Lovastatin Joint Pain/ Leg Cramps | Lovastatin Side Effects

Lovastatin is usually well tolerated, however, it may cause myopathy or rhabdomyolysis which is the common side effects found among statin drugs though rarely happen. The risk of myopathy/rhamdomyolysis is dose related and patients should carefully monitored when taking other medicines known to affect lovastatin metabolism. Any risk of myopathy or unexplained muscle pain, tenderness or weakness should be reported as soon as possible. Lovastatin therapy should be withhold and discontinued if myopathy is suspected diagnosed due to lovastatin.

Other side effects may include GI discomfort, muscle cramps, myalgia, asthenia
Gastrointestinal: Abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, dyspepsia, flatulence, nausea
Skin: Rash
Nervous system: Dizziness, headache

Lovastatin Niacin, Grapefruit | Lovastatin Drug Interactions

Since statin drugs (including lovastatin) are mostly metabolized via CYP3A4, grapefruit juice with its components flavanoid naringin (or furanoccoumarin bergamottin) would inhibit CYP3A4 leading to a in decrease in metabolic clearance of lovastatin and thus increasing its plasma concentrations. There are drug interactions of lovastatin with fibrates including gemfibrozil, niacin, or ciclosporin and hence, lovastatin at doses higher than 20 mg per day should not be used together with these drugs as risk of rhabdomyolysis is significantly increased.

Other drugs found to reduce the lovastatin elimination include erythromycin, ketoconazole, itraconazole, clarithromycin, telithromycin, cyclosporine, nefazodone and protease inhibitors such as indinavir and ritonavir.

How to use Flexpen (NovoLog)

To use insulin pen, you can refer to the link below of how to use Novopen 4. The way and steps are guided and there are only little or no difference between guides to use Flexpen or Novolog and Novopen from Novo Nordisk.

How to use Novopen 4

It must be noted that Insulin pen should not be kept in the refrigerator which would destroy the function of Flexpen. Also, to manage your disposable needles, don't place a needle on your pen until you are ready to use it. It is advised to remove the needle from the pen immediately after use and don't try to recap the needle. Safely dispose the needles without posing any possible dangers to others. It is recommended to use a new needle for each injection, however, a needle may be used maximum up to 3 times.



Related Searches:
How to inject Clexane (Enoxaparin)
How to use Novopen 4
How to use Flexpen (NovoLog)
How to use Lantus (Solostar)
How to use Humapen (humulin penfill)
How to inject Arixtra (Fondaparinux)
How to use MDI (Metered Dose Inhaler)

How to use Lantus (Solostar)

Lantus is a long-acting insuling which you have to take just once a day at the same time each day to help control your blood sugar. Lantus can be said the only insulin approved exclusively for use once a day among others. Guide step by step on way how to use lantus is no much different from using Novopen. You can refer to the link below for Novopen or view the video on ways to use Lantus.

How to use Novopen 4

The solution inside the catridges should be clear and never use it if seen cloudy.



Be noted that insulin injection indicated for lowering blood sugar in the body, if one feels the symptoms of tired, dizzy, sleepy, shaking, hungry, all these are possible to be signs of hypoglycemia meaning that the blood sugar is too low in the body. If such conditions occur, one has to take candy and that's the reason insulin-taking patients are recommended to bring along some candies with them everytime. Otherwise, eat little food will do.

Related keywords: how to use lantus solostar, way to use lantus catridges, how to use lantus optiset or opticlik pen

Related Searches:
How to inject Clexane
How to use Novopen 4
How to use Flexpen
How to use Lantus
How to use Humapen
How to inject Arixtra
How to use MDI

How to use Humapen (humulin penfill)

The way of using Humapen is no much different from Novopen. You can refer to the link below to look at the way and step by step of using Novopen.

How to use Novopen 4

The only different between both Humapen and Novopen is that they are from different companies and thus using different brand of catridges. It is noted that the you cannot load catridge of Novopen (Novo Nordisk) to Humapen and vice versa. Each type of pen only allows loading of their respective brand of catridge.

The way of how to use Humapen Ergo, Humapen Luxura or Luxura HD is always same in nature you can view the detailed guides here. For your information, normally Novopen is in grey color while Humapen is blue color. For Humapen Luxura, it comes with 2 colors (dark and light browns). It is used for injecting medications of Humalog, Humulin S and Humulin I, Humalog Mix 25, Humalog Mix 50 and Humulin M3 insulins.



It is reminded that you have to prime the device to expel any air or bubble trapped in the catridge everytime changed to new needle. Also, discard the needle in such a way to avoid hurting members around (either throw them into the paper box or any container to dispose your sharps carefully).

