Mevacor Disease Interactions

The use of HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors is contraindicated in patients with active liver disease or unexplained, persistent elevations of serum transaminases. HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors are extensively metabolized by the liver. Decreased drug metabolism may lead to accumulation and increased risk of toxicity, including biochemical abnormalities of liver function and, rarely, jaundice, hepatitis, cirrhosis, fatty change in the liver, and fulminant hepatic necrosis. Therapy with HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors should be administered cautiously in patients with a history of liver disease and/or heavy alcohol use. A lower initial dosage may be appropriate, and clinical monitoring of liver transaminase levels according to the individual product package labeling is recommended. Patients who develop elevated ALT or AST levels during therapy should be monitored until abnormalities resolve. If an increase above 3 times the upper limit of normal persists, consideration should be given to a reduction in dosage or withdrawal of therapy.

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Severe myopathy, including rhabdomyolysis with acute renal failure secondary to myoglobinuria, has been reported rarely with the use of HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors. The myopathy may be dose-related and is characterized by muscle aches and/or weakness in conjunction with increases in creatine phosphokinase (CPK) values exceeding 10 times the upper limit of normal. Therapy with HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors should be administered cautiously in patients with preexisting myopathy, in those with predisposing factors for myopathy or with a history of myoneural disorder, since it may delay the recognition or confound the diagnosis of a drug-induced musculoskeletal effect. Patients should be advised to report promptly any unusual muscle pain, tenderness or weakness, particularly if accompanied by malaise or fever. Periodic CPK determinations may be considered in some patients, although the value of such monitoring is uncertain. HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor therapy should be withdrawn if markedly elevated CPK levels occur or if drug-related myopathy is diagnosed or suspected.

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In patients with severe renal impairment (CrCl < 30 mL/min.), the plasma concentrations of total HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors after a single dose of lovastatin may be approximately two-fold higher than those in healthy patients, presumably due to the accumulation of active metabolites. Increased HMG-CoA reductase inhibitory activity may be associated with a greater risk of adverse effects, including hepatic and musculoskeletal toxicities. Therefore, lovastatin dosage increases above 20 mg/day should be considered and implemented cautiously in patients with severe renal impairment. Close clinical monitoring is recommended during therapy.

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Cognitive impairment (e.g., memory loss, forgetfulness, amnesia, memory impairment, confusion) have been observed in patients receiving statins. The reports are usually not serious, and reversible upon statin discontinuation. Caution is recommended when using these agents in patients with cognitive impairment.

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Increases in HbA1c and fasting serum glucose levels have been reported with the use of certain HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors. Caution should be exercised when using these agents in diabetic patients and close monitoring is recommended.

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Some HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors such as fluvastatin, have not been studied in patients with severe renal impairment or end-stage renal disease. Some others such as pitavastatin and simvastatin, require a dose reduction when used in this group of patients. Caution and close monitoring is advised when using these drugs in patients with renal impairment.

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