Medications exist for treating rheumatoid arthritis, and new treatments are always being explored. Drugs usually prescribed for certain conditions are sometimes used to treat symptoms of unrelated conditions, and statin drugs, including lovastatin, are being studied for use in rheumatoid arthritis. Talk with your doctor about the latest information on lovastatin and arthritis to see if it is safe and appropriate for you to use.
About Lovastatin
Lovastatin is the generic name for the brand-name drug Mevacor or Altoprev and is part of a group of medications called statins. These drugs lower levels of bad cholesterol, called LDL, and increase good cholesterol levels, known as HDL. It may also be used in individuals with diabetes or heart disease to reduce the risk of stroke and other cardiac complications. The medication is typically taken at bedtime. Common side effects may include headache, stomach pain, mild nausea, joint pain, constipation and insomnia.
About Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis, commonly known as RA, is a chronic condition causing inflammation of joints and tissues. The specific cause of RA is unknown, but it is an autoimmune disease that occurs when the body's immune system attacks itself. Symptoms may include joint pain or stiffness, especially in the morning, decreased joint range of motion, chest pain and tingling or numbness in the hands and feet. Diagnosis of RA is done through tests like a complete blood count, a rheumatoid factor test, an anti-CCP antibody test, x-rays or MRI. Treatment, which is typically lifelong, depends on the severity of your symptoms and can include medications like anti-inflammatory drugs, biologic agents, exercise, surgery and physical therapy.
Effects of Lovastatin
Statin drugs may help RA flares because of their anti-inflammatory properties. Statin drugs have also shown potential benefit for RA by killing synovial cells, which reproduce abnormally in RA and then destroy cartilage. More research needs to be done with lovastatin specifically, but this could be promising for RA sufferers. If you have RA, ask your doctor whether lovastatin could potentially ease your symptoms.
Warnings
Do not take lovastatin in place of your current RA treatment. Do not drink alcohol or grapefruit juice while on this medication. If you start to have side effects like fever, fatigue, chest pain, weight gain, minimal urination or jaundice, tell your doctor immediately. Pregnant women and women who are trying to become pregnant should not take lovastatin. Before starting lovastatin, tell your doctor about any other supplements or medications you are taking, to avoid adverse interactions.
