Advicor Oral
In Depth
- Uses and How to Use
- Dosage and Storage
- Precautions and Side Effects
- Drug Interactions
- Drug Images
Pronounced: (NYE-a-sin/LOW-vuh-stat-in)
Advicor Oral Uses
This combination medication is used along with a proper diet to help lower "bad" cholesterol (e.g., LDL) and fats (triglycerides) and raise "good" cholesterol (HDL) in the blood. Niacin is also known as vitamin B3 (nicotinic acid), one of the B-complex vitamins. It works by reducing the amount of cholesterol made by the liver and increasing the natural substance (an enzyme) that breaks down fats in the blood. Lovastatin belongs to a group of drugs known as "statins". It works by reducing the amount of cholesterol made by the liver. This product is prescribed after non-drug treatments (e.g., diet change, increase in exercise, weight loss if overweight) and the use of one drug (niacin or lovastatin) have not been fully successful at lowering cholesterol. Lowering "bad" cholesterol and triglycerides and raising "good" cholesterol decreases the risk of heart disease and helps prevent strokes and heart attacks. Lowering triglycerides may also help reduce the risk of pancreas problems (pancreatitis) in people at risk.
How To Use Advicor Oral
Take this medication by mouth with a low-fat snack, usually once daily at bedtime or as directed by your doctor. Taking this drug with food will increase its absorption and help reduce side effects (e.g., flushing, stomach upset).
Swallow this drug whole. Do not chew, crush, or break the medication. Doing so can destroy the long action of the drug and may increase side effects.
To lessen the chance of flushing, avoid alcohol and hot beverages near the time you take niacin. Taking a plain aspirin (non-enteric coated, 325 milligrams) or a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (e.g., ibuprofen, 200 milligrams) 30 minutes before taking niacin may help prevent flushing. Ask your doctor if this treatment is right for you (especially if you are also taking a "blood thinner" such as warfarin).
The niacin in this product is an extended-release form. Your doctor should instruct you to take the individual extended-release niacin first until you reach the right dose and then switch you over to this combination product. Niacin is also available in other formulations (e.g., immediate- and sustained-release). Do not switch other strengths, brands, or forms of niacin with this product because doing so may cause severe liver problems.
