Advicor (Oral)

Generic name: niacin and lovastatin (oral route) [ NYE-a-sin, loe-va-STAT-in ]
Drug class: Antihyperlipidemic combinations

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Feb 3, 2023.

Commonly used brand name(s)

In the U.S.

• Advicor

Pharmacologic Class: Vitamin B (class)

Chemical Class: Nicotinic Acid (class)

Uses for Advicor

Niacin and lovastatin combination is used together with a proper diet to help lower cholesterol and triglyceride (fat) levels in the blood. This medicine may help prevent medical problems (eg, heart attacks, stroke) that are caused by fat clogging the blood vessels.

Niacin and lovastatin combination medicine is a combination of two drugs that work together to lower cholesterol and lipid (fat) disorders. Niacin is vitamin B3, which reduces the amount of cholesterol in the blood. Lovastatin belongs to the group of medicines called HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, or statins. It works to reduce the amount of cholesterol in the blood by blocking an enzyme that is needed to make cholesterol.

This medicine was available only with your doctor''s prescription. The Advicor(R) product will no longer be marketed in the United States as of April 18, 2016.

Before using Advicor

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For this medicine, the following should be considered:

Allergies

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Pediatric

The use of niacin and lovastatin combination is not recommended in children.

Geriatric

Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated geriatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of niacin and lovastatin combination in the elderly.

Breastfeeding

Studies in women breastfeeding have demonstrated harmful infant effects. An alternative to this medication should be prescribed or you should stop breastfeeding while using this medicine.

Interactions with medicines

Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking this medicine, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.

• Amprenavir
• Atazanavir
• Boceprevir
• Clarithromycin
• Cobicistat
• Darunavir
• Erythromycin
• Fosamprenavir
• Idelalisib
• Indinavir
• Itraconazole
• Ketoconazole
• Levoketoconazole
• Lopinavir
• Mibefradil
• Mifepristone
• Nefazodone
• Nelfinavir
• Nirmatrelvir
• Posaconazole
• Ritonavir
• Saquinavir
• Telaprevir
• Telithromycin
• Tipranavir
• Voriconazole

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

• Adagrasib
• Amiodarone
• Atorvastatin
• Belzutifan
• Bezafibrate
• Ceritinib
• Cerivastatin
• Ciprofibrate
• Clofibrate
• Colchicine
• Conivaptan
• Cyclosporine
• Dabigatran Etexilate
• Dalfopristin
• Danazol
• Daptomycin
• Delavirdine
• Diltiazem
• Dronedarone
• Duvelisib
• Fedratinib
• Fenofibrate
• Fenofibric Acid
• Fexinidazole
• Fosnetupitant
• Gemfibrozil
• Glecaprevir
• Ivosidenib
• Larotrectinib
• Lefamulin
• Lenacapavir
• Letermovir
• Lomitapide
• Lorlatinib
• Lovastatin
• Lumacaftor
• Netupitant
• Niacin
• Olutasidenib
• Pacritinib
• Pibrentasvir
• Pitavastatin
• Quinupristin
• Ranolazine
• Rosuvastatin
• Simvastatin
• Verapamil

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

• Azithromycin
• Bosentan
• Clopidogrel
• Oat Bran
• Pectin
• St John''s Wort
• Warfarin

Interactions with food/tobacco/alcohol

Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.

Using this medicine with any of the following is usually not recommended, but may be unavoidable in some cases. If used together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use this medicine, or give you special instructions about the use of food, alcohol, or tobacco.

• Grapefruit Juice

Using this medicine with any of the following may cause an increased risk of certain side effects but may be unavoidable in some cases. If used together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use this medicine, or give you special instructions about the use of food, alcohol, or tobacco.

• Ethanol

Other medical problems

The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of this medicine. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:

• Alcohol abuse, or history of or
• Liver disease, history of—Use with caution. May cause side effects to become worse.

• Angina (severe chest pain), unstable or
• Diabetes or
• Gout or
• Heart attack, acute—Use with caution. May make these conditions worse.

• Bleeding, arterial (coming from an artery) or
• Liver disease, active or
• Liver enzymes, elevated or
• Peptic ulcer disease, active—Should not be used in patients with these conditions.

• Electrolyte disorders, severe or
• Endocrine disorders, severe or
• Epilepsy (seizures), not well-controlled or
• Hypotension (low blood pressure) or
• Metabolic disorders, severe or
• Sepsis (severe infection in the blood)—Patients with these conditions may be at risk of developing muscle and kidney problems.

• Kidney disease—Use with caution. The effects this medicine may be increased because of slower removal of the medicine from the body.

Proper use of Advicor

Take this medicine only as directed by your doctor. Do not take more or less of it and do not take it more often or for a longer time than your doctor ordered. Also, this medicine works best if there is a constant amount in the blood. To help keep this amount constant, do not miss any doses and take the medicine at the same time each day.

In addition to this medicine, your doctor may change your diet to one that is low in fat, sugar, and cholesterol. Carefully follow your doctor''s orders about any special diet.

