Lovastatin

The Basics

What is Lovastatin?

Used to lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood.

Brand names for Lovastatin

Mevacor

How Lovastatin is classified

Anticholesteremic Agents, Antilipemic Agents, Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors

Lovastatin During Pregnancy

Lovastatin pregnancy category

Category XNote that the FDA has deprecated the use of pregnancy categories, so for some medications, this information isn’t available. We still think it’s useful to list historical info, however, given what a common proxy this has been in the past.

What we know about taking Lovastatin while pregnant

N/A

Taking Lovastatin While Breastfeeding

What are recommendations for lactation if you're taking Lovastatin?

No relevant published information exists on the use of lovastatin during breastfeeding. Because of a concern with disruption of infant lipid metabolism, the consensus is that lovastatin should not be used during breastfeeding. However, others have argued that children homozygous for familial hypercholesterolemia are treated with statins beginning at 1 year of age, that statins have low oral bioavailability, and risks to the breastfed infant are low, especially with rosuvastatin and pravastatin.[1] Until more data become available, an alternate drug may be preferred, especially while nursing a newborn or preterm infant.

Maternal / infant drug levels

No relevant published information exists on the use of lovastatin during breastfeeding. Because of a concern with disruption of infant lipid metabolism, the consensus is that lovastatin should not be used during breastfeeding. However, others have argued that children homozygous for familial hypercholesterolemia are treated with statins beginning at 1 year of age, that statins have low oral bioavailability, and risks to the breastfed infant are low, especially with rosuvastatin and pravastatin.[1] Until more data become available, an alternate drug may be preferred, especially while nursing a newborn or preterm infant.

Possible effects of Lovastatin on milk supply

Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.

Possible alternatives to Lovastatin

Cholestyramine, Colesevelam, Colestipol.