Advicor (Niacin/Lovastatin) is a prescription medication used to lower high cholesterol levels when exercise and diet alone have not worked. Cholesterol is a waxy substance found in the blood and necessary for building healthy cells. However, high levels of cholesterol can increase your risk of heart disease. The active ingredients in Advicor are Niacin and Lovastatin. Niacin belongs to a class of medications called antilipemic agents. It works by lowering the production of LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol) and triglycerides and increasing the production of HDL cholesterol (good cholesterol).
Manufacturer Information
We currently offer generic Niacin/Lovastatin from Canada in the strength of 500 mg/20 mg and 500 mg/40 mg tablets. The brand Advicor is not available.
Get medical help immediately if you have any of these signs or an allergic reaction while using Advicor. The most common side effects of Advicor may include the following:
• Abdominal pain;
• Diarrhea;
• Dizziness;
• Flushing;
• Gas;
• Nausea
Contact your doctor right away if you have any of the severe side effects, including:
• Mood changes;
• Signs of an allergic reaction, such as trouble breathing, hives, swelling of the face, lips, or throat;
• Skin rash
These are not all of the side effects of Advicor. Always contact your doctor if you notice any unusual symptoms.
You should not use Advicor if you are allergic to Niacin, Lovastatin, or any ingredient in Advicor. Before you start using this medication, tell your doctor about your medical history, especially if you:
• Are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed;
• Are pregnant or planning to become pregnant;
• Have a family history of muscular disorders;
• Have a history of jaundice;
• Have diabetes;
• Have ever had peptic ulcer or gout;
• Have unexplained liver, kidney, or thyroid problems
Tell your doctor about all your medications, including prescription, OTC, herbal supplements, and vitamins. There may be drug interactions between Advicor and other medicines, like cyclosporine, niacin, erythromycin, antipyrine, propranolol, digoxin, acetylsalicylic acid, etc. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Taking Advicor can cause serious injury to your fetus. Use a reliable form of contraception when using this medication. Inform your doctor if you are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed. It is unknown if Niacin or Lovastatin passes into breast milk or if they may harm your nursing infant. Use this medicine exactly as your doctor prescribes. Advicor is a tablet. Take the tablet whole. Do not break, crush, or chew them. Take this drug at bedtime. If you miss a dose, take your next usual dose the next evening. Do not take extra tablets to make up for the missed dose. You can take the medicine with a low-fat snack to reduce your risk of stomach upset. Avoid spicy foods and hot or alcoholic drinks when taking this drug. Do not take grapefruit juice while using this drug. Store this drug at room temperature, away from light and moisture. Keep out of the reach of children.