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Lovastatin 40 mg Tablet, 45-count — NDC 71610-709-45 (Billing 71610-0709-45)

by Aphena Pharma Solutions - Tennessee, LLC · 45 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE

This is a package of 45 tablets of Lovastatin 40 mg Tablet from Aphena Pharma Solutions - Tennessee, LLC, marketed since Dec 2001 and currently FDA-listed. It is this product's only package size.

NDC 71610-0709-45
🏷️ FDA NDC (as labeled) 71610-709-45 billing pads the product segment with a zero
Rx only Generic On market Non-controlled ⇄ Compare with another NDC
🗂️ FDA directory synced Oct 1, 2026 · this listing last changed Jul 24, 2026 · sources: openFDA · FDA label (DailyMed) · FDA Orange & Purple Book · First Databank · CMS NADAC, ASP, Medicare & Medicaid · RxNorm
📋 All sources & update times →

This page is curated, coded, and maintained by

Compiled from public FDA, CMS, DailyMed, NADAC, and related drug data sources. Editorial policy

Identity & classification

Regulatory identifiers FDA, NLM and CMS codes for this package

FDA NDC (as labeled) 71610-709-45
Product NDC 71610-709
11-digit billing NDC 71610070945
NCPDP billing unit EA — each (per item)
RxCUI 197905
UNII 9LHU78OQFD
Application # ANDA075551
SPL Set ID 7e96b174-3887-4908-9b9f-5ef93540f96a
Established class (EPC) HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitor
Mechanism of action Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors
DEA schedule Non-controlled
Marketing category ANDA
Marketing status On market
FDA listing status Listed (active directory)
Marketing start 2001-12-17
Route ORAL
Dosage form TABLET
Substance LOVASTATIN
TE code (Orange Book) AB · RLD · RS

Drug-database identifiers Medi-Span GPI and First Databank GCN / HICL / AHFS classification

GCN Seq No 006461
GCN 47041
HICL code 002793
Ingredient (HICL) Lovastatin
HIC1 code M
Therapeutic class — broad (HIC1) Blood
HIC2 code M4
Therapeutic class — intermediate (HIC2) Affect Blood Lipids/Sugar/Amino Acids
HIC3 code M4D
Therapeutic class — specific (HIC3) Antihyperlipidemic-Hmgcoa Reductase Inhib(Statins)
AHFS code 24:06.08.00
AHFS class Hmg-Coa Reductase Inhibitors
FDB label name LOVASTATIN 40 MG TABLET
FDB brand name Lovastatin
Legend status F — Federal legend — prescription drug or device
Quick answers
  • GSN (GCN sequence number): 006461
  • GCN: 47041
  • HICL (First Databank): 002793
  • AHFS class code: 24:06.08.00
  • RxCUI (RxNorm): 197905
Why two NDCs? The FDA registers this code as 71610-709-45 — a 5-3-2 layout, and that's what's printed on the package and shown on DailyMed. For insurance claims, every NDC is standardized to a uniform 11-digit 5-4-2 format by adding a zero to the product segment → 71610-0709-45. Same drug, same package — only the format differs.
Where does this data come from?
Identifiers from the FDA openFDA NDC Directory and Structured Product Labeling; RxCUI from RxNorm (NLM); GPI from Medi-Span; GCN / HIC / AHFS / legend from First Databank.

RxNorm drug class

This medicine belongs to the HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitor class.

Pharmacologic class HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitor
Drug family (ATC) HMG CoA reductase inhibitors
How it works Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors
Where does this data come from?
Therapeutic classes from RxNorm RxClass (U.S. National Library of Medicine) — Established Pharmacologic Class (FDA), ATC drug family (WHO) and mechanism of action, matched by this product’s RxCUI.

Clinical

Label name LOVASTATIN 40 MG TABLET Ingredient Lovastatin
📗 Our plain-language guide HelloPharmacist
  • It's a statin that lowers LDL cholesterol when diet alone isn't enough. It also lowers the risk of heart attack and slows coronary atherosclerosis in people with coronary heart dis...
  • Take your tablets by mouth with meals, usually with the evening meal. Keep following your cholesterol-lowering diet. Your prescriber will set and adjust your dose, so follow their...
  • Gas, constipation, stomach pain, diarrhea, nausea, headache and mild muscle aches are the most reported. Most are mild. In studies they were not statistically different from placeb...
  • Call promptly for unexplained muscle pain, tenderness or weakness, especially with fever or feeling unwell. Also call for yellowing of the skin or eyes, or signs of a serious aller...
📖 Read our full Lovastatin guide →
1
Nutrient depletion considerations

Lovastatin may be associated with lower levels of 1 nutrient — worth a chat with your pharmacist, not a cause for alarm.

🧪 Full Lovastatin nutrient depletion report →
An association is not a deficiency. Educational only — don't start or stop anything without professional guidance.
Where does this data come from?
Plain-language summary from MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine); supplement & herbal interactions and nutrient depletion data from the Natural Medicines database; our full guide is HelloPharmacist editorial content.

Pricing

A drug doesn't have one price. Each row is a different public payment system, and none is what you'd pay at the counter — that depends on your insurance. The ⓘ on each row explains what it measures.

Price systemPer eachPer package
Retail pharmacies payNADAC · weekly Not in the retail survey — common for institutional, discontinued, or low-volume packs.
Medicaid paysCMS SDUD · 12 mo No recent Medicaid claims on file for this NDC — rare and low-volume NDCs are suppressed in the public data.
Medicare drug plans payPart D · Q2 2026 $0.1433 $6.45 / 45 tablets
Where does this data come from?
NADAC (National Average Drug Acquisition Cost) is the CMS weekly pharmacy-acquisition-cost survey — what pharmacies pay. ASP (Average Sales Price) is the CMS Medicare Part B drug-payment file, published quarterly. Medicaid pays is computed by us from CMS State Drug Utilization Data (total reimbursed ÷ units, trailing 12 months) — gross of rebates and inclusive of dispensing fees, so it reflects what Medicaid paid, not an acquisition cost. Medicare drug plans pay is the median negotiated point-of-sale unit cost across plans listing this NDC in the CMS quarterly Prescription Drug Plan pricing files, before rebates. The VA pays is the federal contract price (FSS, and the statutory Big 4 ceiling where listed) from the VA National Acquisition Center pharmaceutical price file. All are free public government data; each measures a different payer, so the figures are not directly comparable.

Packaging — all sizes for this product

Package NDCDescription Marketing startMarketing endStatus
71610-0709-45 You're viewing this Main listing 45 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE 2023-05-31 — Active

