Drug interactions
Atorvastatin + Lovastatin
Severity: Major
Atorvastatin and Lovastatin: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: Health Canada product monograph
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
These are two statins with the same therapeutic purpose, so combining them gives no added benefit and raises the risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis. The legacy P-glycoprotein effect is a minor contributor compared with the duplication of therapy.
What this interaction means in plain words
Atorvastatin and Lovastatin can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.
Atorvastatin belongs to Cardiovascular; Lovastatin belongs to Cardiovascular.
Why it happens
Therapeutic duplication with additive dose-related muscle toxicity, plus possible minor P-glycoprotein effects.
What to do
Avoid using two statins together and keep a single statin at an appropriate dose. If both have been taken, stop one and check for muscle symptoms and CK.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
- Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
- What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?
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References
Other interactions of Atorvastatin
- Atorvastatin + Tipranavir Contraindicated
- Atazanavir + Atorvastatin Major
- Atorvastatin + Clarithromycin Major
- Atorvastatin + Cobicistat Major
- Atorvastatin + Cyclosporin Major
- Atorvastatin + Danazol Major
Other interactions of Lovastatin
- Atazanavir + Lovastatin Contraindicated
- Clarithromycin + Lovastatin Contraindicated
- Cobicistat + Lovastatin Contraindicated
- Conivaptan + Lovastatin Contraindicated
- Darunavir + Lovastatin Contraindicated
- Elvitegravir / cobicistat / emtricitabine / tenofovir df + Lovastatin Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Atorvastatin with Lovastatin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Atorvastatin and Lovastatin can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. These are two statins with the same therapeutic purpose, so combining them gives no added benefit and raises the risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis. The legacy P-glycoprotein effect is a minor contributor compared with the duplication of therapy.
How serious is the interaction between Atorvastatin and Lovastatin?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid using two statins together and keep a single statin at an appropriate dose. If both have been taken, stop one and check for muscle symptoms and CK.
What other medicines interact with Atorvastatin?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Atorvastatin with, for example, Tipranavir, Atazanavir, Clarithromycin. The full list is on the Atorvastatin page.
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