Pharmacy and Medications

Lovastatin and lipitor

09/08/2008 08:44AM

Question:

QUESTION: I previously stated that I was taking lipitor 10mg and this was recently changed to lovastatin 20mg, once a day. According to your writing, the lovastatin is actually lower than the lipitor. Maybe I don`t need as much as I was previously taking? Any idea on questions I should ask my physician?

Answer:

Lipitor (atorvastatin) and lovastatin are drugs used to lower cholesterol. Both drugs belong to the group of drugs called HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors. The drugs block the enzyme, HMG-CoA reductase, which helps to make cholesterol.

The dose required to achieve a reduction in low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) from the baseline measurement varies from one statin to another. Atorvastatin 10mg causes a 35% decrease in LDL cholesterol. Lovastatin 10mg causes a 25% decrease in LDL cholesterol. The two drugs are not equally potent on a milligram for milligram basis.

Review your goals for statin therapy with your doctor. What reduction are you trying to achieve? Review your lipid profile, including LDL-C, HDL-C, total cholesterol and triglycerides. You may want to also review your risk factors for coronary heart disease with your doctor.

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Response by:

Carmen M. Hadley, RPh, CSPI
Clinical Instructor
Central Ohio Poison Center
Nationwide Children’s Hospital
College of Pharmacy
The Ohio State University