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Altoprev Coupon - Altoprev 20mg tablet

Altoprev

lovastatin
Used for Coronary Artery Disease, High Cholesterol
Used for Coronary Artery Disease, High Cholesterol

Altoprev (lovastatin) is a statin that's used to lower cholesterol in certain adults to help lower the risk for heart attack or stroke. It lowers both your "bad" cholesterol (LDL) and triglycerides (a type of fat) levels. It can also raise your "good" cholesterol (HDL). Altoprev (lovastatin) is a low-to-moderate intensity statin that's taken once per day. But it should be taken in addition to a heart-healthy diet and a regular exercise routine for the medication to work as best as possible. Side effects include headache and joint pain.

Last reviewed on December 3, 2023
basics-icon

What is Altoprev (lovastatin)?

What is Altoprev (lovastatin) used for?

How Altoprev (lovastatin) works

Altoprev (lovastatin) is a statin. It works by blocking a protein in your liver that makes cholesterol. This lowers the amount of "bad" cholesterol (called low-density lipoprotein, or LDL) in your blood. This medication might also help raise your "good" cholesterol (called high-density lipoprotein, or HDL) levels and lower your triglyceride levels. As a result, Altoprev (lovastatin) helps lower the risk of coronary artery disease, heart attack, and stroke.

Are you looking for information on lovastatin immediate-release tablets instead?

Drug Facts

Common BrandsAltoprev
Drug ClassStatin
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusNo lower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
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$4315.66(save 72.93%)
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$1168.23
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What are the side effects of Altoprev (lovastatin)?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

  • Infection (11%)
  • Headache (7%)
  • Back pain (5%)
  • Joint pain (5%)
  • Flu-like symptoms (5%)

Other Side Effects

  • Muscle pain
  • Muscle tenderness
  • Muscle cramps
  • Dizziness
  • Diarrhea
  • Urinary tract infection
  • Sinus infection

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
  • Severe muscle damage (rhabdomyolysis): dark brown urine, severe muscle weakness or pain, fever, tiredness
  • Liver problems: yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes, swelling of your stomach, dark or brown urine, confusion

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

Less common

Bladder pain

bloody or cloudy urine

chest tightness

cough

dark urine

difficult, burning, or painful urination

difficulty with moving

fever

frequent urge to urinate

headache

joint pain or swelling

lower back or side pain

muscle ache, cramp, spasm, stiffness, pain, tenderness, or weakness

pain or tenderness around the eyes and cheekbones

stuffy or runny nose

swollen joints

trouble breathing

unusual tiredness or weakness

Incidence not known

Bloating

chills

constipation

diarrhea

difficulty swallowing

dizziness

fast heartbeat

general tiredness and weakness

hives, itching, skin rash

indigestion

light-colored stools

loss of appetite

nausea

pains in the stomach, side, or abdomen, possibly radiating to the back

puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue

red skin lesions, often with a purple center

red, irritated eyes

sore throat

sores, ulcers, or white spots in the mouth or on the lips

upper right abdominal or stomach pain

vomiting

yellow eyes or skin

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Less common

Belching

bloated or full feeling

blurred vision

difficulty having a bowel movement

dizziness

excess air or gas in the stomach or bowels

heartburn

lack or loss of strength

passing gas

stomach discomfort, upset, or pain

Incidence not known

Burning, crawling, itching, numbness, prickling, "pins and needles", or tingling feelings

change in taste

changes to the hair or nails

confusion

decreased interest in sexual intercourse

depression

discoloration or dryness of the skin or mucous membrane

false sense of well-being

fear or nervousness

feeling of constant movement of self or surroundings

forgetfulness

inability to have or keep an erection

loss in sexual ability, desire, drive, or performance

loss of libido

memory loss

mood swings

partial or slight paralysis of the face

personality changes

sensation of spinning

swelling of the breasts or breast soreness in both females and males

tremor

trouble sleeping

unsteadiness or awkwardness

weakness in the arms, hands, legs, or feet

white area over the eye

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Altoprev (lovastatin)

thumbs-up

Pros

Taken once daily

Helps lower "bad" cholesterol (LDL) and triglycerides (fats) and improve "good" cholesterol (HDL) levels

Lowers the risk of problems caused by high cholesterol, like heart attack or stroke, in people with certain conditions (e.g., diabetes, high blood pressure)

thumbs-down

Cons

Doesn't replace having a balanced diet and getting regular exercise to help lower cholesterol levels

Not safe if you're pregnant or breastfeeding

Available as a brand-name only

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Altoprev (lovastatin)

pharmacist
  • Mark your calendar for any blood work you need to do while you're taking Altoprev (lovastatin). Your provider will order blood tests every so often to check your cholesterol levels and liver function. Your provider might change your dose based on your lab results.

    • Take Altoprev (lovastatin) in the evening to get the most benefit from the medication. Talk to your provider if this isn't a convenient time for you to see whether you can take it at another time of day. Be sure to be consistent and take your doses about every 24 hours apart.