Related Searches:
How to inject Clexane (Enoxaparin)
How to use Novopen 4
How to use Flexpen (NovoLog)
How to use Lantus (Solostar)
How to use Humapen (humulin penfill)
How to inject Arixtra (Fondaparinux)
How to use MDI (Metered Dose Inhaler)

How to inject Arixtra (Fondaparinux)

It is noted that arixtra will come in a syringe and is ready to use. You would notice that there is an air bubble in the syringe but it is purposely made it so. Never try to get rid of this air bubble before injection.
To administer arixtra yourself, firstly, you have to wash your hands with soap and clean water. Then, sit or aly down to get a position where you can see and pinch skin on your stomach or legs easily. It is suggested that you pick a place that has some fat (eg. stomach or thighs) to minimize the pain during injection. Usually, stomach area would be advised for injection. You may use the back of your arms is someone else is giving you the shot. It is remembered that you have to alternate and use different place for each shot. If you choose stomach area to inject, stay two-finger distance away from your belly and, again two-finger distance away for your next injection from the previous site. Also, stay at least 2 inches away from any place you have had surgery, scar or a tattoo.

One simple and good idea to understand would be imagining your stomach as a clock. Give the first shot at 1, the next shot at 2, and so on. However, do not give shots where the site is on 6 or 12 o'clock of your stomach. Followingly, clean the area with alcohol by using a new alcohol wipe for each shot. Scrub the area 2-3 times and let the alcohol dry completely.

Remove the cap from the needle and hold the syringe in one hand while using the other hand to twist the needle guard counter-clockwise and pull it straight off. Avoid approach or stay near anyone while taking off the cap.
Use the hand which you use to write to hold it likea pen and use another hand to pinch the fat in the area you just cleaned. Hold the needle straight againt the pinched skin, push the needle all the way in. (Never be half or partial way in). Then, push the plunger all the way in slowly. Release the plunger and withdraw the needle. Let go of the pinched skin. (Hence, it must be noted that only after you pull out your needle you release your pinched skin).

It is single-use syringe and dispose it after use and never use a shot or needle more than once. Throw it into container made for needles (where sharp needle cannot poke through) and dispose it properly without causing harm to any.

Related Searches:
How to inject Clexane (Enoxaparin)
How to use Novopen 4
How to use Flexpen (NovoLog)
How to use Lantus (Solostar)
How to use Humapen (humulin penfill)
How to inject Arixtra (Fondaparinux)
How to use MDI (Metered Dose Inhaler)

How to use MDI (Metered Dose Inhaler)

Before start using your inhaler, you have to shake the inhaler to mix the medications uniformly. Then, remove the cap of inhaler. You have to prime the inhaler by pressing it before use to ensure that the inhaler can function. After that, coordinate your breathing rhythms regularly by breathing out and in deeply and slow for 3 times. Following the 3rd times breathing out, cover the open space of inhaler with your mouth. Make sure that there is no air uncovered to avoid medications leaking out. 

Once press the inhaler, breath in fast and deep to let the medications go into your lung for effective action. Hold your breath for about 10 seconds before breathing out. Note: Breath in through your mouth while breath out through your nose. One simple sign to make sure whether your technique work or not is to notice the gas. If white gas leak out during use, it simply means the medications do not fully go into the body. Practice makes perfect. Inhaler may be hard for 1st time user but when you master the hint of skills, it would be easy for you to use.

Normally it is suggested that inhaler to be washed once weekly. To wash your inhaler, remove the medications by simply pull out the bottle of medications. Remove the cap. Let the water paip run through the hollow of inhaler. Never try to use cloths or tissue to mop, clean or dry the inhaler. Simply leave it on the table to dry. After that, fix back the cap and medications.

Inhaler is to be stored under room temperature. It could not be stored under either cold or hot temperature. 

Related searches: How to use inhaler without spacer, guide to use MDI (Metered Dose Inhaler) without spacer

Related Searches:
How to inject Clexane (Enoxaparin)
How to use Novopen 4
How to use Flexpen (NovoLog)
How to use Lantus (Solostar)
How to use Humapen (humulin penfill)
How to inject Arixtra (Fondaparinux)
How to use MDI (Metered Dose Inhaler)

Lovastatin History / Origin - how it was discovered

Lovastatin was discovered together with compactin in the 1970s since it was found with powerful inhibitory effect on enzyme HMG-CoA reductase which lead to clinical development as potential drugs for lowering LDL cholesterol.
Also, in 1982, There was significant reductions in LDL level observed during small-scale investigations done on lovastatin where it were taken by high-risk patients with concomitantly minimal side effects being observed. Followingly, large-scale clinical trials were done further confirmed the effectiveness of lovastatin in decreaseing LDL cholesterol level where it was approved by US FDA in 1987 due to its good tolerability. Lovastatin was the first statin approved by FDA.
Certain fungi such as Pleurotus species including Pleurotus ostreatus (oyster muschroom) was found to produce lovastatin naturally which was then being researched for its effect of extract animal cholesterol levels.

