fluvastatin

n.
A statin, C ₂₄H₂₅FNO₄·NA, that blocks the body's synthesis of cholesterol and is administered especially to individuals who are at risk for heart disease.

[FLU(ORO)- + -vastatin, statin suff.; see pravastatin.]

Brand names: Lescol®Lescol® XL

Chemical formula:

Drug Forms:
• Fluvastatin extended-release tablets (below)
• Fluvastatin Sodium Oral capsule
• Fluvastatin Sodium Oral tablet, extended-release

Español:
• Tabletas de liberación prolongada de fluvastatina
• Fluvastatina Sódica, Cápsula oral
• Fluvastatina Sódica, Tableta oral de liberación prolongada

Fluvastatin extended-release tablets

What are fluvastatin extended-release tablets?

FLUVASTATIN (Lescol® XL) blocks the body's ability to make cholesterol. Fluvastatin can help lower blood cholesterol for patients who are at risk of getting heart disease or a stroke. It is only for patients whose cholesterol level is not controlled by diet. It is not a cure. Generic fluvastatin extended-release tablets are not yet available.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
• an alcohol problem
• any hormone disorder (such as diabetes, under-active thyroid)
• blood salt imbalance
• infection
• kidney disease
• liver disease
• low blood pressure
• muscle disorder or condition
• recent surgery
• seizures (convulsions)
• severe injury
• an unusual or allergic reaction to fluvastatin, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I take this medicine?

Take fluvastatin tablets by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the tablets with a drink of water. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What drug(s) may interact with fluvastatin?

• alcohol
• cimetidine
• clopidogrel
• digoxin
• herbal medicines such as red yeast rice
• irbesartan
• medicines for treating fungal infections (fluconazole, voriconazole)
• medicines for treating HIV infections (delavirdine, efavirenz)
• medicines that suppress your immune response (cyclosporine)
• medicines to lower cholesterol or triglycerides (examples: cholestyramine, fenofibrate, gemfibrozil, niacin)
• omeprazole
• ranitidine
• rifampin, rifabutin, or rifapentine
• warfarin

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What should I watch for while taking fluvastatin?

Visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. You will need to have regular tests to make sure your liver is working properly.

Tell your prescriber or health care professional as soon as you can if you get any unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness, especially if you also have a fever and tiredness.

Fluvastatin is only part of a total cholesterol-lowering program. Your physician or dietician can suggest a low-cholesterol and low-fat diet that will reduce your risk of getting heart and blood vessel disease. Avoid alcohol and smoking, and keep a proper exercise schedule.

If you are going to have surgery tell your prescriber or health care professional that you are taking fluvastatin.

This medicine should not be used by women who are pregnant or breast-feeding. There is a potential for serious side effects to an unborn child or to an infant. Talk to your health care professional or pharmacist for more information.

What side effects may I notice from taking fluvastatin?

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
Rare or uncommon:
• dark yellow or brown urine
• decreased urination, difficulty passing urine
• fever
• muscle pain, tenderness, cramps, or weakness
• redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
• skin rash, itching
• unusual tiredness or weakness
• yellowing of the skin or eyes

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
• diarrhea
• difficulty sleeping
• headache
• joint pain
• muscle soreness after exercise
• nausea, vomiting
• stomach upset or pain

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.

Store at room temperature below 30 degrees C (86 degrees F). Keep container tightly closed. Protect from light. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

Last updated: 7/1/2002

Important Disclaimer: The drug information provided here is for educational purposes only. It is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the diagnosis, treatment and advice of a medical professional. This drug information does not cover all possible uses, precautions, side effects and interactions. It should not be construed to indicate that this or any drug is safe for you. Consult your medical professional for guidance before using any prescription or over the counter drugs.

(flū'və-stăt'n)
n.

A statin that blocks the body's synthesis of cholesterol and is adminstered especially to individuals at risk for heart disease.

Note: click on a word meaning below to see its connections and related words.

The noun has one meaning:

Meaning #1: least expensive statin drug (trade name Lescol); usually taken orally at bedtime
  Synonym: Lescol

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