Cerivastatin

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Also indexed as:

Baycol

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.

Herbs

Summary of Interactions for Cerivastatin

Depletion or interference	None known
Adverse interaction	None known
Side effect reduction/prevention	None known
Supportive interaction	None known
Reduced drug absorption/bioavailability	None known
Other (see text)	Niacin

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 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.

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Last Review: 01-21-2009

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