Advicor, an oral drug to reduce cholesterol, is a combination of extended-release niacin and a statin drug called lovastatin. The combination of niacin, which is a b-complex vitamin with lovastatin, was produced since the use of statin drugs alone or niacin alone is not always effective in reducing cholesterol levels.

Advicor does reduce total blood cholesterol levels, lowers the low density lipoprotein (LDL) also called the “bad” cholesterol for its tendency to stick to artery walls and promote atherosclerosis (the narrowing and hardening of the arteries), lowers triglycerides levels and significantly increases the high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol also known as the good cholesterol for its ability to help prevent cholesterol build up within the arteries.

As effective as advicor is in reducing cholesterol levels, it can cause serious side effects and that is why it is usually given to patients as a last resort only if they have not been able to reduce their cholesterol levels through the natural routs of dietary changes and regular exercise.

However, taking advicor to reduce cholesterol comes with a price attached. There are certain side effects that patients need to be aware of before taking the drug to reduce choelsterol. Among these side effects are: Nausea, dizziness, headaches, skin rashes, and rapid increase in hear beat. There are other side effects like muscle pain that can reach acute proportions, if you have any such symptoms or if you feel the side effects are putting your heath in danger, you should immidietly stop the treatment and consult your doctor.

To maximize results with advicor to reduce cholesterol, it is recommended that the drug be taken with food to help the absorption of the drug and reduce upset stomach symptoms.

Additionally, when taking advicor to reduce cholesterol one should be aware that the version of niacin found in advicor works differently than the stand alone version of b-complex vitamin. While the stand-alone version of niacin is immediately released to the blood, the niacin in advicor works gradually and slowly. This is why before taking advicor, most doctors will gradually increase your niacin intake to make your body adjust better to the long-term action of the niacin in advicor.

There are natural alternatives to reduce cholesterol using diet, regular exercise and special supplements that when taken can lower overall blood cholesterol, reduce LDL cholesterol and raise HDL cholesterol without the side effects.