- LESCOL (fluvastatin)
Description
Lowers high levels of cholesterol.
Brand Name(s)
LescolŽ
When you should not use this medicine
You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to fluvastatin. Tell
your doctor if you have had an allergic reaction to simvastatin (ZocorŽ), pravastatin
(PravacholŽ), or lovastatin (MevacorŽ). You should not use this medicine if you are
pregnant, breastfeeding, or have liver disease.
How to use and store this medicine
Capsules:
- Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to take and how
often.
- You may take the medicine with or without food.
- Store the capsules at room temperature, away from heat,
moisture, and direct light.
- Keep all medicine out of the reach of children.
If you miss a dose:
- Take the missed dose as soon as possible, unless it is
almost time for your next dose.
- Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next
regular dose.
- You should not use two doses at the same time.
How to use this medicine
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter
medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
- Make sure your doctor knows if you are taking LopidŽ,
SandimmuneŽ, erythromycin, rifampicin (RifadinŽ), CoumadinŽ, digoxin (LanoxinŽ), or
niacin.
- If you are also taking cholestyramine (QuestranŽ), wait at
least 4 hours after taking cholestyramine before taking fluvastatin.
- Avoid drinking alcohol while you are taking this medicine.
Warnings
- Talk with your doctor before taking this medicine if you
have had liver disease, kidney disease, or a muscle disorder.
- Before you stop taking this medicine, talk with your doctor
first.
- This medicine is used with diet, exercise, and weight loss
in overweight patients to control high cholesterol levels. To lower and keep your
cholesterol normal, all of these are important.
- If you become pregnant while being treated with this
medicine, tell your doctor right away. Fluvastatin taken during a pregnancy may cause
birth defects or be harmful to an unborn baby.
- Before having surgery or emergency treatment, make sure your
doctor or dentist knows you are taking this medicine.
- You will have blood tests done on a regular schedule while
taking fluvastatin, so your doctor can make sure the medicine is working and to check for
harmful side effects. Keep all appointments your doctor makes for you.
Side effects
Call your doctor right away if you have any of these side effects:
- Unexplained fever
- Muscle pain, weakness, or cramps
- Skin rash or hives
If you have problems with these less serious side effects,
tell your doctor.
- Nausea, upset stomach, indigestion
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Gas
- Headache