      • Swallow the Altoprev (lovastatin) tablets whole. Don't crush, chew, or split the tablets. Talk to your provider if you're having trouble swallowing the tablets.

        • Take Altoprev (lovastatin) with or without food. Keep in mind that food can lower the amount of medication that's absorbed into your body, so be consistent with how you take it.

          • Avoid grapefruit or grapefruit juice while you're taking Altoprev (lovastatin). Grapefruit can raise the amount of the medication in your body, which raises your risk of side effects.

            • Ask your provider if it's safe to eat red yeast rice while you're taking Altoprev (lovastatin). Eating this type of rice during treatment can raise your risk for side effects because it has a chemical that's similar to lovastatin in it.

              • Make sure you follow a healthy and balanced diet that's low in fat and regularly exercise while you're taking Altoprev (lovastatin). This will help you get the most out of the medication. Talk with your provider if you have questions about meal-planning and types of exercise to do.

                • Make sure to tell your provider about all of the medications you're taking. Many medications can interact with Altoprev (lovastatin), such as amiodarone (Pacerone), niacin, and warfarin (Coumadin). Some drug interactions can either make the cholesterol medication work less well or put you at risk for side effects, like muscle damage.

                  • Tell your provider right away if you become pregnant, are thinking of becoming pregnant, or are breastfeeding while you're taking Altoprev (lovastatin). You should avoid taking this medication because it can cause harm to babies.

                    More on Altoprev (lovastatin) tips

                    faqs

                    Frequently asked questions about Altoprev (lovastatin)

                    What is the most serious side effect of Altoprev (lovastatin)?
                    The most serious side effect of Altoprev (lovastatin) is a rare but life-threatening muscle problem called rhabdomyolysis. This happens when parts of your muscle start to break down and get into your bloodstream. If this problem isn't treated in time, it can damage your kidneys. Get medical attention right away if you notice severe muscle pain, muscle tenderness or weakness, dark-colored urine, especially if you also feel tired or unwell.
                    Does Altoprev (lovastatin) cause muscle aches?
                    Yes, muscle aches are possible, but they're not too common. In clinical studies, only 3% of people who took Altoprev (lovastatin) reported muscle pain. Keep in mind that muscle aches can happen at any time during treatment with Altoprev (lovastatin). Talk to your provider if your muscle pain is too bothersome. Your provider can suggest some options, such as lowering your dose or change how often you take Altoprev (lovastatin) (e.g., every other day instead of daily). Or your provider might choose to switch you to a different statin; you might not get muscle pain from a different statin just because you had muscle pain from Altoprev (lovastatin).
                    Does Altoprev (lovastatin) cause weight gain?
                    Weight gain wasn't a side effect that people who took Altoprev (lovastatin) reported during clinical studies. But a large 2014 study found that people who took statins long-term (about 10 years) had gained weight possibly due to changes in their diet. Another study suggests that some statins might raise hunger by affecting certain hormone levels in the body, but the results aren't consistent enough to know for sure. Note that cholesterol medications work well only when you also follow lifestyle recommendations (e.g., a cholesterol-friendly diet, regular exercise). Speak with your provider if you notice changes in your eating habits and weight as you continue to take Altoprev (lovastatin) for cholesterol.
                    Does Altoprev (lovastatin) cause constipation?
                    No, constipation isn't a typical side effect of statins like Altoprev (lovastatin). Talk to your provider if you have bothersome constipation. Your provider can help determine a potential cause for your constipation and recommend ways to manage this problem, such as over-the-counter laxatives and eating more fiber-rich foods.
                    Is Altoprev (lovastatin) a blood thinner?
                    No, Altoprev (lovastatin) isn't a blood thinner and it doesn't raise your risk for bleeding. Altoprev (lovastatin) is a statin that helps lower your cholesterol levels. Some people might need to take Altoprev (lovastatin) and a blood thinner together in certain situations. For example, a statin and a blood thinner like aspirin or clopidogrel (Plavix) are commonly prescribed together after a heart attack or stroke. The statin helps prevent cholesterol buildup in the blood vessels, and the blood thinner helps stop blood clots from forming.
                    Can Altoprev (lovastatin) be crushed?
                    No, you shouldn't crush or chew Altoprev (lovastatin) tablets. Talk to your provider if you're having trouble swallowing the tablets so that you can switch to a different cholesterol medication.
                    Is Altoprev (lovastatin) the same as rosuvastatin?
                    No. Altoprev (lovastatin) and rosuvastatin (Crestor) are both statins that are taken once daily and share many other similarities, but they're two different medications. Rosuvastatin (Crestor) is a moderate-to-high intensity statin, whereas Altoprev (lovastatin) is considered a low-to-moderate intensity statin. This means that rosuvastatin (Crestor) can lower cholesterol levels more than Altoprev (lovastatin). Your provider will discuss with you about which statin best fits your needs. This is typically based on how much your cholesterol levels need to be lowered, in addition to some other factors.
                    Can I drink alcohol with Altoprev (lovastatin)?
                    It's best to limit the amount of alcohol you drink while you're taking Altoprev (lovastatin). Drinking alcohol during treatment with Altoprev (lovastatin) can raise your risk of serious liver problems. Make sure to avoid alcohol if you need to take Altoprev (lovastatin) and have liver problems. Speak with your provider about your drinking habits and what's a safe amount of alcohol you can drink while you're taking this medication.
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                    What are the risks and warnings for Altoprev (lovastatin)?

