Uses
What is fluvastatin used for?
Fluvastatin is commonly used to lower bad cholesterol levels (LDL-C) and fats (triglycerides) in the blood. It also increases good cholesterol levels (HDL). Improving your cholesterol levels helps decrease your risk of heart disease, stroke, and heart attack.
Fluvastatin may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.
How does fluvastatin work (mechanism of action)?
Fluvastatin lowers blood cholesterol levels by decreasing the amount of cholesterol made by your liver and by increasing the breakdown of bad cholesterol.
How is fluvastatin supplied (dosage forms)?
Fluvastatin is available as Lescol XL and generic fluvastatin in the following dosage forms that are taken by mouth.
- 20 mg oral capsules
- 40 mg oral capsules
- 80 mg extended-release oral tablets
How should I store fluvastatin?
Fluvastatin should be stored at room temperature between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C), for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place. Protect from light.
Side Effects
What are the most common side effects of fluvastatin?
The most common side effects of fluvastatin are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.
- Cold symptoms such as stuffy or runny nose, sore throat, and cough
- Bronchitis
- Stomach pain and upset stomach
- Urinary tract infection (UTI)
- Nausea
There may be other side effects of fluvastatin that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.
What are the serious side effects of fluvastatin?
While less common, the most serious side effects of fluvastatin are described below, along with what to do if they happen.
Muscle Problems. Fluvastatin can cause muscle problems, including muscle pain, weakness, and tenderness called myopathy. In some people, the muscle may break down (rhabdomyolysis), which can be serious and rarely lead to kidney damage and death. Stop taking fluvastatin and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of myopathy or rhabdomyolysis.
- Unexplained muscle pain, weakness, or tenderness
- Low energy levels or feeling easily tired, especially with activity
- Dark colored urine
- Fever
- Muscle cramps
- Stomach pain
- Nausea or vomiting
Liver Damage. Liver damage, also called hepatotoxicity, can happen when taking fluvastatin. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of liver damage.
- Nausea or vomiting
- Stomach or belly pain
- Fever
- Weakness or unusual tiredness
- Itching
- Loss of appetite
- Light colored poop
- Dark colored urine
- Your skin or the whites of your eyes turning yellowish in color (also called jaundice)
Increased Blood Sugar. Fluvastatin may increase your blood sugar levels. Talk to your healthcare provider about how to maintain healthy blood sugar levels.
Severe Allergic Reactions. Fluvastatin can cause allergic reactions, including a severe skin reaction called Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS), which can be serious. Stop taking fluvastatin and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.
- Breathing problems or wheezing
- Racing heart
- Fever or general ill feeling
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
- Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
- Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
- Painful red or purple skin that looks burned and peels off
- Blisters on your skin, mouth, nose, and genitals
- Red, painful, watery eyes
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
- Stomach cramps
- Joint pain
Warnings & Precautions
Who should not use fluvastatin?
Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take fluvastatin.
- Fluvastatin
- Lescol
- Lescol XL
- Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed
Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific fluvastatin products they stock.
Liver Problems. Fluvastatin should not be taken if your liver is not working as well as it should be. If there is a concern about the health of your liver, your healthcare provider may do tests to determine if it is working well enough to take this medicine.
What should I know about fluvastatin before using it?
Do not take fluvastatin unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Take it as prescribed.
Do not share fluvastatin with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.
Keep fluvastatin out of the reach of children.
People aged 65 years and older can be at a greater risk for some side effects of fluvastatin, including muscle pain, weakness, and injury. Talk to your healthcare provider about your risks if you are in this age group.
Do not chew, cut, or crush fluvastatin extended-release tablets.
Do not open fluvastatin capsules.
What should I tell my healthcare provider before using fluvastatin?
Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if fluvastatin is right for you.
In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.
Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following.
- Muscle weakness or pain that cannot be explained
- Kidney problems
- Liver problems
- Diabetes
- Thyroid problems
Other Medicines and Supplements. Fluvastatin may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking fluvastatin, tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section below for more details.
Pregnancy. Fluvastatin may cause harm to an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should take fluvastatin while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.
Breastfeeding. Do not take fluvastatin while you are breastfeeding. It is not known if fluvastatin passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should take fluvastatin or breastfeed.
Interactions
Does fluvastatin interact with foods or drinks?
There are no known interactions between fluvastatin and foods or drinks.
Limit the amount of alcohol you drink while taking fluvastatin. The risk of liver damage may be increased if you drink significant amounts of alcohol. Tell your healthcare provider if you drink more than 2 glasses of alcohol per day before taking fluvastatin.
Does fluvastatin interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?
Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.
In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before using fluvastatin.
- Warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven), which is a medicine used to treat blood clots
- Glyburide (Diabeta, Glynase), which is a medicine used to treat diabetes
- Phenytoin (Dilantin), which is a medicine used to treat epilepsy
- Niacin or a fibrate such as gemfibrozil (Lopid), fenofibrate (Tricor), or fenofibric acid (Fibricor, Trilipix), which are medicines for high cholesterol
- Cyclosporine (Gengraf, Neoral, Sandimmune, and others), which is a medicine to suppress your immune system
- Fluconazole (Diflucan), which is a medicine used for fungus infections
- Colchicine, which is commonly used for gout
Some other medicines may alter the blood levels of fluvastatin, and vice versa. Tell your healthcare provider about all medicines that you take or have recently taken.
Overdose/Missed Dose
What should I do if I accidentally take too much fluvastatin?
If you or someone else has taken too much fluvastatin, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.
What should I do if I miss a dose of fluvastatin?
Extended-Release Oral Tablet. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
Oral Capsule. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If more than 12 hours has passed since your last dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose at the usual time. Do not take double or extra doses.
Are you currently using Fluvastatin?
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