Yes — the active ingredient is metabolized by a gene known to vary between individuals.
Relevant genes: SLCO1B1
Mevacor is affected by pharmacogenetics through the SLCO1B1 gene. Your genotype for this gene can change how your body processes Mevacor, which can affect both how well it works and how well you tolerate it. The strongest evidence level on this page is Strong, based on CPIC or FDA guidelines.
Published guidance from CPIC on how lovastatin should be dosed or substituted based on your SLCO1B1 phenotype.
| Phenotype | What it means | Recommendation | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Increased Function
SLCO1B1
|
Your genetic result suggests you should respond typically to this statin with standard dosing. |
CPIC
Prescribe desired starting dose and adjust doses of lovastatin based on disease-specific guidelines.
|
Strong |
|
Normal Function
SLCO1B1
|
Your genetic result suggests you should respond typically to this statin with standard dosing. |
CPIC
Prescribe desired starting dose and adjust doses of lovastatin based on disease-specific guidelines.
|
Strong |
|
Decreased Function
SLCO1B1
|
Your genetics suggest you may have a higher chance of side effects with this statin; doctors may use a lower dose or switch you to a safer alternative. |
CPIC
Consider prescribing a lower-risk alternative such as atorvastatin (10–20 mg), pravastatin (40 mg), or rosuvastatin (5–10 mg). If lovastatin is warranted, limit the dose to ≤20 mg/day to reduce the risk of muscle-related side effects.
|
Strong |
|
Possible Decreased Function
SLCO1B1
|
Your genetics suggest you may have a higher chance of side effects with this statin; doctors may use a lower dose or switch you to a safer alternative. |
CPIC
Consider prescribing a lower-risk alternative such as atorvastatin (10–20 mg), pravastatin (40 mg), or rosuvastatin (5–10 mg). If lovastatin is warranted, limit the dose to ≤20 mg/day to reduce the risk of muscle-related side effects.
|
Strong |
|
Poor Function
SLCO1B1
|
Your genetics suggest you are at high risk of muscle-related side effects with this statin; doctors will likely recommend a safer alternative. |
CPIC
Consider prescribing a lower-risk alternative such as atorvastatin (10–20 mg), pravastatin (40 mg), or rosuvastatin (5–10 mg) instead of lovastatin to reduce the risk of muscle-related side effects.
|
Strong |
|
Possible Poor Function
SLCO1B1
|
Your genetics suggest you are at high risk of muscle-related side effects with this statin; doctors will likely recommend a safer alternative. |
CPIC
Consider prescribing a lower-risk alternative such as atorvastatin (10–20 mg), pravastatin (40 mg), or rosuvastatin (5–10 mg) instead of lovastatin to reduce the risk of muscle-related side effects.
|
Strong |
|
Indeterminate
SLCO1B1
|
The impact of your genotype on response to this drug is unknown. |
CPIC
Initiate therapy with recommended starting dose.
|
— |
|
Not available
SLCO1B1
|
The impact of your genotype on response to this drug is unknown. |
CPIC
Initiate therapy with recommended starting dose.
|
— |
Source: CPIC
SLCO1B1 is the transporter that moves statins into liver cells where they work. A common variant (called *5) reduces transporter function and leaves more statin circulating in the bloodstream and muscle tissue. That's directly linked to statin-associated muscle pain and, rarely, more serious muscle damage.
People with reduced SLCO1B1 function are at higher risk of statin myopathy, especially on simvastatin and high-dose atorvastatin. Dose reduction or switching statin usually resolves it.
Browse the full drug-class: Statins.
This page describes the general pharmacogenetics. A Gene2Rx report analyzes your own DNA to tell you which metabolizer group you fall into, across every medication.
Get your report Look up another medicationInformational only — not medical advice. Pharmacogenetic guidance describes population-level patterns; your individual response depends on many factors. Never start, stop, or change a medication without talking to your prescribing clinician.