Lovastatin (Altoprev, Mevacor): Side Effects, Risks & Information

Physicians prescribe lovastatin to people with high cholesterol when diet and exercise have not worked to reduce these levels. A type of statin drug, lovastatin blocks a liver enzyme needed by the body to produce cholesterol. It is available in generic form and under brand names such as Altoprev and Mevacor. Numerous side effects are possible.

Most Common Effects

• In pre-approval clinical trials with lovastatin, as detailed by eMedTV, the most common side effects were seen in fewer than 5 percent of participants. These included gas, constipation or diarrhea, headache, muscle pain and abdominal pain.

Less Common Effects

• Other less common lovastatin side effects included blurred vision, dizziness, muscle cramps and weakness.

Rhabdomyolysis

• As with all statins, many serious but rare side effects are possible. One is a disorder called rhabdomyolysis, which involves severe breakdown of skeletal muscle that can cause kidney damage. Symptoms include muscle pain and tenderness, weakness, fever, dark urine and feeling ill.

Liver Issues

• Because statins affect liver function, lovastatin can cause elevated liver enzymes or more significant liver problems. Signs include jaundice, dark urine and nausea.

Allergic Reaction

• Rarely, people can experience an allergic reaction to lovastatin. Symptoms include rash or hives, swelling, and difficulty breathing or swallowing.