Advicor is an oral drug that is used to treat for lowering cholesterol levels. It is a combination of extended-release niacin and lovastatin. Lovastatin blocks the production of cholesterol (a type of fat) in the body. Niacin, also known as nicotinic acid, is vitamin B3. Niacin also blocks the production of cholesterol in the body.

Advicor Dosage

The usual starting dose of Advicor is one tablet containing 500 milligrams of extended-release niacin and 20 milligrams of lovastatin, taken at bedtime with a low-fat snack.

Uses of Advicor

*Together, lovastatin and niacin are used to reduce levels of LDL (or "bad") cholesterol, total cholesterol.

*Lovastatin and niacin may also be used for other medical conditions those are listed in this medication guide.

Warnings and precautions before taking Advicor

*Check with your doctor immediately if you have dark-colored urine, a fever, muscle cramps or spasms, muscle pain or stiffness, or feel very tired or weak. Niacin extended-release and lovastatin combination may cause a serious, but rare, problem called rhabdomyolysis. It is important to call your doctor right away if you have any of these symptoms.

*Before using this medicine, you should consult with your doctor or pharmacist if you have active liver disease, active peptic ulcer disease, serious bleeding problems such as arterial bleeding.

*Before stopping your medication, you should notify your doctor immediately if you have any of the following conditions such as recent or scheduled major surgery, trauma, serious illness, very low blood pressure, uncontrolled seizures.

*Lovastatin is known to cause birth defects if used during pregnancy. Do not take lovastatin and niacin if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during

*This medication passes into breast milk and it may have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. So breast-feeding is not recommended while using this drug.

*Alcohol and lovastatin and niacin can both be harmful to the liver, especially when used together.

Side Effects of Advicor

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Advicor.

More common side effects may include:

o Abdominal pain

o Back pain

o Diarrhea

o Flu-like symptoms

o Flushing

o Headache

o High blood sugar

o Indigestion

o Infection

o Itching

o Muscle pain

o Nausea

o Pain

o Rash

o Vomiting

o Weakness

Drug Interaction :-

If you are taking Advicor with certain other drugs, then it may be increased, decreased, or altered the effects of medicine. So it is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Advicor with the following:

*Antifungal drugs such as Sporanox and Nizoral

*Blood pressure medications such as Inderal, Lopressor, and Tenormin

*Calcium channel blockers such as Norvasc, Plendil, and Procardia

*Cimetidine (Tagamet)

*Erythromycin (E.E.S., Erythrocin)

*HIV protease inhibitors such as Viracept and Norvir

*Nefazodone (Serzone)

*Spironolactone (Aldactone)

*Warfarin (Coumadin)

Overdose

Seek emergency medical attention.

Symptoms of a lovastatin and niacin overdose include severe flushing,

* Nausea

* Vomiting

* Diarrhea

* Stomach distress

* Dizziness

* Fainting

* Indigestion.