Lovastatin: Side Effects, Uses & Monitoring
Therapy with lovastatin tablets USP should be a component of multiple risk factor intervention in those individuals with dyslipidemia at risk for atherosclerotic vascular disease.
- Data source
- FDA labeling via NIH DailyMed (label e16b6922…)
- Label version
- current
- Last reviewed
- 2026
Reported adverse reactions
Reactions listed in current FDA labeling, with the highest frequency reported across summarized placebo-controlled trials.
| Adverse reaction (as reported in labeling) | Reported frequency* |
|---|---|
| Flatulence | 4.5% |
| Constipation | 3.5% |
| Headache | 3.2% |
| Myalgia | 3% |
| Diarrhea | 2.6% |
| Abdominal pain | 2.5% |
| Nausea | 2.5% |
| Dyspepsia | 1.9% |
| Asthenia | 1.7% |
| Rash | 1.3% |
| Dizziness | 1.2% |
| Blurred vision | 1.2% |
| Muscle cramps | 1.1% |
*Highest percentage reported for the active moiety across placebo-controlled trial tables in current FDA labeling. Values reflect trial reporting, not your individual risk.
Labeled uses (from FDA prescribing information)
Therapy with lovastatin tablets USP should be a component of multiple risk factor intervention in those individuals with dyslipidemia at risk for atherosclerotic vascular disease. Lovastatin tablets USP 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 USP are indicated to reduce the risk of: -Myocardial infarction -Unstable angina -Coronary revascularization procedures (See CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY, CLINICAL STUDIES). Coronary Heart Disease Lovastatin tablets USP 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 si…
Conditions associated with Lovastatin in labeling
Atherosclerosis
A disease in which plaque builds up inside arteries, narrowing them and reducing blood flow, raising the risk ...
Chest Pain
Discomfort or pain in the chest that can range from minor muscle strain to a life-threatening heart condition....
Coronary Artery Disease
Narrowing of the coronary arteries by plaque, reducing blood flow to the heart muscle and causing chest pain, ...
Hyperlipidemia
Elevated levels of cholesterol or triglycerides in the blood, a major risk factor for heart attack and stroke....
Myocardial Infarction
A heart attack, occurring when blood flow to part of the heart muscle is blocked, causing chest pain and heart...
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Lovastatin used for?
FDA labeling lists the approved uses shown above under "Labeled uses." This summary is informational; only a qualified prescriber can determine whether a medication is appropriate for you.
What are the most commonly reported side effects of Lovastatin?
The table above shows adverse reactions and the highest frequencies reported in placebo-controlled trials summarized in current FDA labeling for Lovastatin. Individual risk varies.
Does Lovastatin require lab monitoring?
Monitoring needs vary. Ask your healthcare provider whether any lab tests apply while taking Lovastatin.
Where does this information come from?
All clinical facts on this page were extracted from the current FDA-registered product labeling for this ingredient, published by manufacturers through NIH DailyMed. See the source link below.
Medical disclaimer: Educational content extracted from public FDA labeling. Not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.