What is the name of a medication for hypocholesterolanemia that sounds like altacor?

Hello Sandy and thank you for your question.

The medication you are referring to that sounds like Altacor and is
used for hypercholesterolemia is “Mevacor”.

“Mevacor is used, along with diet, to lower cholesterol levels in
people with primary hypercholesterolemia (too much cholesterol in the
bloodstream). High cholesterol levels foster the buildup of
artery-clogging plaque, which can be especially dangerous when it
collects in the vessels serving the muscles of the heart. Mevacor is
prescribed to prevent this problem--called coronary heart disease--or
to slow its advance if the arteries are already clogging up.”

Source: Physicians' Desk Referente Website
http://www.gettingwell.com/drug_info/rxdrugprofiles/drugs/MEV1260.shtml

Mevacor: brand name
Lovastatin: generic name

“Lovastatin is used to reduce the amounts of LDL (bad) cholesterol and
total cholesterol in your blood. These actions are important in the
prevention of heart disease and hardening of the arteries, which can
lead to heart attacks, stroke, and peripheral vascular disease.
Lovastatin blocks the production of cholesterol (a type of fat) in the
body.”

Source: Anti-Aging Drugs Website
http://www.anti-aging-drugs.com/?chapter=mevacor

Additional information that may interest you:

Indications and Dosage
http://www.rxlist.com/cgi/generic/lovastat_ids.htm

Adverse Reactions 
http://www.rxlist.com/cgi/generic/lovastat_ad.htm

What is Mevacor?
http://www.med.umich.edu/1libr/prescrpt/choles02.htm

Search Criteria: "Mevacor"
I did a search for Mevacor as I already was familiar with this
medication.
 

I hope you find this helpful and if there is anything that I've
written that needs clarification, please ask before you rate this
answer.

Best Regards,
Bobbie7-ga

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Clarification of Answer by bobbie7-ga on 19 Nov 2002 21:25 PST

Hello again Sandy.

After discussing your question with a fellow researcher, I believe the
medication you are looking for is “Altocor”.

Drugs Approved by the FDA
Drug Name: Altocor (lovastatin) Extended-Release Tablets
Company: Andrx
Approval Status: Approved June 2002
Treatment for: Hypercholesterolemia

General Information:

“Altocor extended-release tablets have been approved by the FDA as a
once-daily adjunct to diet for the reduction of elevated
total-cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, Apolipoprotein B, triglycerides
and to increase HDL cholesterol in those with primary
hyper-cholesterolemia. Additionally, Altocor is indicated to slow the
progression of coronary atherosclerosis in patients with coronary
artery disease, as part of a cholesterol lowering treatment strategy.
Altocor should be used in addtion to a diet restricted in saturated
fat and cholesterol.”

Source:Centerwatch Website
http://www.centerwatch.com/patient/drugs/dru790.html

The article dated November 13, 2001,”Pharmaceuticals - An Old
Cholesterol Drug Takes On Alzheimer's” by Matthew Herper discusses
Altocor as well.

“A new study funded by generic drugmaker Andrx indicates that a
reformulated version of lovastatin, an old cholesterol drug, may also
slow the progress of Alzheimer's disease. That's good news for Andrx,
which hopes to sell its delayed-release lovastatin as a new drug under
the brand name Altocor.”

Source: Forbes
http://www.forbes.com/2001/11/13/1114andrx.html