Information About Lescol (Fluvastatin)

Lescol (fluvastatin) is a cholesterol-lowering medication that belongs to the statin class of drugs. It is currently the least potent statin on the market. Like other statins, fluvastatin affects all aspects of your cholesterol profile. It lowers LDL ("bad" cholesterol) and triglycerides and raises HDL ("good" cholesterol).

Fluvastatin is not currently available in a generic form.

Lescol blocks the enzyme 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG CoA) reductase, an important protein needed in the production of cholesterol.

This medication may be taken with or without food, as directed by your healthcare provider.

The following individuals should not take Lescol:

• Those who have had an allergic reaction to fluvastatin or any of its components
  
• Women who are pregnant
  
• Women who are breastfeeding
  
• Those who have active liver disease or abnormally high liver enzyme levels
  
• Those who have a history of alcohol abuse

The most common side effects include:

• headache
• insomnia
• fatigue
• muscle pain
• gastrointestinal problems (such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, or dyspepsia)
  Serious Side Effects of Lescol:

  The following are serious side effects of Lescol. If you experience any of these rare side effects, contact your healthcare provider immediately:

  • myopathy - such as progressive muscle soreness or weakness
    
  • red- or brown-colored urine
  Drugs That Could Interact With Lescol:

  The following drugs may interact with Lescol, increasing the likelihood of experiencing side effects (especially myopathy).

  With the exception of cholesterol-lowering drugs listed below, the remaining drugs also increase levels of Lescol in your body. If you are required to take one of the drugs listed below, your healthcare provider may need to adjust your dose, monitor you more closely for side effects, or discontinue one of the drugs:

  • Cholesterol lowering drugs (nicotinic acid, fibrates)
    
  • Prilosec (omeprazole)
    
  • Tagament (cimetidine)
    
  • Synercid (quinuprisin and dalfopristin)
    
  • Zantac (rantidine)
    
  • Norvir (ritonavir)
    
  • Antifungal drugs ending in "-azole" -- Nizoral (ketoconazole), Diflucan (fluconazole), Mycelex (miconazole), Sporanox (itraconazole)
    
  • Erythromycin
    
  • Colchicine

  The following drugs may also be affected if taking with Lescol:

  • Coumadin (warfarin) - may cause blood to not clot, as well
    
  • Lanoxin (digoxin) - may increase the concentration of this drug in the body
    

  The following drugs may interact with fluvastatin by decreasing the amount of Lescol in the body:

  • Cholesterol-lowering drugs, such as bile acid sequestrants
    (In order to avoid this, separate your Lescol dose and bile acid sequestrant dose by at least four hours.)
    
  • Rifampin and rifabutin

  Disclaimer

  This information is just a brief listing. It is not inclusive and should not replace the information provided by your healthcare provider or the manufacturer of this drug.

  _Sources:

  Dipiro JT, Talbert RL. Pharmacotherapy: A Pathophysiological Approach, 6th ed 2005.

  Lacy CF, Armstrong LL, Goldman MP, et al. Lexicomp's Drug Information Handbook, 15th ed 2007.