                    Altoprev (lovastatin) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

                    risk-warning

                    Severe muscle pain and damage

                    • Risk factors: Age 65 years and older | Higher dose of Altoprev (lovastatin) | Kidney problems | Taking other medications that can also cause muscle problems or interact with Altoprev (lovastatin)

                      Altoprev (lovastatin) can cause a rare, but serious and life-threatening muscle problem called rhabdomyolysis. If severe, this problem can lead to kidney injury. Your risk for rhabdomyolysis is higher if you take other medications that can either raise the levels of Altoprev (lovastatin) in your body or also cause muscle damage. Stop Altoprev (lovastatin) and get medical attention right away if you notice any symptoms of rhabdomyolysis, such as severe muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness; dark-colored urine; and tiredness.

                      In some rare cases, statins like Altoprev (lovastatin) can cause immune-mediated necrotizing myopathy (IMNM), an autoimmune condition that causes muscle inflammation and muscle weakness. This muscle problem might continue even if you stop taking the statin. If you develop IMNM, you'll need to stop the statin and you might need to take additional medications to dampen down your immune system.

                      risk-warning

                      Liver problems

                      • Risk factors: History of liver problems | Drinking large amounts of alcohol

                        Some people who took Altoprev (lovastatin) had changes to the liver enzyme levels in their blood, which can sometimes suggest liver damage. Rarely, serious liver problems leading to liver failure have happened.

                        You might need to get blood tests to check your liver health before and during treatment to make sure your liver is working properly. Get medical attention right away if you notice yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes; swelling of your stomach; stomach pain; nausea; vomiting; stool changes (black, tarry, or bloody stools); or dark or brown urine. You might need to stop using the medication to prevent further liver damage.

                        risk-warning

                        Higher blood sugar levels

                        • Risk factors: High blood sugar

                          Some research suggests that statins like Altoprev (lovastatin) might raise blood sugar levels, which can lead to higher hemoglobin A1C levels. But healthcare providers believe that the benefits of statins outweigh this risk. Tell your provider if you have diabetes or high blood sugar before you start Altoprev (lovastatin). You might need to check your blood sugar more often. Also, follow a healthy, balanced diet and do regular exercise while you're taking Altoprev (lovastatin).

                          risk-warning

                          Possible harm during pregnancy or breastfeeding

                          Altoprev (lovastatin) isn't recommended for use during pregnancy or breastfeeding for most people. This medication can possibly cause harm to unborn and breastfed babies. Talk to your provider about the safest options for you if you're pregnant, thinking of becoming pregnant, or breastfeeding.

                          More on Altoprev (lovastatin) warnings

                          dosage

                          Altoprev (lovastatin) dosage forms

                          The average cost for 90 tablets of 20mg of Altoprev (lovastatin) is $3491.68 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 19.09% off the average retail price of $4315.66.
                          tablet
                          Tablet
                          DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                          20mg90 tablets$3491.68$38.80
                          40mg90 tablets$3387.17$37.64
                          60mg30 tablets$1168.23$38.94

                          Typical dosing for Altoprev (lovastatin)

                          The typical dose ranges from 20 mg to 60 mg by mouth once a day at bedtime.

                          During treatment, your provider might change your dose depending on your cholesterol levels, your kidney function, any side effects you have, and the other medications you're taking (if they interact with Altoprev (lovastatin)).

                          More on Altoprev (lovastatin) dosage forms

                          interactions

                          Interactions between Altoprev (lovastatin) and other drugs

                          Altoprev (lovastatin) may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Altoprev (lovastatin). Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

                          Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.

                          Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

                          Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

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                          Altoprev (lovastatin) contraindications

                          Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Altoprev (lovastatin) will not be safe for you to take.
                          alternatives

                          What are alternatives to Altoprev (lovastatin)?

                          There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Altoprev (lovastatin). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
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                          latest news

                          What is the latest news about Altoprev (lovastatin)?

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                          Altoprev (lovastatin) images

                          Orange Round Logo 20 - Altoprev 20mg Extended-Release Tablet
                          This medicine is Orange, Round Tablet Imprinted With "Logo 20".Orange Round Logo 20 - Altoprev 20mg Extended-Release Tablet

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                          References

                          Best studies we found

                          Covis Pharma US, Inc. (2024). Altoprev- lovastatin tablet, extended release [package insert]. DailyMed.

                          Duong, H., et al. (2023). Lovastatin. StatPearls.

                          Lupin Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (2023). Lovastatin- lovastatin tablet [package insert]. DailyMed.

                          View All References (6)
                          GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.
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