Therapeutic equivalents

ProductLabelerPackNADAC/unitTEStatusPrice vs. this
Lovastatin 40 mg 00093-0928-06 Teva 60 tablets $0.055 AB Availability likely —
Lovastatin 40 mg 61442-0143-01 Carlsbad 100 tablets $0.055 AB Availability likely —
Lovastatin 40 mg 68001-0316-00 BluePoint 100 tablets $0.055 AB Availability likely —
Lovastatin 40 mg 68180-0469-01 Lupin 100 tablets $0.055 AB Availability likely —
Lovastatin 40 mg 68645-0567-90 Legacy 90 tablets $0.055 AB Availability likely —
Lovastatin 40 mg 00615-8152-39 NCS 30 tablets — AB FDA listed —
Lovastatin 40 mg 43063-0548-14 PD-Rx 14 tablets — AB FDA listed —
Lovastatin 40 mg 43063-0939-30 PD-Rx 30 tablets — AB FDA listed —
Lovastatin 40 mg 50090-0761-00 A-S 30 tablets — AB FDA listed —
Lovastatin 40 mg 50090-0762-00 A-S 30 tablets — AB FDA listed —
Lovastatin 40 mg 51407-0253-10 Golden 1000 tablets — AB FDA listed —
Lovastatin 40 mg 51655-0469-26 Northwind 90 tablets — AB FDA listed —
Lovastatin 40 mg 55289-0692-14 PD-Rx 14 tablets — AB FDA listed —
Lovastatin 40 mg 63187-0345-30 Proficient 30 tablets — AB FDA listed —
Lovastatin 40 mg 66267-0561-30 NuCare 30 tablets — AB FDA listed —
Lovastatin 40 mg 68788-8232-03 Preferred 30 tablets — AB FDA listed —
Lovastatin 40 mg 68788-9668-01 Preferred 100 tablets — AB FDA listed —
Lovastatin 40 mg 70518-2425-01 REMEDYREPACK 90 tablets — AB FDA listed —
Lovastatin 40 mg 70518-3064-00 REMEDYREPACK 90 tablets — AB FDA listed —
Lovastatin 40 mg 71205-0199-30 Proficient 30 tablets — AB FDA listed —
Lovastatin 40 mg 71205-0994-00 Proficient 100 tablets — AB FDA listed —
Lovastatin 40 mg 71335-0045-01 Bryant 30 tablets — AB FDA listed —
Lovastatin 40 mg 71335-0882-01 Bryant 30 tablets — AB Discontinued —
Lovastatin 40 mgthis 71610-0709-45 Aphena 45 tablets — AB FDA listed —
Lovastatin 40 mg 71610-0775-30 Aphena 30 tablets — AB FDA listed —
Lovastatin 40 mg 83209-0143-30 Boswell 30 tablets — AB FDA listed —
About this product: this is a generic version of the medicine. FDA equivalence ratings are shown when available, and other versions are listed above, least expensive first.
Where does this data come from?
Equivalents are other NDCs of the same ingredient, form and route from the openFDA NDC Directory, ranked least-expensive-first by NADAC. Therapeutic-equivalence (AB) ratings come from the FDA Orange Book; biologics use the FDA Purple Book for biosimilar & interchangeable status.

Availability & generic status

🏛️
2001
On the market since
Dec 2001
📍
2026
Currently FDA-listed
25 years listed
🔓
·
Generic on the market
this product is a generic
✅This is a generic drug

This product is an FDA-approved generic. Other versions of the same drug are listed under Therapeutic equivalents, least expensive first.

Where does this data come from?
Patents and exclusivity from the FDA Orange Book (small-molecule drugs), refreshed from public FDA data. Generic launch timing is an estimate, not a guarantee.

Inactive Ingredients / Excipients

Inactive ingredients, also called excipients, are components of the drug product other than the active ingredient. They may include fillers, dyes, coatings, preservatives, flavors, or other formulation ingredients.

💡 Tap an ingredient (hover on desktop) to see what it is and why it’s used.

  • UNII REK4960K2U
    Butylated hydroxyanisole is a synthetic preservative that prevents oils and fats in medicines from spoiling or becoming rancid. It keeps the medicine stable and extends its shelf life.
  • UNII OP1R32D61U
    Microcrystalline cellulose is a purified form of cellulose, a natural fiber from plant sources. It acts as a binder and filler in tablets and capsules, helping hold ingredients together and give the medicine its shape and size.
  • UNII 35SW5USQ3G
    A synthetic yellow dye used to color medicines. It helps make tablets, capsules, and liquids visually distinct so patients can easily identify their medication.
  • UNII H3R47K3TBD
    FD&C Blue No. 1 is a synthetic blue dye approved for use in foods and medicines. It serves as a colorant to give the medication its distinctive appearance and help with product identification.
  • UNII H77VEI93A8
    A synthetic yellow dye used to color medications. It helps identify the drug and make it visually distinctive, with no effect on how the medicine works.
  • UNII EWQ57Q8I5X
    Lactose monohydrate is a natural sugar derived from milk. It serves as a filler and binder in tablets and capsules, helping create the proper size, texture, and consistency of the medicine.
  • UNII 70097M6I30
    Magnesium stearate is a salt made from magnesium and stearic acid, a fatty substance. It's used in tablets and capsules as a lubricant and glidant to help ingredients flow smoothly during manufacturing and prevent sticking.
  • UNII O8232NY3SJ
    A plant-based carbohydrate derived from corn kernels. It acts as a filler to add bulk, a binder to hold ingredients together, and a disintegrant to help the tablet break apart in your stomach for absorption.

8 inactive ingredients listed in the exact product block matched to this NDC.

Where does this data come from?
Data sourced from official FDA Structured Product Labeling (SPL) via DailyMed — ingredient classCode="IACT" elements from the exact product block matched by this NDC. Label-section narrative from DailyMed / the openFDA label index is shown separately when available.

Inactive ingredient FAQ

Are inactive ingredients the same for every manufacturer?
No. Inactive ingredients can differ by manufacturer, dosage form, strength, and package / product version.
Why might an inactive ingredient be missing?
Some SPLs do not provide a complete structured inactive-ingredient list, and older or unusual labels may only include the information in narrative text.
Can inactive ingredients matter?
Yes. They can matter for allergies, intolerances, dyes, gluten / lactose concerns, preservatives, and formulation differences — but confirm with a pharmacist or the manufacturer when it’s clinically important.

Manufacturer & labeler

LabelerAphena Pharma Solutions - Tennessee, LLC
Application holderTEVA PHARMACEUTICALS USA INC
FDA applicationANDA075551 (ANDA)
Labeler code71610
First marketedDec 2001
Product typeHuman Prescription Drug
Portfolio800 products on file
The labeler markets the product; the application holder owns the FDA approval. They’re often the same company but can differ (e.g. a repackager or an authorized generic). A mailing address / phone appears here when the manufacturer includes it in the product’s FDA label (not all do).
Where does this data come from?
Labeler, application holder and registered establishment from the FDA openFDA NDC Directory and Drugs@FDA; address/contact from the product’s FDA label.

Full prescribing information FDA SPL

The complete FDA label for this product — the official prescribing information, verbatim, section by section. Very long sections are excerpted here and marked; the full text is on DailyMed (linked in the sources below). Jump with a chip, search within the label, or expand everything.
🎯 Indications and Usage ⏱️ Dosage and Administration ⛔ Contraindications ⚠️ Warnings 🤒 Adverse Reactions 🔄 Drug Interactions 🤰 Pregnancy 🧒 Pediatric Use 🧓 Geriatric Use 🆘 Overdosage 🧬 Clinical Pharmacology 📦 How Supplied / Storage and Handling 📋 Description 💬 Information for Patients ⚠️ Precautions 🍼 Nursing Mothers 🔬 Clinical Studies 📄 Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility 📄 Package Label / Principal Display Panel
🎯 Indications and Usage ~3 min read ▾

INDICATIONS AND USAGE Therapy with Lovastatin Tablets should be a component of multiple risk factor intervention in those individuals with dyslipidemia at risk for atherosclerotic vascular disease. Lovastatin Tablets should be used in addition to a diet restricted in saturated fat and cholesterol as part of a treatment strategy to lower total-C and LDL-C to target levels when the response to diet and other nonpharmacological measures alone has been inadequate to reduce risk. Primary Prevention of Coronary Heart Disease In individuals without symptomatic cardiovascular disease, average to moderately elevated total-C and LDL-C, and below average HDL-C, Lovastatin Tablets are indicated to reduce the risk of: - Myocardial infarction - Unstable angina - Coronary revascularization procedures (See CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY , Clinical Studies in Adults .) Coronary Heart Disease Lovastatin Tablets are indicated to slow the progression of coronary atherosclerosis in patients with coronary heart disease as part of a treatment strategy to lower total-C and LDL-C to target levels.

Hypercholesterolemia Therapy with lipid-altering agents should be a component of multiple risk factor intervention in those individuals at significantly increased risk for atherosclerotic vascular disease due to hypercholesterolemia. Lovastatin Tablets are indicated as an adjunct to diet for the reduction of elevated total-C and LDL-C levels in patients with primary hypercholesterolemia (Types IIa and IIb 2 ), when the response to diet restricted in saturated fat and cholesterol and to other nonpharmacological measures alone has been inadequate.

