FLUVASTATIN EXTENDED-RELEASE - ORAL

FLUVASTATIN EXTENDED-RELEASE - ORAL

PHONETIC PRONUNCIATION: (FLEW-vuh-stat-in)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Lescol XL

GENERIC NAME(S): fluvastatin sodium

Uses

USES: Fluvastatin is used along with a proper diet to help lower "bad" cholesterol and fats (such as LDL, triglycerides) and raise "good" cholesterol (HDL) in the blood. It belongs to a group of drugs known as "statins." It works by reducing the amount of cholesterol made by the liver. Lowering "bad" cholesterol and triglycerides and raising "good" cholesterol decreases the risk of heart disease and helps prevent strokes and heart attacks. In addition to eating a proper diet (such as a low-cholesterol/low-fat diet), other lifestyle changes that may help this medication work better include exercising, losing weight if overweight, and stopping smoking. Consult your doctor for more details.


How to use FLUVASTATIN EXTENDED-RELEASE - ORAL

HOW TO USE: Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start taking fluvastatin and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually once daily. Do not crush or chew extended-release tablets. Doing so can release all of the drug at once, increasing the risk of side effects. Also, do not split the tablets unless they have a score line and your doctor or pharmacist tells you to do so. Swallow the whole or split tablet without crushing or chewing. Dosage is based on your medical condition, response to treatment, age, and other medications you may be taking. Be sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). If you also take certain other drugs to lower your cholesterol (bile acid-binding resins such as cholestyramine or colestipol), take fluvastatin at least 1 hour before or at least 4 hours after taking these medications. These products can react with fluvastatin, preventing its full absorption. Take this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. Remember to take it at the same time each day. It is important to continue taking this medication even if you feel well. Most people with high cholesterol or triglycerides do not feel sick. It is very important to continue to follow your doctor's advice about diet and exercise. It may take up to 4 weeks before you get the full benefit of this drug.

Side Effects

SIDE EFFECTS: Stomach upset may occur. If this effect persists or worsens, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. A very small number of people taking fluvastatin may have mild memory problems or confusion. If these rare effects occur, talk to your doctor. Rarely, statins may cause or worsen diabetes. Talk to your doctor about the benefits and risks. This drug may rarely cause muscle problems (which can rarely lead to very serious conditions called rhabdomyolysis and autoimmune myopathy). Tell your doctor right away if you develop any of these symptoms during treatment and if these symptoms persist after your doctor stops this drug: muscle pain/tenderness/weakness (especially with fever or unusual tiredness), signs of kidney problems (such as change in the amount of urine). This medication may rarely cause liver problems. If you notice any of the following rare but serious side effects, tell your doctor right away: yellowing eyes/skin, dark urine, severe stomach/abdominal pain, persistent nausea/vomiting. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Precautions

PRECAUTIONS: Before taking fluvastatin, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: liver disease, kidney disease, alcohol use. Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). Limit alcoholic beverages. Daily use of alcohol may increase your risk for liver problems, especially when combined with fluvastatin. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information. Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of the drug, especially muscle problems. This medication must not be used during pregnancy. Fluvastatin may harm an unborn baby. Therefore, it is important to prevent pregnancy while taking this medication. Consult your doctor for more details and to discuss the use of reliable forms of birth control (such as condoms, birth control pills) while taking this medication. If you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant, tell your doctor right away. This medication passes into breast milk and may have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Breast-feeding while using this drug is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Interactions

DRUG INTERACTIONS: See also How to Use section. Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval. Some products that may interact with this drug include: colchicine, gemfibrozil, phenytoin. Do not take any red yeast rice products while you are taking fluvastatin because some red yeast rice products may also contain a statin called lovastatin. Taking fluvastatin and red yeast rice products together can increase your risk of serious muscle and liver problems.

Overdose

OVERDOSE: If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

Images

LESCOL XL 80 MG TABLET

color
yellow
shape
round
imprint
LESCOL XL, 80
LESCOL XL 80 MG TABLET

color
yellow
shape
round
imprint
LESCOL XL, 80
FLUVASTATIN ER 80 MG TABLET

color
white
shape
round
imprint
TV, 7446
FLUVASTATIN ER 80 MG TABLET

color
white
shape
round
imprint
TV, 7446

color
rust
shape
round
imprint
M, F21

color
rust
shape
round
imprint
M, F21
FLUVASTATIN ER 80 MG TABLET

color
yellow
shape
round
imprint
LESCOL XL, 80
FLUVASTATIN ER 80 MG TABLET

color
yellow
shape
round
imprint
LESCOL XL, 80

Reviews

No Reviews Yet


Faq for FLUVASTATIN EXTENDED-RELEASE - ORAL

Fluvastatin Extended-Release is an oral medication that belongs to a class of drugs called statins. It is used to lower cholesterol levels in the blood.

Fluvastatin Extended-Release works by reducing the production of cholesterol in the liver. It helps to lower LDL (bad) cholesterol and triglycerides while increasing HDL (good) cholesterol levels.

The recommended dosage of Fluvastatin Extended-Release varies depending on the individual's cholesterol levels and medical condition. It is typically taken once daily with the evening meal.

Common side effects of Fluvastatin Extended-Release may include headache, nausea, stomach pain, constipation, and muscle or joint pain. If any severe side effects occur, such as muscle weakness or dark urine, seek medical attention immediately.

Fluvastatin Extended-Release may interact with other medications, including certain antibiotics, antifungal drugs, and HIV medications. It is important to inform your doctor of all the medications you are currently taking to avoid any potential drug interactions.

No, it is important to continue taking Fluvastatin Extended-Release as prescribed by your doctor, even if your cholesterol levels improve. Stopping the medication abruptly can cause your cholesterol levels to rise again.

Fluvastatin Extended-Release may take several weeks to show its full effect on cholesterol levels. It is important to continue taking the medication regularly for optimal results.

No, Fluvastatin Extended-Release is not recommended for use in pregnant or breastfeeding women, as it may harm the unborn baby or pass into breast milk.

There are no specific dietary restrictions while taking Fluvastatin Extended-Release. However, it is advisable to follow a healthy diet low in saturated fats and cholesterol to maximize the medication's effectiveness.



Disclaimer

IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.