Lovastatin Dosage | Dosage Form 20 mg 40 mg | Maximum dose

The usual recommended lovastatin dosage would be 20 mg once daily given with the evening meal. The dose range would be 10-80 mg a day in single or 2 divided doses. The maximum dose for lovastatin is 80 mg per day. Lovastatin is available in tablet dosage forms with lovastastin strength as below
Lovastatin 10 mg
Lovastatin 20 mg.
Currently, lovastatin extended-release formulation is also available in the market. The initial dose would be 20-60 mg at bedtime with maintenance 10-60 mg daily.

Lovastatin Mechanism of Action | How lovastatin works

Lovastatin works by catalyzing the conversion of HMG-CoA to mevalonate by inhibiting competitively HMG-CoA reductase enzyme (or known as 3-hydroxy-3methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase). Mevalonate is a precursor and building block for cholesterol biosynthesis and thus would be interfered by lovastatin. Lovastatin is hydrolysed to the beta hydroxy acid form in the body before it becomes active.

Lovastatin Uses / Indications | Function as dyslipidemia treatment

Normally, lovastatin is indicated to lower the risk of cardiovascular disease, including stroke, heart attack, coronary heart disease and other heart complications. It is used in adults and not recommended for children who below 10 years old. Thus, the primary use would be for the treatment of dyslipidemia and prevention of heart disease. However, it is advised that patient should adopt healthy lifestyle (diet, exercise regularly) to enhance and improve lovastatin treatment.

Related Searches:
Lovastatin Muscle Cramps | Side effects
Lovastatin Gemfibrozil Drug Interactions
Lovastatin History / Origin
Lovastatin Mechanism of Action
Lovastatin Uses / Indications
Lovastatin Classification | Statin Drugs | HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors
Lovastatin Generic
Lovastatin Drug Info

Lovastatin Classification | Statin Drugs | HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors

Lovastatin is classified under statins drugs which are of HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors. Lovastatin help reduce the levels of 'bad' cholesterol or LDL (low-density lipoprotein) and triglycerides in our blood level while at the same time increasing 'good' cholesterol or HDL (high-density lipoprotein). It works by preventing certain enzymes in our body from synthetizing cholesterol.

Related Searches:
Lovastatin Muscle Cramps | Side effects
Lovastatin Gemfibrozil Drug Interactions
Lovastatin History
Lovastatin Dosage
Lovastatin Mechanism of Action
Lovastatin Uses / Indications
Lovastatin Classification | Statin Drugs | HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors
Lovastatin Generic
Lovastatin Drug Info

Lovastatin Generic | Lovastatin Brand Name / Trade Name

Lovastatin is a generic drug to Lestric, Mevacor, Altoprev, Altocor which are Lovastatin brand name / trade name

Related Searches:
Lovastatin Bruising | Adverse Reactions
Lovastatin Gemfibrozil Drug Interactions
Lovastatin Origin
Lovastatin Dosage
Lovastatin Mechanism
Lovastatin Functions
Lovastatin Classification
Lovastatin Generic
Lovastatin Drug Information

Lovastatin Drug Info

Lovastatin Generic
Lovastatin Brand Name / Trade Name
Lovastatin is a generic drug to Lestric, Mevacor, Altoprev, Altocor which are Lovastatin brand name / trade name

Lovastatin Classification
Lovastatin is classified under statins drugs which are of HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors. Lovastatin help reduce the levels of 'bad' cholesterol or LDL (low-density lipoprotein) and triglycerides in our blood level while at the same time increasing 'good' cholesterol or HDL (high-density lipoprotein). It works by preventing certain enzymes in our body from synthetizing cholesterol.

Lovastatin Uses / Indications
Normally, lovastatin is indicated to lower the risk of cardiovascular disease, including stroke, heart attack, coronary heart disease and other heart complications. It is used in adults and not recommended for children who below 10 years old. Thus, the primary use would be for the treatment of dyslipidemia and prevention of heart disease. However, it is advised that patient should adopt healthy lifestyle (diet, exercise regularly) to enhance and improve lovastatin treatment.