2 Classification of Hyperlipoproteinemias Lipid Elevations Type Lipoproteins elevated major minor I chylomicrons TG ↑→C IIa LDL C — IIb LDL, VLDL C TG III (rare) IDL C/TG — IV VLDL TG ↑→C V (rare) chylomicrons, VLDL TG ↑→C IDL = intermediate-density lipoprotein. Adolescent Patients With Heterozygous Familial Hypercholesterolemia Lovastatin Tablets are indicated as an adjunct to diet to reduce total-C, LDL-C and apolipoprotein B levels in adolescent boys and girls who are at least one year post-menarche, 10 to 17 years of age, with heFH if after an adequate trial of diet therapy the following findings are present: LDL-C remains > 189 mg/dL or LDL-C remains > 160 mg/dL and : there is a positive family history of premature cardiovascular disease or two or more other CVD risk factors are present in the adolescent patient General Recommendations Prior to initiating therapy with lovastatin, secondary causes for hypercholesterolemia (e.g., poorly controlled diabetes mellitus, hypothyroidism, nephrotic syndrome, dysproteinemias, obstructive liver disease, other drug therapy, alcoholism) should be excluded, and a lipid profile performed to measure total-C, HDL-C, and TG.

For patients with TG less than 400 mg/dL (< 4.5 mmol/L), LDL-C can be estimated using the following equation: LDL-C = total-C - [0.2 x (TG) + HDL-C] For TG levels > 400 mg/dL (> 4.5 mmol/L), this equation is less accurate and LDL-C concentrations should be determined by ultracentrifugation. In hypertriglyceridemic patients, LDL-C may be low or normal despite elevated total-C. In such cases, Lovastatin Tablets are not indicated.

The National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) Treatment Guidelines are summarized below: NCEP Treatment Guidelines: LDL-C Goals and Cutpoints for Therapeutic Lifestyle Changes and Drug Therapy in Different Risk Categories Risk Category LDL Goal (mg/dL) LDL Level at Which to Initiate Therapeutic Lifestyle Changes (mg/dL) LDL Level at Which to Consider Drug Therapy (mg/dL) CHD 1 or CHD risk equivalents (10 year risk > 20%) < 100 ≥ 100 ≥ 130 (100 to 129: drug optional) 2 2+ Risk factors (10 year risk ≤ 20%) < 130 ≥ 130 10 year risk 10 to 20%: ≥ 130 10 year risk < 10%: ≥ 160 0 to 1 Risk factor 3 < 160 ≥ 160 ≥ 190 (160 to 189: LDL-lowering drug optional) CHD, coronary heart disease Some authorities recommend use of LDL-lowering drugs in this cat… [Excerpted — this section continues on DailyMed.]

⏱️ Dosage and Administration ~2 min read ▾

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION The patient should be placed on a standard cholesterol-lowering diet before receiving lovastatin tablets and should continue on this diet during treatment with lovastatin tablets (see NCEP Treatment Guidelines for details on dietary therapy). Lovastatin tablets should be given with meals. Adult Patients The usual recommended starting dose is 20 mg once a day given with the evening meal.

The recommended dosing range of lovastatin is 10 to 80 mg/day in single or two divided doses; the maximum recommended dose is 80 mg/day. Doses should be individualized according to the recommended goal of therapy (see NCEP Treatment Guidelines and CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY ). Patients requiring reductions in LDL-C of 20% or more to achieve their goal (see INDICATIONS AND USAGE ) should be started on 20 mg/day of lovastatin tablets.

A starting dose of 10 mg of lovastatin may be considered for patients requiring smaller reductions. Adjustments should be made at intervals of 4 weeks or more. Cholesterol levels should be monitored periodically and consideration should be given to reducing the dosage of lovastatin tablets if cholesterol levels fall significantly below the targeted range.

Dosage in Patients Taking Danazol, Diltiazem, Dronedarone or Verapamil In patients taking danazol, diltiazem, dronedarone or verapamil concomitantly with lovastatin, therapy should begin with 10 mg of lovastatin and should not exceed 20 mg/day (see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY , Pharmacokinetics , WARNINGS , Myopathy/Rhabdomyolysis , PRECAUTIONS , Drug Interactions , Other Drug Interactions ). Dosage in Patients Taking Amiodarone In patients taking amiodarone concomitantly with lovastatin tablets, the dose should not exceed 40 mg/day (see WARNINGS , Myopathy/Rhabdomyolysis and PRECAUTIONS , Drug Interactions , Other Drug Interactions ).

Adolescent Patients (10 to 17 Years of Age) With Heterozygous Familial Hypercholesterolemia The recommended dosing range of lovastatin is 10 to 40 mg/day; the maximum recommended dose is 40 mg/day. Doses should be individualized according to the recommended goal of therapy (see NCEP Pediatric Panel Guidelines 4 , CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY , and INDICATIONS AND USAGE ). Patients requiring reductions in LDL-C of 20% or more to achieve their goal should be started on 20 mg/day of lovastatin tablets.

A starting dose of 10 mg of lovastatin may be considered for patients requiring smaller reductions. Adjustments should be made at intervals of 4 weeks or more. 4 National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP): Highlights of the Report of the Expert Panel on Blood Cholesterol Levels in Children and Adolescents.

Pediatrics . 89(3):495-501. 1992.

Concomitant Lipid-Lowering Therapy Lovastatin tablets are effective alone or when used concomitantly with bile-acid sequestrants (see WARNINGS , Myopathy/Rhabdomyolysis and PRECAUTIONS , Drug Interactions ). Dosage in Patients With Renal Insufficiency In patients with severe renal insufficiency (creatinine clearance < 30 mL/min), dosage increases above 20 mg/day should be carefully considered and, if deemed necessary, implemented cautiously (see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY and WARNINGS , Myopathy/Rhabdomyolysis ).

⛔ Contraindications 195 words ▾

CONTRAINDICATIONS Hypersensitivity to any component of this medication. Active liver disease or unexplained persistent elevations of serum transaminases (see WARNINGS ). Concomitant administration with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., itraconazole, ketoconazole, posaconazole, voriconazole, HIV protease inhibitors, boceprevir, telaprevir, erythromycin, clarithromycin, telithromycin, nefazodone and cobicistat-containing products) (see WARNINGS , Myopathy/Rhabdomyolysis ).

Pregnancy and Lactation (See PRECAUTIONS , Pregnancy and Nursing Mothers .) Atherosclerosis is a chronic process and the discontinuation of lipid-lowering drugs during pregnancy should have little impact on the outcome of long-term therapy of primary hypercholesterolemia. Moreover, cholesterol and other products of the cholesterol biosynthesis pathway are essential components for fetal development, including synthesis of steroids and cell membranes. Because of the ability of inhibitors of HMG-CoA reductase such as lovastatin to decrease the synthesis of cholesterol and possibly other products of the cholesterol biosynthesis pathway, lovastatin is contraindicated during pregnancy and in nursing mothers.

Lovastatin should be administered to women of childbearing age only when such patients are highly unlikely to conceive. If the patient becomes pregnant while taking this drug, lovastatin should be discontinued immediately and the patient should be apprised of the potential hazard to the fetus (see PRECAUTIONS , Pregnancy ).

⚠️ Warnings ~3 min read ▾

WARNINGS Myopathy/Rhabdomyolysis Lovastatin, like other inhibitors of HMG-CoA reductase, occasionally causes myopathy manifested as muscle pain, tenderness or weakness with creatine kinase (CK) above ten times the upper limit of normal (ULN). Myopathy sometimes takes the form of rhabdomyolysis with or without acute renal failure secondary to myoglobinuria, and rare fatalities have occurred. The risk of myopathy is increased by high levels of HMG-CoA reductase inhibitory activity in plasma.

The risk of myopathy/rhabdomyolysis is dose related. In a clinical study (EXCEL) in which patients were carefully monitored and some interacting drugs were excluded, there was one case of myopathy among 4933 patients randomized to lovastatin 20 to 40 mg daily for 48 weeks, and 4 among 1649 patients randomized to 80 mg daily. All patients starting therapy with lovastatin, or whose dose of lovastatin is being increased, should be advised of the risk of myopathy and told to report promptly any unexplained muscle pain, tenderness or weakness particularly if accompanied by malaise or fever or if muscle signs and symptoms persist after discontinuing lovastatin.