Swallow the extended-release tablet whole. Do not break, crush, or chew it.

It is best to take this medicine at bedtime, with a low-fat meal or snack. Do not take it on an empty stomach.

If you are taking danazol (Danocrine®), diltiazem (Cardizem®), or verapamil (Calan®, Isoptin®, Verelan®) together with lovastatin, your lovastatin dose should not be higher than 20 milligrams (mg) per day, unless otherwise directed by your doctor. Do not use more than 40 mg per day of lovastatin together with amiodarone (Cordarone®). When used together with higher doses of lovastatin, these medicines may increase your risk of muscle injury and could result in kidney problems.

Tell your doctor if you regularly drink grapefruit juice. Drinking large amounts of grapefruit juice (more than 1 quart each day) while taking this medicine may increase your risk of muscle injury and could result in kidney problems.

Do not drink large amounts of alcohol with lovastatin. This could cause liver injury.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor''s orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

• For oral dosage form (extended-release tablets):
  • For high cholesterol:
    • Adults—At first, 500 milligrams (mg) of niacin and 20 mg of lovastatin (combined in one tablet) once a day, at bedtime. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 2000 mg of niacin and 40 mg of lovastatin per day.
    • Children—Use is not recommended.

Missed dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

If you have not taken this medicine for more than 7 days, check with your doctor. You may need to have your dose reduced before you can start taking this medicine again.

Storage

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.

Precautions while using Advicor

It is important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits to make sure that this medicine is working properly to lower your cholesterol and triglyceride (fats) levels. Blood tests may be needed to check for unwanted effects.

Using this medicine while you are pregnant can harm your unborn baby. Use an effective form of birth control to keep from getting pregnant. If you think you have become pregnant while using the medicine, tell your doctor right away.

Do not use lovastatin/niacin if you are also using the following medicines: boceprevir (Victrelis®), nefazodone (Serzone®), telaprevir (Incivek®), certain antibiotics (such as clarithromycin, erythromycin, itraconazole, ketoconazole, posaconazole, telithromycin, Nizoral®), or certain medicines to treat HIV/AIDS (such as atazanavir, indinavir, nelfinavir, ritonavir, saquinavir, Crixivan®, Kaletra®, Lexiva®, Norvir®, Prezista®, Reyataz®). Using these medicines together can cause serious side effects.

Call your doctor right away if you have unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness. These may be symptoms of serious muscle problems such as myopathy or immune-mediated necrotizing myopathy (IMNM).

Call your doctor right away if you have dark-colored urine, have a fever, have muscle cramps or spasms, have muscle pain or stiffness, feel very tired or weak, or have diarrhea. These could be symptoms of a serious muscle problem called rhabdomyolysis, which can cause kidney problems.

Stop using this medicine and check with your doctor right away if you have pain or tenderness in the upper stomach, pale stools, dark urine, loss of appetite, nausea, unusual tiredness or weakness, or yellow eyes or skin. These could be symptoms of liver damage.

This medicine may affect blood sugar levels. This is important if you are diabetic or prediabetic. If you notice a change in the results of your blood or urine sugar tests or if you have any questions, check with your doctor.

This medicine may cause some people to become dizzy, lightheaded, drowsy, or less alert than they are normally. Make sure you know how you react to this medicine before you drive, use machines, or do anything else that could be dangerous if you are dizzy or not alert. Change positions slowly when getting up from a sitting or lying position.

This medicine should not be taken with vitamins containing niacin or nicotinamide.

Make sure any doctor or dentist who treats you knows that you are using this medicine. You may need to stop using this medicine if you have major surgery, a major injury, or you develop other serious health problems. It may also affect the result of certain medical tests.

This medicine may cause a side effect called flushing. Flushing is a feeling of warmth or redness on the face, neck, arms, and occasionally, on the upper chest. To avoid flushing, alcohol, hot beverages, and spicy foods should be avoided around the time you take this medicine. Additionally, your doctor may recommend that you take aspirin 30 minutes before taking this medicine to prevent flushing.

Do not take other medicines unless they have been discussed with your doctor. This includes prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicines and herbal or vitamin supplements.

Advicor side effects

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

• Cough or hoarseness
• feeling of warmth
• fever or chills
• lower back or side pain
• pain
• painful or difficult urination
• redness, itching, or tingling of the face, neck, arms, and occasionally, upper chest

Less common

• Abdominal or stomach pain
• blurred vision
• cramping pain or stiffness
• difficulty moving
• dry mouth
• dry skin
• fruit-like breath odor
• increased hunger
• increased thirst
• increased urination
• joint pain
• muscle aches, weakness, tenderness, or pain
• nausea
• swollen joints
• unexplained weight loss
• unusual tiredness or weakness
• vomiting

Rare

• Dark-colored urine
• muscle cramps, pain, spasm, or stiffness

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

• Diarrhea
• general feeling of discomfort or illness
• headache
• itching skin
• loss of appetite
• nausea
• rash
• runny nose
• shivering
• shortness of breath
• sore throat
• sweating
• trouble sleeping

Less common

• Acid or sour stomach
• belching
• heartburn
• indigestion
• lack or loss of strength
• stomach discomfort or upset

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

Generic name: ibuprofen [ EYE-bue-PROE-fen ]
Brand names: Advil, Junior Strength Advil
Drug class: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

Medically reviewed by Sanjai Sinha, MD. Last updated on Jan 18, 2023.