Lovastatin Mechanism of Action / How lovastatin works
Lovastatin works by catalyzing the conversion of HMG-CoA to mevalonate by inhibiting competitively HMG-CoA reductase enzyme (or known as 3-hydroxy-3methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase). Mevalonate is a precursor and building block for cholesterol biosynthesis and thus would be interfered by lovastatin. Lovastatin is hydrolysed to the beta hydroxy acid form in the body before it becomes active.

Lovastatin Dose / Dosage Form
The usual recommended lovastatin dosage would be 20 mg once daily given with the evening meal. The dose range would be 10-80 mg a day in single or 2 divided doses. The maximum dose for lovastatin is 80 mg per day. Lovastatin is available in tablet dosage forms with lovastastin strength as below
Lovastatin 10 mg
Lovastatin 20 mg.
Currently, lovastatin extended-release formulation is also available in the market. The initial dose would be 20-60 mg at bedtime with maintenance 10-60 mg daily.



Lovastatin History / Origin
Lovastatin was discovered together with compactin in the 1970s since it was found with powerful inhibitory effect on enzyme HMG-CoA reductase which lead to clinical development as potential drugs for lowering LDL cholesterol.
Also, in 1982, There was significant reductions in LDL level observed during small-scale investigations done on lovastatin where it were taken by high-risk patients with concomitantly minimal side effects being observed. Followingly, large-scale clinical trials were done further confirmed the effectiveness of lovastatin in decreaseing LDL cholesterol level where it was approved by US FDA in 1987 due to its good tolerability. Lovastatin was the first statin approved by FDA.
Certain fungi such as Pleurotus species including Pleurotus ostreatus (oyster muschroom) was found to produce lovastatin naturally which was then being researched for its effect of extract animal cholesterol levels.

Lovastatin structure / biochemistry
Lovastatin is isolated from a strain of Aspergillus terreus in which would be hydrolyzed to active beta hydroxyacid form from inactive lactone after oral ingestion. The hydrolyzed metabolite acts as inhibitors to 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase which is the enzyme responsible for the conversion of HMG-CoA to mevalonate. The latter is an early and rate limiting step in biosynthesis of cholesterol.
Lovastatin is [1S-[1α(R*),3α,7β,8β(2S*,4S*), 8aβ]]-1,2,3,7, 8,8a-hexahydro-3,7-dimethyl-8-[2- (tetrahydro-4-hydroxy-6-oxo-2H-pyran-2-yl)ethyl]-1-naphthalenyl 2-methylbutanoate. The empirical formula of lovastatin is C24H36O5 and its molecular weight is 404.55. Its structural formula is:


Lovastatin Side Effects
Lovastatin is usually well tolerated, however, it may cause myopathy or rhabdomyolysis which is the common side effects found among statin drugs though rarely happen. The risk of myopathy/rhamdomyolysis is dose related and patients should carefully monitored when taking other medicines known to affect lovastatin metabolism. Any risk of myopathy or unexplained muscle pain, tenderness or weakness should be reported as soon as possible. Lovastatin therapy should be withhold and discontinued if myopathy is suspected diagnosed due to lovastatin.
Other side effects may include GI discomfort, muscle cramps, myalgia, asthenia
Gastrointestinal: Abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, dyspepsia, flatulence, nausea
Skin: Rash
Nervous system: Dizziness, headache

Lovastatin pregnancy category: X

Lovastatin Contraindications
Lovastatin is contraindicated during pregnancy as it would cause skeletal deformities or learning disabilities. Also, lovastatin is contraindicated in patients with liver failure, acute liver disease or unexplained persistent elevations of serum transaminases.

Lovastatin Drug Interactions
Since statin drugs (including lovastatin) are metabolized via CYP3A4, grapefruit juice with its components flavanoid naringin (or furanoccoumarin bergamottin) would inhibit CYP3A4 resulting in decrease in metabolic clearance of lovastatin and thus increasing its plasma concentrations. There are drug interactions of lovastatin with fibrates including gemfibrozil, niacin, or ciclosporin and hence, lovastatin at doses higher than 20mg per day should not be used together with these drugs as risk of rhabdomyolysis is significantly increased.
Other drugs found to reduce the lovastatin elimination include erythromycin, ketoconazole, itraconazole, clarithromycin, telithromycin, cyclosporine, nefazodone and protease inhibitors such as indinavir and ritonavir.

How to inject Clexane (Enoxaparin)

Clexane is usually given or administered through subcutaneous injection, or, through the tubing of dialysis machine. Also, Clexane can be given by an injection into a vein and mostly, this will be done in the hospital by a trained health professional. The recommended site for the clexane injection would be stomach area, however, other site like arm can also be injected but may cause more pain stomach. Injecting in the stomach with about 2 finger distance from the belly-button would be ideal (not too close to belly). A different injection site (rotate and alternate) should be used for each injection and it is advised not to rub the injection site after administration.