Lovastatin therapy should be discontinued immediately if myopathy is diagnosed or suspected. In most cases, muscle symptoms and CK increases resolved when treatment was promptly discontinued. Periodic CK determinations may be considered in patients starting therapy with lovastatin or whose dose is being increased, but there is no assurance that such monitoring will prevent myopathy.

Many of the patients who have developed rhabdomyolysis on therapy with lovastatin have had complicated medical histories, including renal insufficiency usually as a consequence of long-standing diabetes mellitus. Such patients merit closer monitoring. Lovastatin therapy should be discontinued if markedly elevated CPK levels occur or myopathy is diagnosed or suspected.

Lovastatin therapy should also be temporarily withheld in any patient experiencing an acute or serious condition predisposing to the development of renal failure secondary to rhabdomyolysis, e.g., sepsis; hypotension; major surgery; trauma; severe metabolic, endocrine, or electrolyte disorders; or uncontrolled epilepsy. The risk of myopathy/rhabdomyolysis is increased by concomitant use of lovastatin with the following: Strong inhibitors of CYP3A4: Lovastatin, like several other inhibitors of HMG-CoA reductase, is a substrate of cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4).

Certain drugs which inhibit this metabolic pathway can raise the plasma levels of lovastatin and may increase the risk of myopathy. These include itraconazole, ketoconazole, posaconazole, voriconazole, the macrolide antibiotics erythromycin and clarithromycin, the ketolide antibiotic telithromycin, HIV protease inhibitors, boceprevir, telaprevir, the antidepressant nefazodone, or cobicistat-containing products. Combination of these drugs with lovastatin is contraindicated.

If short-term treatment with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors is unavoidable, therapy with lovastatin should be suspended during the course of treatment (see CONTRAINDICATIONS ; PRECAUTIONS , Drug Interactions ). Gemfibrozil: The combined use of lovastatin with gemfibrozil should be avoided. Other lipid-lowering drugs (other fibrates or ≥ 1 g/day of niacin): Caution should be used when prescribing other fibrates or lipid-lowering doses (≥ 1 g/day) of niacin with lovastatin, as these agents can cause myopathy when given alone.

The benefit of further alterations in lipid levels by the combined use of lovastatin with other fibrates or niacin should be carefully weighed against the potential risks of these combinations. Cyclosporine: The use of lovastatin with cyclosporine should be avoided. Danazol, diltiazem, dronedarone, or verapamil with higher doses of lovastatin: The dose of lovastatin should not exceed 20 mg daily in patients receiving concomitant medication with danazol, diltiazem, dronedarone, or verapamil.

The benefits of the u… [Excerpted — this section continues on DailyMed.]

🤒 Adverse Reactions ~3 min read ▾

ADVERSE REACTIONS Phase III Clinical Studies In Phase III controlled clinical studies involving 613 patients treated with lovastatin, the adverse experience profile was similar to that shown below for the 8,245 patient EXCEL study (see Expanded Clinical Evaluation of Lovastatin [EXCEL] Study ). Persistent increases of serum transaminases have been noted (see WARNINGS, Liver Dysfunction ). About 11% of patients had elevations of CK levels of at least twice the normal value on one or more occasions.

The corresponding values for the control agent cholestyramine were 9 percent. This was attributable to the noncardiac fraction of CK. Large increases in CK have sometimes been reported (see WARNINGS , Myopathy/Rhabdomyolysis ).

Expanded Clinical Evaluation of Lovastatin (EXCEL) Study Lovastatin was compared to placebo in 8,245 patients with hypercholesterolemia (total-C 240 to 300 mg/dL [6.2 to 7.8 mmol/L]) in the randomized, double-blind, parallel, 48 week EXCEL study. Clinical adverse experiences reported as possibly, probably or definitely drug-related in ≥ 1% in any treatment group are shown in the table below. For no event was the incidence on drug and placebo statistically different.

Placebo (N = 1663) % Lovastatin 20 mg q.p.m. (N = 1642) % Lovastatin 40 mg q.p.m. (N = 1645) % Lovastatin 20 mg b.i.d.

(N = 1646) % Lovastatin 40 mg b.i.d. (N = 1649) % Body As a Whole Asthenia 1.4 1.7 1.4 1.5

1.2Gastrointestinal Abdominal pain 1.6 2.0 2.0 2.2

2.5Constipation 1.9 2.0 3.2 3.2

3.5Diarrhea 2.3 2.6 2.4 2.2

2.6Dyspepsia 1.9 1.3 1.3 1.0

1.6Flatulence 4.2 3.7 4.3 3.9

4.5Nausea 2.5 1.9 2.5 2.2

2.2Musculoskeletal Muscle cramps 0.5 0.6 0.8 1.1

1.0Myalgia 1.7 2.6 1.8 2.2

3.0Nervous System/Psychiatric Dizziness 0.7 0.7 1.2 0.5

0.5Headache 2.7 2.6 2.8 2.1

3.2Skin Rash 0.7 0.8 1.0 1.2

1.3Special Senses Blurred vision 0.8 1.1 0.9 0.9

1.2Other clinical adverse experiences reported as possibly, probably or definitely drug-related in 0.5 to 1.0 percent of patients in any drug-treated group are listed below. In all these cases the incidence on drug and placebo was not statistically different. Body as a Whole: chest pain; Gastrointestinal: acid regurgitation, dry mouth, vomiting; Musculoskeletal: leg pain, shoulder pain, arthralgia; Nervous System/Psychiatric: insomnia, paresthesia; Skin: alopecia, pruritus; Special Senses: eye irritation.

In the EXCEL study (see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY , Clinical Studies in Adults ), 4.6% of the patients treated up to 48 weeks were discontinued due to clinical or laboratory adverse experiences which were rated by the investigator as possibly, probably or definitely related to therapy with lovastatin. The value for the placebo group was 2.5%. Air Force/Texas Coronary Atherosclerosis Prevention Study (AFCAPS/TexCAPS) In AFCAPS/TexCAPS (see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY , Clinical Studies in Adults ) involving 6,605 participants treated with 20 to 40 mg/day of lovastatin (n = 3,304) or placebo (n = 3,301), the safety and tolerability profile of the group treated with lovastatin was comparable to that of the group treated with placebo during a median of 5.1 years of follow-up.

The adverse experiences reported in AFCAPS/TexCAPS were similar to those reported in EXCEL (see ADVERSE REACTIONS , Expanded Clinical Evaluation of Lovastatin (EXCEL) Study ). Concomitant Therapy In controlled clinical studies in which lovastatin was administered concomitantly with cholestyramine, no adverse reactions peculiar to this concomitant treatment were observed. The adverse reactions that occurred were limited to those reported previously with lovastatin or cholestyramine.

Other lipid-lowering agents were not administered concomitantly with lovastatin during controlled clinical studies. Preliminary data suggests that the addition of gemfibrozil to therapy with lovastatin is not associated with greater reduction in LDL-C than that achieved with lovastatin alone. In uncontrolled clinical studies, most of the patients who have developed my… [Excerpted — this section continues on DailyMed.]

🔄 Drug Interactions ~2 min read ▾

Drug Interactions CYP3A4 Interactions Lovastatin is metabolized by CYP3A4 but has no CYP3A4 inhibitory activity; therefore it is not expected to affect the plasma concentrations of other drugs metabolized by CYP3A4. Strong inhibitors of CYP3A4 (e.g., itraconazole, ketoconazole, posaconazole, voriconazole, clarithromycin, telithromycin, HIV protease inhibitors, boceprevir, telaprevir, nefazodone, erythromycin, and cobicistat-containing products), and grapefruit juice increase the risk of myopathy by reducing the elimination of lovastatin (see CONTRAINDICATIONS , WARNINGS , Myopathy/Rhabdomyolysis , and CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY , Pharmacokinetics ).

Interactions With Lipid-Lowering Drugs That Can Cause Myopathy When Given Alone The risk of myopathy is also increased by the following lipid-lowering drugs that are not strong CYP3A4 inhibitors, but which can cause myopathy when given alone. See WARNINGS, Myopathy/Rhabdomyolysis. Gemfibrozil Other fibrates Niacin (nicotinic acid) (≥ 1 g/day) Other Drug Interactions Cyclosporine The risk of myopathy/rhabdomyolysis is increased by concomitant administration of cyclosporine (see WARNINGS , Myopathy/Rhabdomyolysis ).

