Lipostat

What is it?

A statin available as biconvex, yellow tablets in 3 different strengths containing 10mg, 20mg or 40mg of pravastatin, as sodium salt, each marked with strength.

Medical Uses

Hypercholesterolaemia (high levels of blood cholesterol) which does not respond to dietary measures. In patients with hypercholesterolaemia but no apparent coronary disease, as additional treatment with dietary measures to reduce the risk of heart attack, future death related to heart or circulatory disease and to reduce future need for revascularisation procedures. In patients with elevated blood cholesterol levels who have previously had a heart attack or who have unstable angina, to reduce risk of further heart attack or stroke, need for future revascularisation procedures, to reduce risk of death from coronary heart disease or to shorten length of hospital stay. In patients with high blood cholesterol levels and coronary heart disease, as additional treatment with dietary measures to reduce the progression of atherosclerosis in coronary arteries and lessen the risk of heart/ circulatory events.

Dosage

Adults, 10 to 40mg taken as 1 dose at night.

Special Care

History of liver disease. Liver function tests to be undertaken during treatment and drug to be withdrawn if certain enzyme levels (phosphokinase, creatine, AST, ALT) are notably high. Women of child-bearing age must use effective contraception.

Avoid Use

Pregnancy, breastfeeding, liver disease, homozygotic, familial hypercholesterolaemia (a genetically determined, inherited form of the disorder).

Possible Drug and Food Interactions

Fibrates, erythromycin, nicotinic acid, cyclosporin. Lipostat should be taken 1 hour before or 4 hours after colestipol or cholestyramine.

Known Side Effects

Muscle pain, headache, rashes, gastrointestinal upset, tiredness, chest pains not related to the heart.

Manufacturer

BMS.