered the effects of Advicor. Discuss with your doctor before combining Advicor with the following:

• Antifungal drugs such as Sporanox and Nizoral
• Calcium channel blockers such as Norvasc, Plendil, and Procardia
• Blood pressure medications such as Inderal, Lopressor, and Tenormin
• Cimetidine (Tagamet)
• Erythromycin (E.E.S., Erythrocin)
• HIV protease inhibitors such as Viracept and Norvir
• Nefazodone (Serzone)
• Spironolactone (Aldactone)
• Warfarin (Coumadin)

Overdose

After taking Advicor, if you feel that overdose is suspected, then contact with your doctor immediately. Symptoms of Advicor overdose may include:

• Diarrhea
• dizziness
• fainting
• heartbeat irregularities
• indigestion
• nausea
• severe flushing
• vomiting