Danazol, Diltiazem, Dronedarone or Verapamil The risk of myopathy/rhabdomyolysis is increased by concomitant administration of danazol, diltiazem, dronedarone or verapamil particularly with higher doses of lovastatin (see WARNINGS , Myopathy/Rhabdomyolysis ; CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY , Pharmacokinetics ). Amiodarone The risk of myopathy/rhabdomyolysis is increased when amiodarone is used concomitantly with a closely related member of the HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor class (see WARNINGS , Myopathy/Rhabdomyolysis ). Coumarin Anticoagulants In a small clinical trial in which lovastatin was administered to warfarin treated patients, no effect on prothrombin time was detected.

However, another HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor has been found to produce a less than two-second increase in prothrombin time in healthy volunteers receiving low doses of warfarin. Also, bleeding and/or increased prothrombin time have been reported in a few patients taking coumarin anticoagulants concomitantly with lovastatin. It is recommended that in patients taking anticoagulants, prothrombin time be determined before starting lovastatin and frequently enough during early therapy to insure that no significant alteration of prothrombin time occurs.

Once a stable prothrombin time has been documented, prothrombin times can be monitored at the intervals usually recommended for patients on coumarin anticoagulants. If the dose of lovastatin is changed, the same procedure should be repeated. Lovastatin therapy has not been associated with bleeding or with changes in prothrombin time in patients not taking anticoagulants.

Colchicine Cases of myopathy, including rhabdomyolysis, have been reported with lovastatin coadministered with colchicine. See WARNINGS , Myopathy/Rhabdomyolysis . Ranolazine The risk of myopathy, including rhabdomyolysis, may be increased by concomitant administration of ranolazine.

See WARNINGS , Myopathy/Rhabdomyolysis . Propranolol In normal volunteers, there was no clinically significant pharmacokinetic or pharmacodynamic interaction with concomitant administration of single doses of lovastatin and propranolol. Digoxin In patients with hypercholesterolemia, concomitant administration of lovastatin and digoxin resulted in no effect on digoxin plasma concentrations.

Oral Hypoglycemic Agents In pharmacokinetic studies of lovastatin in hypercholesterolemic non-insulin dependent diabetic patients, there was no drug interaction with glipizide or with chlorpropamide (see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY , Clinical Studies in Adults ). Endocrine Function Increases in HbA1c and fasting serum glucose levels have been reported with HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, including lovastatin. HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors interfere with cholesterol synthesis and as such might theoretically blunt adrenal and/or gonadal steroid produ… [Excerpted — this section continues on DailyMed.]

🤰 Pregnancy ~2 min read ▾

Pregnancy Teratogenic Effects Pregnancy Category X See CONTRAINDICATIONS . Safety in pregnant women has not been established. Lovastatin has been shown to produce skeletal malformations in offspring of pregnant mice and rats dosed during gestation at 80 mg/kg/day (affected mouse fetuses/total: 8/307 compared to 4/289 in the control group; affected rat fetuses/total: 6/324 compared to 2/308 in the control group).

Female rats dosed before mating through gestation at 80 mg/kg/day also had fetuses with skeletal malformations (affected fetuses/total: 1/152 compared to 0/171 in the control group). The 80 mg/kg/day dose in mice is 7 times the human dose based on body surface area and in rats results in 5 times the human exposure based on AUC. In pregnant rats given doses of 2, 20, or 200 mg/kg/day and treated through lactation, the following effects were observed: neonatal mortality (4.1%, 3.5%, and 46%, respectively, compared to 0.6% in the control group), decreased pup body weights throughout lactation (up to 5%, 8%, and 38%, respectively, below control), supernumerary ribs in dead pups (affected fetuses/total: 0/7, 1/17, and 11/79, respectively, compared to 0/5 in the control group), delays in ossification in dead pups (affected fetuses/total: 0/7, 0/17, and 1/79, respectively, compared to 0/5 in the control group) and delays in pup development (delays in the appearance of an auditory startle response at 200 mg/kg/day and free-fall righting reflexes at 20 and 200 mg/kg/day).

Direct dosing of neonatal rats by subcutaneous injection with 10 mg/kg/day of the open hydroxyacid form of lovastatin resulted in delayed passive avoidance learning in female rats (mean of 8.3 trials to criterion, compared to 7.3 and 6.4 in untreated and vehicle-treated controls; no effects on retention 1 week later) at exposures 4 times the human systemic exposure at 80 mg/day based on AUC. No effect was seen in male rats. No evidence of malformations was observed when pregnant rabbits were given 5 mg/kg/day (doses equivalent to a human dose of 80 mg/day based on body surface area) or a maternally toxic dose of 15 mg/kg/day (3 times the human dose of 80 mg/day based on body surface area).

Rare clinical reports of congenital anomalies following intrauterine exposure to HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors have been received. However, in an analysis 3 of greater than 200 prospectively followed pregnancies exposed during the first trimester to lovastatin or another closely related HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor, the incidence of congenital anomalies was comparable to that seen in the general population. This number of pregnancies was sufficient to exclude a 3 fold or greater increase in congenital anomalies over the background incidence.

Maternal treatment with lovastatin may reduce the fetal levels of mevalonate, which is a precursor of cholesterol biosynthesis. Atherosclerosis is a chronic process, and ordinarily discontinuation of lipid-lowering drugs during pregnancy should have little impact on the long-term risk associated with primary hypercholesterolemia. For these reasons, lovastatin should not be used in women who are pregnant, or can become pregnant (see CONTRAINDICATIONS ).

Lovastatin should be administered to women of child-bearing potential only when such patients are highly unlikely to conceive and have been informed of the potential hazards. Treatment should be immediately discontinued as soon as pregnancy is recognized. 3 Manson, J.M., Freyssinges, C., Ducrocq, M.B., Stephenson, W.P., Postmarketing Surveillance of Lovastatin and Simvastatin Exposure During Pregnancy.

Reproductive Toxicology . 10(6):439-446. 1996.

🧒 Pediatric Use 177 words ▾

Pediatric Use Safety and effectiveness in patients 10 to 17 years of age with heFH have been evaluated in controlled clinical trials of 48 weeks duration in adolescent boys and controlled clinical trials of 24 weeks duration in girls who were at least 1 year post-menarche. Patients treated with lovastatin had an adverse experience profile generally similar to that of patients treated with placebo. Doses greater than 40 mg have not been studied in this population.

In these limited controlled studies, there was no detectable effect on growth or sexual maturation in the adolescent boys or on menstrual cycle length in girls. See CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY , Clinical Studies in Adolescent Patients ; ADVERSE REACTIONS , Adolescent Patients (Ages 10 to 17 Years) ; and DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION , Adolescent Patients (10 to 17 Years of Age) with Heterozygous Familial Hypercholesterolemia . Adolescent females should be counseled on appropriate contraceptive methods while on lovastatin therapy (see CONTRAINDICATIONS and PRECAUTIONS , Pregnancy ).

Lovastatin has not been studied in pre-pubertal patients or patients younger than 10 years of age.

🧓 Geriatric Use 142 words ▾

Geriatric Use A pharmacokinetic study with lovastatin showed the mean plasma level of HMG-CoA reductase inhibitory activity to be approximately 45% higher in elderly patients between 70 to 78 years of age compared with patients between 18 to 30 years of age; however, clinical study experience in the elderly indicates that dosage adjustment based on this age-related pharmacokinetic difference is not needed. In the two large clinical studies conducted with lovastatin (EXCEL and AFCAPS/TexCAPS), 21% (3094/14850) of patients were ≥ 65 years of age.

Lipid-lowering efficacy with lovastatin was at least as great in elderly patients compared with younger patients, and there were no overall differences in safety over the 20 to 80 mg/day dosage range (see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY ). Because advanced age (≥65 years) is a predisposing factor for myopathy, including rhabdomyolysis, lovastatin should be prescribed with caution in the elderly.

