Key takeaways
Lovastatin (Mevacor) and niacin ER (Niaspan) are both medications used to lower cholesterol and triglycerides, but they belong to different medication classes. Lovastatin is a statin, which works by blocking a protein in your liver that makes cholesterol, while niacin ER is an antilipemic and a form of vitamin B3 that helps lower cholesterol by blocking the release of fat from fatty tissue. Lovastatin is typically taken once or twice a day, while niacin ER can be taken once daily in its extended-release form or three times daily in its immediate-release form. Lovastatin is available as a generic and is taken with food, whereas niacin ER is available both as a prescription and over-the-counter. Common side effects of lovastatin include stomach upset and headache, while niacin ER often causes flushing and stomach upset. Both medications can cause serious muscle problems like rhabdomyolysis, especially when they are combined or when niacin ER is combined with another statin. Lovastatin has more drug interactions, such as with amiodarone and warfarin, and should not be taken with grapefruit juice. Niacin can affect blood sugar levels and is not recommended for people with active liver disease.
