Lovastatin

Lovastatin (also known as Monacolin K) is a statin medication which is used to treat high blood cholesterol and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Its use is recommended along with lifestyle changes. It is taken by mouth. Common side effects include diarrhea, constipation, headache, muscle pains, rash, and trouble sleeping. Serious side effects may include liver problems, muscle breakdown, and kidney failure. Use during pregnancy may harm the baby and use during breastfeeding is not recommended. It works by decreasing the liver's ability to produce cholesterol by blocking the enzyme HMG-CoA reductase. Lovastatin was patented in 1979, and approved for medical use in the United States 1987. It is sold under the brand name Mevacor among others, and is available as a generic medication. It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines. In 2023, it was the 132nd most commonly prescribed medication in the United States, with more than 4 million prescriptions.