🆘 Overdosage 99 words ▾

OVERDOSAGE After oral administration of lovastatin to mice, the median lethal dose observed was > 15 g/m 2 . Five healthy human volunteers have received up to 200 mg of lovastatin as a single dose without clinically significant adverse experiences. A few cases of accidental overdosage have been reported; no patients had any specific symptoms, and all patients recovered without sequelae.

The maximum dose taken was 5 to 6 g. Until further experience is obtained, no specific treatment of overdosage with lovastatin can be recommended. The dialyzability of lovastatin and its metabolites in man is not known at present.

🧬 Clinical Pharmacology ~3 min read ▾

CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY The involvement of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) in atherogenesis has been well-documented in clinical and pathological studies, as well as in many animal experiments. Epidemiological and clinical studies have established that high LDL-C and low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) are both associated with coronary heart disease. However, the risk of developing coronary heart disease is continuous and graded over the range of cholesterol levels and many coronary events do occur in patients with total cholesterol (total-C) and LDL-C in the lower end of this range.

Lovastatin has been shown to reduce elevated LDL-C concentrations. LDL is formed from very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) and is catabolized predominantly by the high affinity LDL receptor. The mechanism of the LDL-lowering effect of lovastatin may involve both reduction of VLDL-C concentration, and induction of the LDL receptor, leading to reduced production and / or increased catabolism of LDL-C.

Apolipoprotein B also falls during treatment with lovastatin. Lovastatin is a specific inhibitor of HMG-CoA reductase, the enzyme which catalyzes the conversion of HMG-CoA to mevalonate. The conversion of HMG-CoA to mevalonate is an early step in the biosynthetic pathway for cholesterol.

Pharmacokinetics Lovastatin is a lactone which is readily hydrolyzed in vivo to the corresponding β-hydroxyacid, a strong inhibitor of HMG-CoA reductase. Inhibition of HMG-CoA reductase is the basis for an assay in pharmacokinetic studies of the β-hydroxyacid metabolites (active inhibitors) and, following base hydrolysis, active plus latent inhibitors (total inhibitors) in plasma following administration of lovastatin. Following an oral dose of 14 C-labeled lovastatin in man, 10% of the dose was excreted in urine and 83% in feces.

The latter represents absorbed drug equivalents excreted in bile, as well as any unabsorbed drug. Plasma concentrations of total radioactivity (lovastatin plus 14 C-metabolites) peaked at 2 hours and declined rapidly to about 10% of peak by 24 hours postdose. Absorption of lovastatin, estimated relative to an intravenous reference dose, in each of four animal species tested, averaged about 30% of an oral dose.

In animal studies, after oral dosing, lovastatin had high selectivity for the liver, where it achieved substantially higher concentrations than in non-target tissues. Lovastatin undergoes extensive first-pass extraction in the liver, its primary site of action, with subsequent excretion of drug equivalents in the bile. As a consequence of extensive hepatic extraction of lovastatin, the availability of drug to the general circulation is low and variable.

In a single dose study in four hypercholesterolemic patients, it was estimated that less than 5% of an oral dose of lovastatin reaches the general circulation as active inhibitors. Following administration of lovastatin tablets the coefficient of variation, based on between-subject variability, was approximately 40% for the area under the curve (AUC) of total inhibitory activity in the general circulation. Both lovastatin and its β-hydroxyacid metabolite are highly bound (> 95%) to human plasma proteins.

Animal studies demonstrated that lovastatin crosses the blood-brain and placental barriers. The major active metabolites present in human plasma are the β-hydroxyacid of lovastatin, its 6′-hydroxy derivative, and two additional metabolites. Peak plasma concentrations of both active and total inhibitors were attained within 2 to 4 hours of dose administration.

While the recommended therapeutic dose range is 10 to 80 mg / day, linearity of inhibitory activity in the general circulation was established by a single dose study employing lovastatin tablet dosages from 60 to as high as 120 mg. With a once-a-day dosing regimen, plasma concentrations of total inhibitors over a dosing interval achieved a steady state between the second and third days of therapy and were about… [Excerpted — this section continues on DailyMed.]

📦 How Supplied / Storage and Handling 198 words ▾

HOW SUPPLIED Lovastatin Tablets USP, 10 mg are available as light peach, unscored, round, flat beveled tablets debossed “926” on one side and “TEVA” on the other side. Packaged in bottles of 60 (NDC 51407-251-60), 90 (NDC 51407-251-90) and 1000 (NDC 51407-251-10). Lovastatin Tablets USP, 20 mg are available as light blue, unscored, round, flat beveled tablets, debossed “576” on one side and “TEVA” on the other side.

Packaged in bottles of 60 (NDC51407-252-60), 90 (NDC 51407-252-90) and 1000 (NDC51407-252-10). Lovastatin Tablets USP, 40 mg are available as light green, unscored, round, flat beveled tablets, debossed “928” on one side and “TEVA” on the other side. Packaged in bottles of 60 (NDC 51407-253-60), 90 (NDC 51407-253-90) and 1000 (NDC 51407-253-10).

Store at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F) [See USP Controlled Room Temperature]. Lovastatin Tablets, USP must be protected from light. Dispense in a tight, light-resistant container as defined in the USP, with a child-resistant closure (as required).

KEEP THIS AND ALL MEDICATIONS OUT OF THE REACH OF CHILDREN. Manufactured In Croatia By: Pliva Hrvatska d.o.o. Zagreb, Croatia Manufactured For: Teva Pharmaceuticals USA, Inc.

Parsippany, NJ 07054 Rev. V 8/2020 Marketed/Packaged by: GSMS, Inc. Camarillo, CA USA 93012

📋 Description 216 words ▾

DESCRIPTION Lovastatin, USP is a cholesterol lowering agent isolated from a strain of Aspergillus terreus . After oral ingestion, lovastatin, USP, which is an inactive lactone, is hydrolyzed to the corresponding β-hydroxyacid form. This is a principal metabolite and an inhibitor of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase.

This enzyme catalyzes the conversion of HMG-CoA to mevalonate, which is an early and rate limiting step in the biosynthesis of cholesterol. Lovastatin, USP is [1 S -[1α( R *),3α,7β,8β(2 S *,4 S *),8aβ]]-1,2,3,7,8,8a-hexahydro-3,7-dimethyl-8-[2-(tetrahydro-4-hydroxy-6-oxo-2 H -pyran-2-yl)ethyl]-1-naphthalenyl 2-methylbutanoate. Its structural formula is: C 24 H 36 O 5 M.W.

404.55 Lovastatin, USP is a white, nonhygroscopic crystalline powder that is insoluble in water and sparingly soluble in ethanol, methanol, and acetonitrile. Lovastatin Tablets, USP are supplied as 10 mg, 20 mg and 40 mg tablets for oral administration. In addition to the active ingredient lovastatin, USP, each tablet contains the following inactive ingredients: lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, and pregelatinized corn starch.

Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) is added as a preservative. Lovastatin Tablets USP, 10 mg also contain FD&C Yellow #6 Aluminum Lake. Lovastatin Tablets USP, 20 mg also contain FD&C Blue #1 Aluminum Lake.

Lovastatin Tablets USP, 40 mg also contain D&C Yellow #10 Aluminum Lake, FD&C Blue #1 Aluminum Lake, and FD&C Yellow #6 Aluminum Lake. lovastatin structural formula

💬 Information for Patients 118 words ▾

Information for Patients Patients should be advised about substances they should not take concomitantly with lovastatin and be advised to report promptly unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness particularly if accompanied by malaise or fever or if muscle signs and symptoms persist after discontinuing lovastatin (see list below and WARNINGS, Myopathy/Rhabdomyolysis). Patients should also be advised to inform other physicians prescribing a new medication that they are taking lovastatin. It is recommended that liver enzymes be checked before starting therapy, and if signs or symptoms of liver injury occur.

All patients treated with lovastatin should be advised to report promptly any symptoms that may indicate liver injury, including fatigue, anorexia, right upper abdominal discomfort, dark urine or jaundice.

