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Fluvastatin

Generic name: fluvastatin [ FLOO-va-sta-tin ]
Brand names: Lescol, Lescol XL
Dosage forms: oral capsule (20 mg; 40 mg), oral tablet, extended release (80 mg)
Drug class: Statins

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Sep 21, 2023. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is fluvastatin?

Fluvastatin is used together with diet to lower blood levels of "bad" cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein, or LDL), to increase levels of "good" cholesterol (high-density lipoprotein, or HDL), and to lower triglycerides (a type of fat in the blood).

Fluvastatin is used to slow the build-up of plaque (fatty deposits) in your blood vessels.

Fluvastatin is also used to lower the risk of heart complications in certain people with coronary heart disease.

Fluvastatin is used in adults and children who are at least 10 years old.

Fluvastatin may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Fluvastatin side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

In rare cases, fluvastatin can cause a condition that results in the breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue, leading to kidney failure. Call your doctor right away if you have unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness especially if you also have fever, unusual tiredness, or dark colored urine.

Also call your doctor at once if you have:

Common side effects of fluvastatin may include:

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings

You should not take fluvastatin if you have liver disease, or if you are breastfeeding a baby.

Do not use if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Some medicines can cause unwanted or dangerous effects when used with fluvastatin. Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use.

Before taking this medicine

You should not take fluvastatin if you are allergic to it, or if:

Do not use if you are pregnant. fluvastatin can harm an unborn baby. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy. Stop taking this medicine and tell your doctor at once if you become pregnant.

Do not breastfeed while using this medicine.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

Fluvastatin can cause a condition that results in the breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue, leading to kidney failure. This condition may be more likely to occur in older adults and in people who have kidney disease or poorly controlled hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid).

Fluvastatin is not approved for use by anyone younger than 10 years old.

How should I take fluvastatin?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Take this medicine with a full glass of water, with or without food.

Take the regular tablet or capsule at the same time(s) each day.

You can take an extended-release tablet at any time of day.

Follow your doctor's dosing instructions very carefully.

Swallow the pill whole and do not crush, chew, break, or open it. Tell your doctor if you have trouble swallowing the pill.

You will need frequent medical tests.

It may take up to 4 weeks before your cholesterol levels improve. Keep using this medicine as directed, even if you feel well. High cholesterol usually has no symptoms.

Fluvastatin is only part of a complete treatment program that may also include diet, exercise, and weight control. Follow your doctor's instructions very closely.

Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Use the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if you are more than 12 hours late for the dose. Do not use two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while taking fluvastatin?

Avoid eating foods high in fat or cholesterol, or fluvastatin will not be as effective.

Avoid drinking alcohol. It can raise triglyceride levels and may increase your risk of liver damage.

What other drugs will affect fluvastatin?

Some drugs can increase your risk of serious muscle problems if you take them together with fluvastatin. Your doctor may need to change your treatment plan if you use any of the following drugs:

Tell your doctor about all your current medicines. Many drugs can affect fluvastatin, especially:

This list is not complete and many other drugs can interact with fluvastatin. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Give a list of all your medicines to any healthcare provider who treats you.

Frequently asked questions

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.