Before injecting the clexane, it is recommended to clean the area with water and cottonwool. Then, hold the syringe between your forefinger and your thumb. With the another hand, pinch your skin of stomach (the purpose would be pulling some skin up but if you have fat on your belly, just pull skin up instead of pinching). While pinching, insert the needle into the skin straight and perpendicular to your stomach. It is noted that before you push the medicine solution inside your body, pull the plunger very lightly and notice if there is any blood. You would have accidentally nicked a vein if you see the blood where you will need to readjust the needle so that it would be out of the vein.

Inject the Clexane by pushing slowly on the plunger until you notice the air bubble goes to the needle. The whole length of the syringe needle should be introduced vertically into the thickness of a skin pinched between thumb and finger where the skin fold should be held throughout the duration of the injection. After injecting the whole solution into the body, hold for 5 seconds to let the medicine going into the body completely before removing the needle. Replace the lid of the needle carefully to avoid being stabbed and pricked. Finally, bring the empty injections to the nearest pharmacy to be disposed safely and accordingly.

Tips for injecting clexane
-  Do not use ice to numb the skin to ease the pain. You would find it more painful as the cold tighten the skin making it harder to inject (freezer burn)
- Warm the solution by rubbing between your palms or holding in your armpit or thighs before injecting the cold solution.
- Try to relax yourself while injecting the needle as tension and nervous may make your skin 'resist' to the needle to be poked through the skin
- Never feel panic or strange if you notice air bubble in your injection as it is used to push all the clexane solution out of needles and with purpose to reduce bruising
- Try to distract yourself from negative thoughts bearing that injection would be painful. Mental and psychological would help.

Related Searches:
How to inject Clexane (Enoxaparin)
How to use Novopen 4
How to use Flexpen (NovoLog)
How to use Lantus (Solostar)
How to use Humapen (humulin penfill)
How to inject Arixtra (Fondaparinux)
How to use MDI (Metered Dose Inhaler)

How to use Novopen 4

Firstly, when you take the catridge from the fridge, you have to rub the catridge between palm of your hands to warm up the cooled medication. (Note: Cold solution injected to your body would cause pain). Followingly, shake the medication by holding the catridge upside down for 10 times to let the solution mixed uniformly and equally distributed. (Appearance of cloudy solution should be uniformly redistributed, repeat the process otherwise).




To start using Novopen, pull out the cap of Novopen (just like a normal pen). Then, open by twist out the front part of the pen. You would notice the spring may or may out project out, kindly let the spring falling into the part of the pen by holding straight. Simply use your thumb to press the spring if it does not fall down at its own. After that, insert the catridge into the part of the pen by putting the front head of green color into it. Screw to close the pen together until you hear a 'tit' sound which indicates the firmness. (Note: Hold the pen in such a way not letting your catridge falling out during twisting your parts of pen together.)

After that, fix the needle to the front part of the Novopen by screwing it to tight. Then, you have to prime it to test whether this pen can function or not. To test, simply pull out the back button part and turn to 2 units. Be noted that there is no odd number but only even number in the reading. The middle unit between the 2 even number indicates the odd number. Then, push by pressing it the button to zero unit and notice if there is any solution coming out from the needle. If there is no solution injected, repeat the process by turning into 2 units again and test it. Repeat until there is solution coming out or else change to another needle.

Followingly, turn into the units desired to be injected into the body. Hold the pen straight and make sure you can read the reading after inject to your body. Hold the pen straight perpendicular to your body when inject. The area for insulin injection would be the stomach area which near belly button which has the most fatty deposit area. (Don't inject through your belly button!) Use 2 fingers distance away from the belly button as the estimate to inject into your stomach. Alternate between the injection area and rotate everytime. After injecting the solution into your body, wait for about 10 seconds before withdraw the novopen to ensure the medication going into the body completely.

After the injection, screw out the needle before keeping your novopen. The needle can be used maximum up to 3 times and it is recommended to be changed daily. The novopen should be kept in the place in room temperature avoiding from exposure to sunlight. (Never keep your pen in the fridge which may impair its function). If there is extra catridge given (more than 1), the others should be kept in the fridge (place you store your vege and fruits instead of frozen ice).

Related Searches:
How to inject Clexane (Enoxaparin)
How to use Novopen 4
How to use Flexpen (NovoLog)
How to use Lantus (Solostar)
How to use Humapen (humulin penfill)
How to inject Arixtra (Fondaparinux)
How to use MDI (Metered Dose Inhaler)