⚠️ Precautions ~2 min read ▾

PRECAUTIONS General Lovastatin may elevate creatine phosphokinase and transaminase levels (see WARNINGS and ADVERSE REACTIONS ). This should be considered in the differential diagnosis of chest pain in a patient on therapy with lovastatin. Homozygous Familial Hypercholesterolemia Lovastatin is less effective in patients with the rare homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia, possibly because these patients have no functional LDL receptors.

Lovastatin appears to be more likely to raise serum transaminases (see ADVERSE REACTIONS ) in these homozygous patients. Information for Patients Patients should be advised about substances they should not take concomitantly with lovastatin and be advised to report promptly unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness particularly if accompanied by malaise or fever or if muscle signs and symptoms persist after discontinuing lovastatin (see list below and WARNINGS, Myopathy/Rhabdomyolysis). Patients should also be advised to inform other physicians prescribing a new medication that they are taking lovastatin.

It is recommended that liver enzymes be checked before starting therapy, and if signs or symptoms of liver injury occur. All patients treated with lovastatin should be advised to report promptly any symptoms that may indicate liver injury, including fatigue, anorexia, right upper abdominal discomfort, dark urine or jaundice. Drug Interactions CYP3A4 Interactions Lovastatin is metabolized by CYP3A4 but has no CYP3A4 inhibitory activity; therefore it is not expected to affect the plasma concentrations of other drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.

Strong inhibitors of CYP3A4 (e.g., itraconazole, ketoconazole, posaconazole, voriconazole, clarithromycin, telithromycin, HIV protease inhibitors, boceprevir, telaprevir, nefazodone, erythromycin, and cobicistat-containing products), and grapefruit juice increase the risk of myopathy by reducing the elimination of lovastatin (see CONTRAINDICATIONS , WARNINGS , Myopathy/Rhabdomyolysis , and CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY , Pharmacokinetics ). Interactions With Lipid-Lowering Drugs That Can Cause Myopathy When Given Alone The risk of myopathy is also increased by the following lipid-lowering drugs that are not strong CYP3A4 inhibitors, but which can cause myopathy when given alone.

See WARNINGS, Myopathy/Rhabdomyolysis. Gemfibrozil Other fibrates Niacin (nicotinic acid) (≥ 1 g/day) Other Drug Interactions Cyclosporine The risk of myopathy/rhabdomyolysis is increased by concomitant administration of cyclosporine (see WARNINGS , Myopathy/Rhabdomyolysis ). Danazol, Diltiazem, Dronedarone or Verapamil The risk of myopathy/rhabdomyolysis is increased by concomitant administration of danazol, diltiazem, dronedarone or verapamil particularly with higher doses of lovastatin (see WARNINGS , Myopathy/Rhabdomyolysis ; CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY , Pharmacokinetics ).

Amiodarone The risk of myopathy/rhabdomyolysis is increased when amiodarone is used concomitantly with a closely related member of the HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor class (see WARNINGS , Myopathy/Rhabdomyolysis ). Coumarin Anticoagulants In a small clinical trial in which lovastatin was administered to warfarin treated patients, no effect on prothrombin time was detected. However, another HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor has been found to produce a less than two-second increase in prothrombin time in healthy volunteers receiving low doses of warfarin.

Also, bleeding and/or increased prothrombin time have been reported in a few patients taking coumarin anticoagulants concomitantly with lovastatin. It is recommended that in patients taking anticoagulants, prothrombin time be determined before starting lovastatin and frequently enough during early therapy to insure that no significant alteration of prothrombin time occurs. Once a stable prothrombin time has been documented, prothrombin times can be monitored at the intervals usually recommended for patients on coumarin anticoagulants.

If the dose of lovastatin is changed, the… [Excerpted — this section continues on DailyMed.]

🍼 Nursing Mothers 52 words ▾

Nursing Mothers It is not known whether lovastatin is excreted in human milk. Because a small amount of another drug in this class is excreted in human breast milk and because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants, women taking lovastatin should not nurse their infants (see CONTRAINDICATIONS ).

🔬 Clinical Studies ~3 min read ▾

Clinical Studies in Adults Lovastatin has been shown to reduce total-C and LDL-C in heterozygous familial and non-familial forms of primary hypercholesterolemia and in mixed hyperlipidemia. A marked response was seen within 2 weeks, and the maximum therapeutic response occurred within 4 to 6 weeks. The response was maintained during continuation of therapy.

Single daily doses given in the evening were more effective than the same dose given in the morning, perhaps because cholesterol is synthesized mainly at night. In multicenter, double-blind studies in patients with familial or non-familial hypercholesterolemia, lovastatin, administered in doses ranging from 10 mg q.p.m. to 40 mg b.i.d., was compared to placebo. Lovastatin significantly decreased plasma total-C, LDL-C, total-C/HDL-C ratio and LDL-C/HDL-C ratio.

In addition, lovastatin produced increases of variable magnitude in HDL-C, and modestly decreased VLDL-C and plasma TG (see TABLES II through IV for dose response results). The results of a study in patients with primary hypercholesterolemia are presented in TABLE II . TABLE II: Lovastatin vs.

Placebo (Mean Percent Change from Baseline After 6 Weeks) DOSAGE N TOTAL-C LDL-C HDL-C LDL-C/HDL-C TOTAL-C/HDL-C TG. Placebo 33 -2 -1 -1 0 +1 +9 Lovastatin 10 mg q.p.m. 33 -16 -21 +5 -24 -19 -10 20 mg q.p.m.

33 -19 -27 +6 -30 -23 +9 10 mg b.i.d. 32 -19 -28 +8 -33 -25 -7 40 mg q.p.m. 33 -22 -31 +5 -33 -25 -8 20 mg b.i.d.

36 -24 -32 +2 -32 -24 -6 Lovastatin was compared to cholestyramine in a randomized open parallel study. The study was performed with patients with hypercholesterolemia who were at high risk of myocardial infarction. Summary results are presented in TABLE III .

TABLE III: Lovastatin vs. Cholestyramine (Percent Change from Baseline After 12 Weeks) TREATMENT N TOTAL-C (mean) LDL-C (mean) HDL-C (mean) LDL-C/HDL-C (mean) TOTAL-C/HDL-C (mean) VLDL-C (median) TG. (mean) Lovastatin 20 mg b.i.d.

85 -27 -32 +9 -36 -31 -34 -21 40 mg b.i.d. 88 -34 -42 +8 -44 -37 -31 -27 Cholestyramine 12 g b.i.d. 88 -17 -23 +8 -27 -21 +2 +11 Lovastatin was studied in controlled trials in hypercholesterolemic patients with well-controlled non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus with normal renal function.

The effect of lovastatin on lipids and lipoproteins and the safety profile of lovastatin were similar to that demonstrated in studies in nondiabetics. Lovastatin had no clinically important effect on glycemic control or on the dose requirement of oral hypoglycemic agents. Expanded Clinical Evaluation of Lovastatin (EXCEL) Study Lovastatin was compared to placebo in 8,245 patients with hypercholesterolemia (total-C 240 to 300 mg/dL [6.2 mmol/L to 7.6 mmol/L], LDL-C > 160 mg/dL [4.1 mmol/L]) in the randomized, double-blind, parallel, 48 week EXCEL study.

All changes in the lipid measurements ( TABLE IV ) in lovastatin treated patients were dose-related and significantly different from placebo (p ≤ 0.001). These results were sustained throughout the study. TABLE IV: Lovastatin vs.

Placebo (Percent Change from Baseline – Average Values Between Weeks 12 and 48) DOSAGE N 1 TOTAL-C (mean) LDL-C (mean) HDL-C (mean) LDL-C/HDL-C (mean) TOTAL-C/HDL-C (mean) TG. (median) Placebo 1663 +0.7 +0.4 +2.0 +0.2 +0.6 +4 Lovastatin 20 mg q.p.m. 1642 -17 -24 +6.6 -27 -21 -10 40 mg q.p.m.

