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fluvastatin, Lescol

GENERIC NAME: fluvastatin

BRAND NAME: Lescol

DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Fluvastatin is a cholesterol- lowering medicine. It inhibits the production of cholesterol by the liver. It lowers overall blood cholesterol as well as blood LDL cholesterol levels. LDL cholesterol is believed to be the "bad" cholesterol that is primarily responsible for the development of coronary artery disease. Lowering LDL cholesterol levels retards progression and may even reverse coronary artery disease, thus reducing the chance of heart attacks.

PRESCRIPTION: yes

GENERIC AVAILABLE: no

PREPARATIONS: tablets:20 mg, 40 mg

STORAGE: Tablets should be stored at room temperature in a tightly closed container.

PRESCRIBED FOR: High blood LDL cholesterol is first treated with exercise, weight loss, and a diet low in cholesterol and saturated fats. When these measures fail, cholesterol-lowering medications such as fluvastatin can be added. The National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) has published treatment guidelines for use of these medications. These treatment guidelines take into account the level of LDL cholesterol as well as the presence of other risk factors such as diabetes, hypertension, cigarette smoking, low HDL cholesterol level, and family history of early coronary heart disease. Blood cholesterol determinations are performed in regular intervals during treatment so that dosage adjustments can be made.

DOSING: May be taken on an empty or full stomach.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Fluvastatin is generally well- tolerated by most patients. The medication should be used with caution in patients with alcohol or liver diseases. Persistently abnormal liver blood tests are rare, but may lead the doctor to discontinue the medication. Rare cases of muscle inflammation (myositis) and breakdown have been reported with other medications in the same class. Muscle breakdown causes the release of muscle protein (myoglobin) into the blood and kidney tubules, and may result in kidney failure. To date, significant muscle inflammation or breakdown has not been reported with fluvastatin. This medication may interact with other medications like digoxin (Lanoxin), cimetidine (Tagamet), and ranitidine (Zantac). The clinical significance of these interactions are not clear. Fluvastatin is not recommended for use in children. Fluvastatin is not habit forming.

PREGNANCY: Fluvastatin may cause fetal harm and should not be taken by pregnant women.

NURSING MOTHERS: Fluvastatin should not be used by nursing mothers because of potential adverse side effects to the nursing infant.

SIDE EFFECTS: Side effects are rare. Minor side effects include constipation, diarrhea, fatigue, gas, heartburn, headache, insomnia, and joint pains. Major side effects include abdominal pain or cramps, blurred vision, dizziness, easy bruising or bleeding, itching, muscle pain or cramps, rash, and yellowing of the skin or eyes.

Reference: FDA Prescribing Information

Last Editorial Review: 12/31/1997

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