FLUVASTATIN - ORAL

FLUVASTATIN - ORAL

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

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Lescol

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 - 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 in the evening. Some patients may be directed to take this medication twice daily. Do not open the capsules. The 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(s) 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 this 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 20 MG CAPSULE

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tan
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oblong
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logo 20, LESCOL logo
LESCOL 20 MG CAPSULE

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tan
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logo 20, LESCOL logo
LESCOL 40 MG CAPSULE

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gold
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logo and 40, LESCOL and logo
LESCOL 40 MG CAPSULE

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gold
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oblong
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logo and 40, LESCOL and logo
FLUVASTATIN SODIUM 20 MG CAP

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pink
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TEVA, 7442
FLUVASTATIN SODIUM 20 MG CAP

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pink
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TEVA, 7442
FLUVASTATIN SODIUM 40 MG CAP

color
pink
shape
oblong
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TEVA, 7443
FLUVASTATIN SODIUM 40 MG CAP

color
pink
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oblong
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TEVA, 7443
FLUVASTATIN SODIUM 20 MG CAP

color
pink
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oblong
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MYLAN 8020, MYLAN 8020

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Faq for FLUVASTATIN - ORAL

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

Fluvastatin works by inhibiting an enzyme called HMG-CoA reductase, which is responsible for producing cholesterol in the liver. By reducing the production of cholesterol, it helps lower the overall cholesterol levels in the body.

Some common side effects of Fluvastatin may include headache, muscle pain, weakness, stomach pain, diarrhea, and constipation. These side effects are usually mild and temporary.

No, Fluvastatin is not used to treat high blood pressure. It is specifically used for lowering cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

It is generally recommended to avoid excessive alcohol consumption while taking Fluvastatin, as alcohol can increase the risk of liver problems. However, moderate alcohol consumption may be acceptable. It is best to consult with your doctor for specific recommendations.

There are no specific dietary restrictions while taking Fluvastatin. However, a healthy diet low in saturated fats and cholesterol is often recommended to further improve cholesterol levels.

No, Fluvastatin should not be taken during pregnancy or while breastfeeding, as it may harm the unborn baby or pass into breast milk. It is important to discuss alternative options with your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.

The full effects of Fluvastatin on cholesterol levels may not be seen immediately. It may take several weeks for noticeable changes. It is important to continue taking the medication as prescribed even if you do not see immediate results.

Fluvastatin is generally not recommended for use in children. However, in certain cases, it may be prescribed under close medical supervision.



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.