1645 -22 -30 +7.2 -34 -26 -14 20 mg b.i.d. 1646 -24 -34 +8.6 -38 -29 -16 40 mg b.i.d. 1649 -29 -40 +9.5 -44 -34 -19 Patients enrolled Air Force/Texas Coronary Atherosclerosis Prevention Study (AFCAPS/TexCAPS) The Air Force/Texas Coronary Atherosclerosis Prevention Study (AFCAPS/TexCAPS), a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, primary prevention study, demonstrated that treatment with lovastatin decreased the rate of acute major coronary events (composite endpoint of myocardial infarction, unstable angina, and sudden cardiac death) compared with placebo during a median of 5.1 years of follow-up.

Participants were middle-aged and elderly men (ages 45 to 73) and women (ages… [Excerpted — this section continues on DailyMed.]

📄 Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility ~3 min read ▾

Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility In a 21 month carcinogenic study in mice, there was a statistically significant increase in the incidence of hepatocellular carcinomas and adenomas in both males and females at 500 mg/kg/day. This dose produced a total plasma drug exposure 3 to 4 times that of humans given the highest recommended dose of lovastatin (drug exposure was measured as total HMG-CoA reductase inhibitory activity in extracted plasma). Tumor increases were not seen at 20 and 100 mg/kg/day, doses that produced drug exposures of 0.3 to 2 times that of humans at the 80 mg/day dose.

A statistically significant increase in pulmonary adenomas was seen in female mice at approximately 4 times the human drug exposure. (Although mice were given 300 times the human dose [HD] on a mg/kg body weight basis, plasma levels of total inhibitory activity were only 4 times higher in mice than in humans given 80 mg of lovastatin.) There was an increase in incidence of papilloma in the non-glandular mucosa of the stomach of mice beginning at exposures of 1 to 2 times that of humans. The glandular mucosa was not affected.

The human stomach contains only glandular mucosa. In a 24 month carcinogenicity study in rats, there was a positive dose response relationship for hepatocellular carcinogenicity in males at drug exposures between 2 to 7 times that of human exposure at 80 mg/day (doses in rats were 5, 30 and 180 mg/kg/day). An increased incidence of thyroid neoplasms in rats appears to be a response that has been seen with other HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors.

A chemically similar drug in this class was administered to mice for 72 weeks at 25, 100, and 400 mg/kg body weight, which resulted in mean serum drug levels approximately 3, 15, and 33 times higher than the mean human serum drug concentration (as total inhibitory activity) after a 40 mg oral dose. Liver carcinomas were significantly increased in high-dose females and mid- and high-dose males, with a maximum incidence of 90 percent in males. The incidence of adenomas of the liver was significantly increased in mid- and high-dose females.

Drug treatment also significantly increased the incidence of lung adenomas in mid- and high-dose males and females. Adenomas of the Harderian gland (a gland of the eye of rodents) were significantly higher in high-dose mice than in controls. No evidence of mutagenicity was observed in a microbial mutagen test using mutant strains of Salmonella typhimurium with or without rat or mouse liver metabolic activation.

In addition, no evidence of damage to genetic material was noted in an in vitro alkaline elution assay using rat or mouse hepatocytes, a V-79 mammalian cell forward mutation study, an in vitro chromosome aberration study in CHO cells, or an in vivo chromosomal aberration assay in mouse bone marrow. Drug-related testicular atrophy, decreased spermatogenesis, spermatocytic degeneration and giant cell formation were seen in dogs starting at 20 mg/kg/day. Similar findings were seen with another drug in this class.

No drug-related effects on fertility were found in studies with lovastatin in rats. However, in studies with a similar drug in this class, there was decreased fertility in male rats treated for 34 weeks at 25 mg/kg body weight, although this effect was not observed in a subsequent fertility study when this same dose was administered for 11 weeks (the entire cycle of spermatogenesis, including epididymal maturation). In rats treated with this same reductase inhibitor at 180 mg/kg/day, seminiferous tubule degeneration (necrosis and loss of spermatogenic epithelium) was observed.

No microscopic changes were observed in the testes from rats of either study. The clinical significance of these findings is unclear.

📄 Package Label / Principal Display Panel 20 words ▾

PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL - 40 mg NDC 71610-709 - Lovastatin, USP 40mg Tablets - Rx Only Bottle Label 40 mg

Source: FDA Structured Product Labeling, mirrored from DailyMed / openFDA. Prefer the government’s original formatting? View this label on DailyMed ↗

Medicare Part D spend CMS · PART D · 2026 (Q1)

Medicare Part D (outpatient prescription) spending for Lovastatin — the program that covers self-administered drugs. 5 manufacturers.
⚠️ Drug-level data: CMS publishes Part D spending by drug, not by NDC — these figures combine every manufacturer, strength and package size sold under the name Lovastatin. That’s a different level of aggregation than the Medicaid card above, which is specific to this exact 11-digit NDC (pack size included), so the two aren’t directly comparable.
Period
Total Part D spend
$5.95M
Claims incl. refills
530.5K
Beneficiaries
439K
Spend / beneficiary
$13.55
Spend / claim
$11.21
Trend by period
💵 About the dollar figures: spending is what Part D plans paid before confidential manufacturer rebates, so the program’s real net cost is lower. A blank patient count means fewer than 11 people — CMS hides counts that small to protect privacy. Source: CMS Medicare Quarterly Part D Spending by Drug (data.cms.gov), updated quarterly.

About this NDC listing & data coverage

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NDC identity (package / product / labeler codes) ✓ Available
Labeler ✓ Available
Product & package description ✓ Available
Marketing category & status ✓ Available
Active ingredient / dosage form / route ✓ Available
FDA label (SPL via DailyMed) ✓ Available
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Inactive ingredients (structured) ✓ Available
NADAC pharmacy acquisition price (CMS) — Not published for this NDC CMS publishes NADAC only for NDCs reported in its retail-pharmacy survey.
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HCPCS J-code billing crosswalk — Not published for this NDC Most self-administered / retail products have no J-code — that is normal.
Medicaid utilization (CMS SDUD) — Not published for this NDC CMS reports utilization only for NDCs with Medicaid claims above its privacy threshold.
“Not published” reflects what the public FDA / CMS / NLM sources provide for this exact package code — it is a property of the data feeds, not a judgment about the product.

Questions about this listing

Why is there no price listed?
The pricing shown on our NDC pages comes from CMS NADAC, a voluntary survey of retail community pharmacy invoices. CMS does not publish a NADAC for every NDC — packages outside the retail survey (institutional and hospital products, bulk packages, discontinued items, and many OTC items) may never receive one. A missing price reflects the survey's scope, not this product's actual cost, and does not mean the product is free or unavailable.
Is the NDC printed on the package the same as the 11-digit billing NDC?
Yes, they identify this exact package in different formats. The form printed on the packaging and shown on DailyMed is the one the FDA registered. Insurance claims use a fixed 11-digit 5-4-2 format, so the short segment is padded with a leading zero and the dashes are dropped. The Identity section at the top of this page lists each form of this code.
Is this package still being marketed?
Yes, per the latest FDA NDC Directory data on this page: this package is listed as actively marketed, with no marketing end date reported by Aphena Pharma Solutions - Tennessee, LLC. Listing status can change — the directory data on this page refreshes weekly.
Who lists this product with the FDA?
Aphena Pharma Solutions - Tennessee, LLC is the labeler of record for this NDC — the company under whose FDA-assigned code the package is listed. The labeler may be the manufacturer itself or a distributor marketing the product under its own code.
Do I need a prescription for this product?
This NDC is listed with FDA as a prescription product, so it is dispensed under a prescriber's order. Your pharmacist can tell you whether any over-the-counter forms of the same medication exist.
This page identifies an FDA-listed package (the NDC) and reports public regulatory and pricing data about the listing. It is reference information, not a medical recommendation — talk to your pharmacist or prescriber about your own medication.
Where does this data come from?
Listing facts (marketing category, packager status, marketing dates) from the FDA openFDA NDC Directory; label availability from DailyMed; pricing coverage from CMS NADAC; equivalence scope from the FDA Orange Book.
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For educational and professional reference only — not medical advice. Pricing reflects published NADAC and CMS ASP (free public data) and may differ from your acquisition cost; always verify before billing or dispensing.