by Dr Pandula Siribaddana

Created on: September 27, 2010

What is Advicor?

Advicor is combined medication of the vitamin supplement Niacin, or to be more specifically an extended acting form of Niacin, and the cholesterol lowering agent, Lovastatin. These drugs in combination have been used to reduce a possible high cholesterol and triglyceride state in the circulation and thereby reduce the risk of coronary artery diseases in high risk individuals. But, the drug is not the sole ingredient of the management of high cholesterol risk in susceptible individuals but would have to be applied along with appropriate dietary and other management strategies.

When should you avoid taking Advicor?

Advicor should be avoided by anyone who is known to develop allergic reactions to the same or else to any component of the drug. At the same time, persons with liver and renal disease should also avoid taking this medication or else should undergo close observation while taking this drug. Furthermore, it is also not indicated in persons who are pregnant, breast feeding, having active bleeding conditions such as gastro-intestinal bleeding…etc.

What are the side effects of this drug?

Although many would tolerate Advicor rather effectively, there is a possibility of side effects in certain amount of people. At the same time, in very rare instances, one might develop serious allergic reactions as well. Thus, if you develop hives, itching of the skin, swelling of the lips, tongue, face and the throat as well as breathing difficulties; you need to take swift action to seek medical attention.

Due to the possibility of developing extremely rare muscle catabolism, Advicor can cause muscle pain, tenderness, weakness, flu like symptoms, dark colored urine…etc and may harm the kidneys which would give rise to many other manifestations as well. Furthermore, it can influence the heart function and rhythm which may give rise to side effects such as fast and pounding heart or shortness of breath. If you experience these side effects, it is necessary for you to seek medical attention as soon as possible to avoid any major complications.

Apart from the possible serious side effects, some of the less serious side effects include, flushing of the skin, tingling feeling underneath the skin, headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, itching or a rash, stomach pain, back pain, swelling…etc. Although these signs and symptoms may cause discomfort, it may not require withholding the drug as it may recede with the continued use after several days.

Finally, although this illustration gives an overview about the side effects related to Advicor, it is not a comprehensive list of possible side effects and therefore one should refer the manufacture literature to obtain more information.

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