Lescol (Fluvastatin Sodium) Patient Information: How Should I Take the Drug at RxList

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May 27, 2012

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What are statins and how do they work?

Statins (or HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors) are a class of drugs that reduce cholesterol in individuals who have dyslipidemia (abnormal fats in the blood) and thus are at risk for cardiovascular disease. Dyslipidemia may involve an elevation of total cholesterol, a reduction of low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and/or triglycerides, or a reduction of high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol in blood. Statins work by blocking the enzyme in the liver that is responsible for making cholesterol. This enzyme is called hydroxy-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase (HMG-CoA reductase).

Cholesterol is described as a soft wax-like fatty substance that is found in the blood stream and in cells. It is important to note that cholesterol is a naturally existing substance in all individuals from birth and its presence is actually necessary for promoting an overall healthy body. About 75% of cholesterol is produced by the liver and oth...

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Lescol Patient Information including How Should I Take

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking fluvastatin (Lescol)?

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to fluvastatin, if you are pregnant or breast-feeding, or if you have liver disease.

Before taking fluvastatin, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

diabetes;
underactive thyroid;
kidney disease; or
a muscle disorder.

If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take this medication.

FDA pregnancy category X. This medication can cause birth defects. Do not use fluvastatin if you are pregnant. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant during treatment. Use an effective form of birth control while you are using this medication.

It is not known whether fluvastatin passes into breast milk. Do not take fluvastatin without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Fluvastatin is not for use in children younger than 10 years of age.

How should I take fluvastatin (Lescol)?

Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Take fluvastatin with a full glass of water.

Do not crush, chew, or break an extended-release tablet. Swallow the pill whole. It is specially made to release medicine slowly in the body. Breaking or opening the pill would cause too much of the drug to be released at one time.

Fluvastatin is usually taken at bedtime or with an evening meal. If you take fluvastatin several times daily, take it with meals. Follow your doctor's instructions.

To be sure this medication is helping your condition, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. Your liver function may also need to be tested. Do not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.

In rare cases, fluvastatin can cause a condition that results in the breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue. This condition can lead to kidney failure. Call your doctor at once if you have unexplained muscle pain or tenderness, muscle weakness, fever or flu symptoms, and dark colored urine.

Fluvastatin is only part of a complete program of treatment that also includes diet, exercise, and weight control. Follow your diet, medication, and exercise routines very closely.

You may need to take fluvastatin on a long-term basis for the treatment of high cholesterol.

Store fluvastatin at room temperature, protected from moisture, heat, and light.

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