What is Lescol?
Lescol is a member of a class of drugs known as "statins." Fluvastatin can be used in conjunction with diet to reduce blood levels of 'bad' cholesterol (low density lipoprotein, or LDL), increase "good" levels (high density lipoprotein, or HDL), and lower triglycerides.Lescol can be used by adults and children over 10 years of age to reduce high cholesterol and triglyceride levels (types) and slow down the formation of plaque in blood vessels.Lescol can also be used to reduce the risk of heart complications for certain people who have coronary artery disease.
Warnings
Lescol should not be taken if you suffer from liver disease or if your baby is breastfed.Do not use it if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.Some medications can have unwanted or harmful effects when taken with Lescol. Inform your doctor of all the medications you are taking.
Before you take this drug
Lescol should not be taken if you have an allergy to fluvastatin or if
- You have liver disease active.
- You are pregnant or nursing.
Lescol may harm an unborn child. If you are pregnant, do not take this medication. You should stop taking the medicine immediately if you become pregnant.Fluvastatin may pass into breastmilk and cause side effects for the nursing infant. Fluvastatin should not be taken if you are nursing.
Tell your doctor about any of the following to ensure that this medicine will be safe for you:
- Liver disease
- Muscle pain, weakness
- Kidney disease
- Diabetes;
- A thyroid disorder,
- If you consume more than two alcoholic drinks per day,
Fluvastatin may cause a condition resulting in the breakdown of muscle tissue. This can lead to renal failure. This condition is more common in older adults, people with kidney disease, and those who are hypothyroid (an underactive thyroid).Lescol is not recommended for anyone under 10 years of age.
How to take Lescol?
Follow the directions on your prescription label. Please follow all the instructions on the prescription label. Your doctor may occasionally alter your dosage. Take this medication only as prescribed. Do not exceed or extend beyond the recommended dosage or take for longer than needed.Lescol can be taken with or without food, once or twice a day.Take this medication with a glass of water.Avoid crushing, chewing, breaking, or opening a capsule or tablet. It is best to swallow it whole. Speak to your doctor if the pill is difficult for you to swallow.Extended-release tablets may be taken at any time during the day and night, without regard to time of day or week Take the regular capsule or tablet at the same time each day. Do not forget to follow your doctor's instructions.You may need to have frequent blood tests while taking this medication.Your cholesterol levels may not improve for up to four weeks. Even if you are feeling well, continue to take this medication as prescribed. High cholesterol usually does not produce any physical symptoms.Lescol may be part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes diet, exercise, and weight management. You should follow your doctor's advice.Store away from moisture, heat, and light at room temperature.
Details on dosage
Adult dose for hyperlipidemia:
Initial dose: 20–40 mg orally, once daily at bedtime.
Maintenance dose: 20–80 mg/day
The usual paediatric dose for hyperlipidemia is:
From 9 to 16 years:
Initial dose: Orally, 20 mg once daily at bedtime.
Maintenance dose: 20–80 mg/day
What happens if I miss the dose?
If you forget to take a dose, do it as soon as possible. Skip the missed dose if you are over 12 hours late. You should not take additional medicine to make up for a missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention.
What should be avoided?
Avoid foods high in cholesterol or fat. Lescol won't be as effective at lowering cholesterol if you don't follow a diet that lowers cholesterol.Avoid alcohol. Alcohol can increase triglyceride and liver damage risks.
Side effects of Lescol
If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of your lips, face, tongue, or throat, contact emergency medical assistance immediately.Fluvastatin may cause kidney failure in rare cases. If you experience unexplained muscle tenderness or weakness, call your doctor immediately, especially if there is also a fever or dark-coloured urine.
Call your doctor immediately if you:
- You may experience muscle weakness in the hips, shoulders, and neck.
- Having difficulty standing or climbing or lifting your arms;
- Signs of Kidney Problems: little or no urinating; painful or difficult urination; swelling of your ankles or feet; feeling tired or breathless;
- Liver disorders: upper stomach pains, fatigue, dark urine, and clay -colored stools jaundice—yellowing of the skin or eyelids.
Common Lescol side effects may include:
- Muscle pain;
- Headache
- Nausea or indigestion can cause stomach pain.
There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. The FDA can be contacted at 1-800-FDA-1088 to report side effects.
Interaction with other drug
Lescol can cause serious muscle problems when taken with certain drugs. If you take any of these drugs, your doctor may have to alter your treatment plan.
- Gemfibrozil, fenofibric acid, fenofibrate,
- Medicines that contain niacin
Fluvastatin can interact with many other drugs. This list does not include all possible interactions. Tell your doctor if you are taking any new medications or if you will stop using any of your current medications.
- Other cholesterol medications
- Antifungal or antibacterial medicine
- Diabetes medicine;
- Heart medication
- Seizure medication;
- Medicine to treat excessive stomach acid or ulcers.
Fluvastatin can interact with many drugs. This list isn't complete. Included are prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. List all of your medications with any healthcare professional who treats you.
