The American Heart Association's 2008 Cholesterol Statistics state that over 37 million Americans have high cholesterol levels. Lovastatin is one of the many drugs on the market to help combat this problem. Lovastatin is a pharmaceutical statin that is used as a hypolipidemic agent to help lower bad cholesterol levels and prevent heart disease.

Lovastatin has relatively few side effects in comparison with other drugs on the market. The only known side effects may include muscle pain or muscle weakness. If these side effects are experienced, you should immediately contact your doctor. These could be signs of the neuromuscular diseases Myopathy or Rhabdomyolysis. Both can be devastating.

Like any other statin medication, grapefruit juice should not be consumed while on Lovastatin as it can lower the metabolism of the statins. Taking Lovastatin in conjunction with the drugs gemfibrozil, niacin, and cyclosporin can cause the breakdown of muscle tissue, which may eventually lead to kidney failure. Alcohol may also cause side effects and increase your chances of liver disease.

Anyone with a history of kidney problems or kidney disease should not take Lovastatin. Those with muscular disorders should also avoid Lovastatin, as well as other statin related medications. Lovastatin may cause birth defects and is not recommended for pregnant women.