What is Advil?

Advil is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Ibuprofen works by reducing hormones that cause inflammation and pain in the body.

Advil is used to reduce fever and treat pain or inflammation caused by many conditions such as headache, toothache, back pain, arthritis, menstrual cramps, or minor injury.

Advil is used in adults and children who are at least 2 years old. For children under 2 years check with a doctor.

Warnings

Do not take more than your recommended dose. An ibuprofen overdose can damage your stomach or intestines. Use only the smallest amount of medication needed to get relief from your pain, swelling, or fever.

Before taking this medicine

Advil can increase your risk of fatal heart attack or stroke, even if you don''t have any risk factors. Do not use this medicine just before or after heart bypass surgery (coronary artery bypass graft, or CABG).

Advil may also cause stomach or intestinal bleeding, which can be fatal. These conditions can occur without warning while you are using this medicine, especially in older adults.

You should not use Advil if you are allergic to ibuprofen, or if you have ever had an asthma attack or severe allergic reaction after taking aspirin or an NSAID.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if this medicine is safe to use if you have ever had:

• heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, or if you smoke;

• a heart attack, stroke, or blood clot;

• stomach ulcers or bleeding;

• liver or kidney disease;

• asthma; or

• if you take aspirin to prevent heart attack or stroke.

Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

If you are pregnant, you should not take ibuprofen unless your doctor tells you to. Taking an NSAID during the last 20 weeks of pregnancy can cause serious heart or kidney problems in the unborn baby and possible complications with your pregnancy.

Do not give Advil to a child younger than 2 years old without the advice of a doctor.

How should I take Advil?

Use Advil exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Use the lowest dose that is effective in treating your condition.

An ibuprofen overdose can damage your stomach or intestines. The maximum amount of ibuprofen for adults is 800 milligrams per dose or 3200 mg per day (4 maximum doses).

A child''s dose of ibuprofen is based on the age and weight of the child. Carefully follow the dosing instructions provided with Junior Strength Advil for the age and weight of your child. Ask a doctor or pharmacist if you have questions.

Take Advil with food or milk to lessen stomach upset.

Shake the oral suspension (liquid) before you measure a dose. Use the dosing syringe provided, or use a medicine dose-measuring device (not a kitchen spoon).

You must chew the chewable tablet before you swallow it.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not allow the liquid medicine to freeze.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Since Advil is used when needed, you may not be on a dosing schedule. Skip any missed dose if it''s almost time for your next dose. Do not use two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. Overdose symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, drowsiness, black or bloody stools, coughing up blood, shallow breathing, fainting, or coma.

What to avoid

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using other medicines for pain, fever, swelling, or cold/flu symptoms. They may contain ingredients similar to ibuprofen (such as aspirin, ketoprofen, or naproxen).

Avoid taking aspirin unless your doctor tells you to.

If you also take aspirin to prevent stroke or heart attack, taking ibuprofen can make aspirin less effective in protecting your heart and blood vessels. If you take both medicines, take ibuprofen at least 8 hours before or 30 minutes after you take aspirin (non-enteric coated form).

Avoid drinking alcohol. It may increase your risk of stomach bleeding.

Advil side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Advil (hives, difficult breathing, swelling in your face or throat) or a severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash with blistering and peeling).

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of a heart attack or stroke: chest pain spreading to your jaw or shoulder, sudden numbness or weakness on one side of the body, slurred speech, leg swelling, feeling short of breath.

Stop using Advil and call your doctor at once if you have:

• changes in your vision;

• shortness of breath (even with mild exertion);

• swelling or rapid weight gain;

• a skin rash, no matter how mild;

• signs of stomach bleeding - bloody or tarry stools, coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds;

• liver problems - nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, tired feeling, flu-like symptoms, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);

• low red blood cells (anemia) - pale skin, feeling light-headed or short of breath, rapid heart rate, trouble concentrating; or

• kidney problems - little or no urinating, painful or difficult urination, swelling in your feet or ankles, feeling tired or short of breath.

Common Advil side effects may include:

• nausea, vomiting, gas;

• bleeding; or

• dizziness, headache.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect Advil?

Ask your doctor before using Advil if you take an antidepressant. Taking certain antidepressants with an NSAID may cause you to bruise or bleed easily.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using ibuprofen with any other medications, especially:

• cyclosporine;

• lithium;

• methotrexate;

• a blood thinner (warfarin, Coumadin, Jantoven);

• heart or blood pressure medication, including a diuretic or "water pill"; or

• steroid medicine (such as prednisone).

This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with ibuprofen, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Where can I get more information?

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use Advil only for the indication prescribed.

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Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

Copyright 1996-2023 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 22.01.