Drugs & Vitamins

Lescol Active Ingredients: Fluvastatin   Representative Names: Lescol Available Product Images: What are fluvastatin capsules? What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? How should I take this medicine? What if I miss a dose? What drug(s) may interact with fluvastatin? What side effects may I notice from taking fluvastatin? What should I watch for while taking fluvastatin? Where can I keep my medicine? What are fluvastatin capsules? (Back to top) FLUVASTATIN (Lescol®) blocks the body's ability to make cholesterol. Fluvastatin can help lower blood cholesterol for patients who are at risk of getting heart disease or a stroke. It is only for patients whose cholesterol level is not controlled by diet. It is not a cure. Generic fluvastatin capsules are not yet available. What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? (Back to top) They need to know if you have any of these conditions: •an alcohol problem •any hormone disorder (such as diabetes, under-active thyroid) •blood salt imbalance •infection •kidney disease •liver disease •low blood pressure •muscle disorder or condition •recent surgery •seizures (convulsions) •severe injury •an unusual or allergic reaction to fluvastatin, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives •pregnant or trying to get pregnant •breast-feeding How should I take this medicine? (Back to top) Take fluvastatin capsules by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the capsules with a drink of water. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed. What if I miss a dose? (Back to top) If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses. What drug(s) may interact with fluvastatin? (Back to top) •alcohol •cimetidine •clopidogrel •digoxin •herbal medicines such as red yeast rice •irbesartan •medicines for treating fungal infections (fluconazole, voriconazole) •medicines for treating HIV infections (delavirdine, efavirenz) •medicines that suppress your immune response (cyclosporine) •medicines to lower cholesterol or triglycerides (examples: cholestyramine, fenofibrate, gemfibrozil, niacin) •omeprazole •ranitidine •rifampin, rifabutin, or rifapentine •warfarin Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines. What side effects may I notice from taking fluvastatin? (Back to top) Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible: Rare or uncommon: •dark yellow or brown urine •decreased urination, difficulty passing urine •fever •muscle pain, tenderness, cramps, or weakness •redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth •skin rash, itching •unusual tiredness or weakness •yellowing of the skin or eyes Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome): •diarrhea •difficulty sleeping •headache •joint pain •muscle soreness after exercise •nausea, vomiting •stomach upset or pain What should I watch for while taking fluvastatin? (Back to top) Visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. You will need to have regular tests to make sure your liver is working properly. Tell your prescriber or health care professional as soon as you can if you get any unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness, especially if you also have a fever and tiredness. Fluvastatin is only part of a total cholesterol-lowering program. Your physician or dietician can suggest a low-cholesterol and low-fat diet that will reduce your risk of getting heart and blood vessel disease. Avoid alcohol and smoking, and keep a proper exercise schedule. If you are going to have surgery tell your prescriber or health care professional that you are taking fluvastatin. This medicine should not be used by women who are pregnant or breast-feeding. There is a potential for serious side effects to an unborn child or to an infant. Talk to your health care professional or pharmacist for more information. Where can I keep my medicine? (Back to top) Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open. Store at room temperature below 30 degrees C (86 degrees F). Keep container tightly closed. Protect from light. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date. Last Updated:08/14/2006 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY© GOLD STANDARD MULTIMEDIA INC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Note: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before taking the product.