Lovastatin therapy can cause elevated hepatic enzymes. Enzyme concentrations will decrease to pretreatment concentrations after discontinuation of lovastatin. These elevations were not associated with jaundice or other signs or symptoms of hepatotoxicity. Hepatitis, cholestasis with jaundice anorexia, and pancreatitis have been reported during therapy with other HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, but a causal relationship has not been established with these agents. These effects appear to occur more often than placebo, although their differences are not significantly different.
Allergic reactions can occur with lovastatin therapy.
Rashes can vary in severity from urticaria or purpura to toxic epidermal necrolysis or Stevens-Johnson syndrome. Cataracts have been reported with lovastatin use, usually occurring after many months of therapy. Patients should report any symptoms of blurred vision. Lovastatin's other reported side effects include impotence and insomnia. Lovastatin can help lower blood cholesterol for patients who are at risk of getting heart disease or a stroke.