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Home > Drug Category > Cholesterol Medications > Advicor and Equivalent

Advicor Information

Advicor (niacin extended-release and lovastatin) is a combination medication primarily used to lower high cholesterol and triglyceride levels when diet and exercise alone have not been sufficient. It is specifically used to lower "bad" cholesterol (LDL-C) and triglycerides, while increasing "good" cholesterol (HDL-C). Advicor combines two lipid-altering agents: niacin and lovastatin. Niacin (nicotinic acid or vitamin B3) works by reducing the production of very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) in the liver, which in turn reduces the formation of LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, while also increasing HDL cholesterol. Lovastatin belongs to a class of drugs called HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (statins). It works by blocking an enzyme in the liver that is necessary to produce cholesterol, thereby lowering the amount of cholesterol in the blood. The combination of these two mechanisms provides a comprehensive approach to lipid management.

Advicor Side Effects

The most common side effects of Advicor may include flushing (redness, warmth, itching, or tingling of the skin), headache, stomach upset, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, muscle pain, or tingling in the extremities. Flushing is a widespread side effect of niacin and may be reduced by taking aspirin 30 minutes before Advicor or by gradually increasing the dose. Call your doctor right away if you have any of the serious side effects, such as:
• Activation of peptic ulcers.
• Gout: Symptoms include severe joint pain, especially in the big toe.
• Increased blood sugar levels or changes in glucose tolerance.
• Liver problems: Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), dark urine, light-colored stools, unusual tiredness or weakness, or persistent nausea or vomiting.
• Memory loss, forgetfulness, or confusion.
• Muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness (myopathy or rhabdomyolysis): This can be severe and may be accompanied by fever or unusual tiredness. This can lead to kidney failure.
• Severe allergic reactions: Rash, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, or trouble breathing.
• Severe stomach pain may indicate inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis).
• Vision changes.

Advicor Precautions

Do not use Advicor if you are allergic to niacin, lovastatin, or any of its ingredients. Do not use Advicor if you have active liver disease or unexplained persistent elevations in liver enzymes, active peptic ulcer disease, arterial bleeding, or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Before starting this medication, inform your doctor about your medical history, especially if you have a history of liver or kidney problems, severe heart conditions (like unstable angina or acute heart attack), gout, diabetes, or an active stomach ulcer. Tell your doctor about all your medications, including prescription, OTC, herbal supplements, and vitamins. Advicor can interact with many other drugs. Importantly, it should not be taken with certain medications that significantly increase the risk of muscle problems, such as some antifungal medications (e.g., itraconazole), certain antibiotics (e.g., erythromycin), HIV/AIDS medicines (e.g., protease inhibitors), cyclosporine, danazol, and other cholesterol-lowering drugs, especially fibrates (e.g., gemfibrozil, fenofibrate) as this combination can significantly increase the risk of severe muscle damage. Alcohol consumption, vast quantities, should be monitored closely as it can worsen liver effects and flushing. Avoid grapefruit or products containing grapefruit juice as it can increase the levels of lovastatin in your body, potentially leading to increased side effects.

Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Advicor is contraindicated during pregnancy as lovastatin can harm an unborn baby. It is recommended to stop Advicor before trying to conceive. If you become pregnant while taking Advicor, contact your doctor immediately. Inform your doctor if you are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed. Niacin is excreted in breast milk, and the effects on a nursing infant are unknown. Due to the potential for severe adverse reactions, Advicor is contraindicated during breastfeeding. The safety and effectiveness of Advicor have not been established in pediatric patients, and its use in children is not recommended.

Use your medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Advicor is typically taken once daily at bedtime, with a low-fat meal or snack. Swallow the extended-release tablet whole; do not break, crush, or chew it. Do not take it on an empty stomach. Your doctor will likely start with a lower dose and gradually increase it over several weeks to help your body adjust and minimize side effects, especially flushing. Continue using the medication for the full prescribed duration, even if symptoms improve, unless otherwise directed by your doctor. Regular blood tests will be necessary to monitor your cholesterol and triglyceride levels, as well as liver and kidney function, to ensure the medication is working correctly and to detect any unwanted effects. Store Advicor at room temperature (between 15°C and 30°C or 59°F and 86°F). Keep all medicines out of reach of children.

Do I need a prescription to order Advicor?

Yes, a prescription is required from your physician to order Advicor.