High cholesterol can lead to heart disease, heart attack or stroke. We see it on television. We hear it from friends. We may have a family member who has high cholesterol. We may have high cholesterol. For some, a diet and exercise works. For others, there is medication. Lovastatin is an oral drug used to reduce cholesterol levels. Lovastatin is a natural occurring drug found in oyster mushrooms and red yeast rice. Talk to your doctor about Lovastatin.

Lovastatin is taken by prescription and the amount is to be followed. Do not take an extra tablet and do not take half of what is prescribed. Take Lovastatin with a full glass of water and at meal time. Do not chew, crush or break the tablet. Chewing, crushing or breaking the tablet would result in too much of the Lovastatin to be released at one time. Swallow it whole. Talk to your doctor about the importance of following your prescription for Lovastatin.

There are a few things to know before taking Lovastatin and reasons to talk to your doctor. A few side effects of Lovastatin include gas, bloating, diaherra, constipation, flu-like symptoms, and muscle pain. Talk to your doctor about any and all side effects you may experience. Drinking alcohol while taking Lovastatin can cause liver damage. Taking Lovastatin when pregnant can cause birth defects in the unborn baby. In a very few cases, Lovastatin broke the skeletal muscle tissue which lead to liver damage. And, avoid eating foods high in fat and cholesterol. Inform your doctor of the vitamins, minerals, herbal products and any prescription drugs you take. Tell your doctor if you have diabetes, a muscle disorder, kidney disease, an underactive thyroid, or if you are pregnant.