Warning: On August 8, 2001, Bayer Pharmaceutical Division
voluntarily withdrew Baycol (cerivastatin) from the U.S. market because of reports of
sometimes fatal rhabdomyolysis, a severe muscle adverse reaction from this
cholesterol-lowering (lipid-lowering) product. Bayer is taking similar action in all other
countries except Japan.
Cerivastatin is used to lower elevated blood
cholesterol and triglyceride levels when
low-fat diets and lifestyle changes are ineffective. It
is in a family of drugs known as HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors.
Summary of
Interactions with Vitamins, Herbs, and Foods
(for details about the summarized interactions, read the full article)
 Check: Other—Before taking any of these supplements
or eating any of these foods with your medication, read this article in full for details. |
Niacin
|
| Depletion or interference |
None known
|
| Side effect reduction/prevention |
None known
|
| Supportive interaction |
None known
|
| Reduced drug
absorption/bioavailability |
None known
|
| Adverse interaction |
None known
|
An asterisk (*) next to an item in the summary indicates that the
interaction is supported only by weak, fragmentary, and/or contradictory scientific
evidence.
Interactions with Dietary Supplements
Niacin
Some sources have reported that taking niacin together with HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors may
result in serious muscle damage.1 However, niacin has also been used in combination
with statin drugs without ill effects, and has been found to enhance the cholesterol-lowering
effect of these drugs.2 3 Persons taking cerivastatin or any other
HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor should consult with their doctor before taking niacin.
References
1. Sifton DW, et. Physicians’ Desk Reference. Montvale,
NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 2000, 675–7.
2. Davignon J, Roederer G, Montigny M, et al. Comparative efficacy and
safety of pravastatin, nicotinic acid and the two combined in patients with
hypercholesterolemia. Am J Cardiol 1994;73:339–45.
3. Jacobson TA, Jokubaitis LA, Amorosa LF. Fluvastatin and niacin in
hypercholesterolemia: a preliminary report on gender differences in efficacy. Am J
Med 1994;96(suppl 6A):64S–8S.
Copyright © 2004 Healthnotes, Inc. All rights reserved.
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Learn more about the authors of Using
Medicines with Vitamins and Herbs
The information presented in Healthnotes is for informational
purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro),
clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may
not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with
prescription or over-the-counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor,
practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or
before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires March 2005.
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