Lovastatin
Lovastatin is a generic statin usually taken with the evening meal. In EXCEL, immediate-release lovastatin lowered LDL cholesterol by 24% at 20 mg daily, 30% at 40 mg daily, and 40% at 40 mg twice daily. Study results
How much does lovastatin lower LDL cholesterol?
Lovastatin lowered LDL cholesterol by an average of 24–40% across the regimens below in the EXCEL study. Read the evidence.
| Dose and treatment context | LDL result |
|---|---|
| 20 mg once daily | |
| 40 mg once daily | |
| 40 mg twice daily |
EXCEL reported average changes over weeks 12–48. Twice-daily 40 mg is 80 mg total per day; it is not the same regimen as a single 40 mg tablet.
Individual responses vary. LDL and ApoB measure different things; these LDL percentages should not be used as ApoB estimates. Compare ApoB-lowering treatments.
How is lovastatin taken?
Immediate-release lovastatin is taken with food, usually the evening meal. The clinician may divide higher daily doses. Extended-release lovastatin has different instructions, so the formulation matters. Prescribing information.
How does lovastatin compare with other medications?
Lovastatin generally provides less LDL lowering than high-intensity Atorvastatin or Rosuvastatin. Its low generic price can be attractive, but interactions may make Pravastatin or another statin easier to use.
Which medications can be combined with lovastatin?
A statin can be combined with Ezetimibe or a PCSK9-directed treatment such as Repatha when additional LDL lowering is needed. These medicines act through different mechanisms. Their percentage reductions should not be added together: an added treatment lowers the LDL that remains. Avoid gemfibrozil. Other fibrates and high-dose niacin increase muscle-injury risk and require particular caution.
How much does lovastatin cost?
Cost Plus Drugs lists lovastatin 20mg, 30 tablets, at $5.71 before shipping ($10.96 with standard shipping). Prices were checked October 6, 2026; the quantity is not necessarily a month’s supply.
Cost Plus Drugs
Lovastatin 20mg, 30 tablets: $5.71 including the dispensing fee, or $10.96 with standard shipping.
GoodRx
Compare local coupon prices for the same 20mg strength and 30 tablets. The pharmacy, ZIP code, and coupon can change the price; this is a live comparison, not a second fixed quote.
Compare the cash price with your plan’s out-of-pocket quote for the same strength and quantity. Coupon purchases may not count toward your insurance deductible.
Does insurance cover lovastatin?
Coverage for lovastatin varies by plan and formulation. These named formularies and medical policies were checked October 6, 2026; your plan’s rules and cost sharing may differ.
| Insurer | Coverage policy |
|---|---|
| UnitedHealthcare | UnitedHealthcare lists lovastatin at Tier 1 with a preventive-coverage marker; no step-therapy or quantity-limit marker is listed. Commercial PDL, September 2026. |
| Aetna | Aetna lists lovastatin as a preferred generic, without a listed prior-authorization or step-therapy requirement. Advanced Control, October 2026. |
| Cigna | Cigna lists immediate-release lovastatin at Tier 1; 20 and 40 mg have a preventive pathway. Home delivery may be required. Extended-release Altoprev has different rules. California Standard 4-Tier (DMHC), July 2026. |
| Anthem | Anthem lists lovastatin at Tier 1 with a preventive $0 pathway. The 10 and 20 mg strengths have dose optimization; 40 mg is limited to two tablets daily. California Individual Select, October 2026. |
| Blue Shield of California | Blue Shield of California lists lovastatin at Tier 1; 10 and 20 mg are limited to one tablet daily, and 40 mg to two daily. Standard Formulary. |
| BCBS of Texas | BCBS of Texas lists lovastatin as a preferred generic; the 20 and 40 mg strengths carry a preventive-coverage marker. Performance Annual, 2026. |
What are the side effects of lovastatin?
Muscle pain can occur; severe muscle injury and serious liver injury are uncommon but important risks. Report unexplained weakness, dark urine, or jaundice promptly. A clinician should review liver disease, pregnancy plans, and the full medication list before treatment. Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors are contraindicated, and grapefruit juice should be avoided. Diltiazem, verapamil, and other interacting medicines may substantially limit the allowable dose. Full safety information.
Does lovastatin reduce heart attacks or strokes?
Lovastatin has prevention evidence from AFCAPS/TexCAPS, which studied adults without symptomatic cardiovascular disease. The trial supports coronary-event prevention in its study population; the LDL-lowering percentages in EXCEL describe a different outcome and should not be interpreted as event reductions. Read the supporting evidence.
Is lovastatin right for you?
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