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Cholesterol and you

What is “heart disease?”

Heart disease is the phrase used on this website to cover a number of health problems where blood vessels become clogged so that blood can’t get to the heart. The result may be:
  • Heart attack
  • Bypass surgery
  • Angioplasty
  • Stent

Even if your doctor says you have a serious cholesterol problem, you may feel perfectly healthy. Having abnormal cholesterol levels isn’t typically painful; in fact, you probably can’t feel it at all. But the consequences can be serious.

Here’s why: If a cholesterol problem goes untreated, fatty deposits of LDL cholesterol can build up in the walls of your arteries. As these deposits (called “plaque”) build up, the arteries may become blocked. Eventually, the artery may entirely shut off. When the blockage happens in the heart, the result may be a heart attack.

Not all cholesterol is bad for you

While too much LDL cholesterol is bad, your HDL cholesterol levels should be high. HDL helps remove the “bad” LDL cholesterol from the body and helps reduce the risk of heart disease.

ADVICOR: One prescription helps manage total cholesterol

ADVICOR® (niacin extended-release/lovastatin tablets) is a prescription cholesterol medication that both lowers “bad” LDL cholesterol, and raises “good” HDL cholesterol significantly.

Ask your doctor to explain your total cholesterol, and whether ADVICOR might be right for you.

Learn more about
Understanding cholesterol
Is ADVICOR right for you?
 Talking with your
doctor about ADVICOR


Important Safety Information About ADVICOR

ADVICOR® (niacin extended-release/lovastatin tablets) is a prescription medication used, along with diet and exercise, to improve cholesterol levels. ADVICOR is not for everyone, including those allergic to any of its ingredients, or women who are nursing, pregnant, or may become pregnant. Consult your physician if you have a liver problem, stomach ulcers, or a serious bleeding problem. ADVICOR has not been shown to prevent heart disease or heart attacks.

If you take ADVICOR, tell your doctor about any unusual muscle pain, tenderness or weakness, as this could be a sign of a serious but rare side effect. Also tell your doctor about any other medications and vitamin supplements you are taking to avoid possible serious drug interactions. ADVICOR should be used with caution if you consume large amounts of alcohol. Your doctor will do simple blood tests before and during treatment with ADVICOR to check for liver problems.

Do not substitute ADVICOR for any other niacin products as it may cause damage to your liver. Always check with your doctor before changing your medication.

Flushing (warmth, redness, itching, and/or tingling of the skin) is the most common side effect and may become less frequent over time. In most patients, flushing is mild to moderate. Some people may experience more severe and intense flushing. Additional symptoms may include rapid or pronounced heartbeat, shortness of breath, sweating, chills, dizziness, fainting and/or swelling. If flushing wakes you up, take your time getting up. Other common side effects may include weakness, flu symptoms, headache, infection, pain, diarrhea, nausea, itching, and rash.

ADVICOR may cause an increase in blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes, you should carefully check your blood sugar levels and report any changes to your doctor.

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