Advicor Side Effects

From Pharmacy Drug Guide

Advicor is a brand name for a combination of niacin and lovastatin. Advicor is a prescription drug that is used to treat high cholesterol.^[1] Advicor slows the production of cholesterol, thereby lowering levels of cholesterol and some fats. Patients are often advised that diet and lifestyle changes, like regular exercise and a low-fat high-fiber diet, are necessary in addition to taking Advicor.^{[2] [3]}

Advicor side effects include flushing, weakness, flu symptoms, headache, diarrhea and nausea. People with gout, diabetes, thyroid disorder, or heart disease may need their dosage adjusted or may not be right for Advicor. People who drink large quantities of alcoholic beverages, or people who are switching from immediate-release niacin to sustained-release niacin too quickly, may be unable to take Advicor.^[4]

Contents 1 Common Advicor Side Effects 2 Drug Side Effects 3 Advicor Allergic Reactions 4 Advicor Precautions and Warnings 5 References

Common Advicor Side Effects

Common side effects of Advicor include flushing, flu symptoms, infection, constipation, headache, mild dizziness, cold symptoms like stuffy nose and sore throat, nausea, diarrhea, back pain, stomach pain, indigestion and mild skin rash. Some of these side effects may subside over time.^{[2] [3] [4]}

Serious side effects of Advicor include severe muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness, possibly indicating myopathy (muscle damage), which could lead to the development of rhabdomyolysis (kidney damage). Some drugs may interact with Advicor and increase this risk.^{[1] [5]} Other serious side effects may include fever, yellowing of the skin or eyes, pain in the upper right part of the stomach, changes in urine quantity or color, or unusual bleeding or bruising.^{[1] [2] [3]}

Some patients have reported cognitive impairment. They have experienced symptoms such as forgetfulness, memory loss, and confusion. These symptoms may be reversible. Patients may also be at increased risk of higher blood sugar levels and the development of Type 2 diabetes.^{[1] [5]}

Drug Side Effects

Advicor Allergic Reactions

Allergic reactions to Advicor include swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, hives and constricted breathing. These symptoms may require immediate medical assistance. The active ingredients of Advicor are niacin and lovastatin, both of which may cause allergic reactions in certain people. Other ingredients found in Advicor, such as hypromellose, povidone, stearic acid, polyethylene glycol, titanium dioxide and polysorbate 80 may also cause allergic reactions to those with corresponding allergies.^[1]

Advicor Precautions and Warnings

• Advicor can, in rare cases, cause muscle weakness and pain, which may be symptomatic of a dangerous condition known as rhabdomyolysis, particularly when the muscular issues are accompanied by fever, exhaustion and changes in urine volume and color.
• Drinking alcohol while on Advicor can raise triglyceride (fat) levels and increase the risk of liver disease.
• Grapefruit juice can interfere with how Advicor is metabolized, leading to more drug remaining in the body.^[1]
• Advicor may interact with drugs such as amiodarone (Cordarone, Pacerone), and cimetidine (Tagamet), anticoagulants like warfarin (Coumadin), antifungal medications such as itraconazole (Sporanox) and ketoconazole (Nizoral) and other cholesterol-lowering medications.^[2]

Also See: Advicor, Niacin, Niacin Side Effects, Advicor Coupons, Abbott Patient Assistance Programs, Statin Side Effects, Crestor Side Effects, Lipitor, Lipitor Side Effects, Pravastatin Side Effects, Simvastatin, Simvastatin Side Effects, Tricor Side Effects, Vytorin, Vytorin Side Effects, Zocor Side Effects

References

1. ↑ ^{1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7} http://www.rxabbott.com/pdf/advicor.pdf
2. ↑ ^{2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3} http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0000877/
3. ↑ ^{3.0 3.1 3.2} http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0000700/
4. ↑ ^{4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4} http://www.advicor.com/
5. ↑ ^{5.0 5.1} http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm293330.htm