Changing your diet and exercising regularly should be your first line of defense against high cholesterol. If it isn’t enough to lower your “bad” (LDL) cholesterol, your doctor may recommend that you take medication as well.
The liver produces cholesterol in the body, but it can also be obtained through animal-derived foods (meat and dairy products). You may have high blood cholesterol owing to a genetic condition, or you may have high cholesterol due to eating choices and level of physical activity.
A good diet and exercise can help lower cholesterol levels, but if they don’t drop low enough to be healthy, your healthcare professional may recommend medication.
Fluvastatin (Lescol), a statin medication, treats high cholesterol and prevents heart disease. It was first invented in 1982 and given medical clearance in 1994. It can be found on the World Health Organization’s (WHO) list of “essential” drugs.
With a healthy diet and the usage of fluvastatin, “bad” cholesterol and fats (such as LDL and triglycerides) can be reduced while “good” cholesterol (HDL) is increased. The effectiveness of this medication can be improved by engaging in physical activity, losing weight, and quitting smoking.
What dosages of Fluvastatin (Lescol) are available?
- 20mg
- 40mg
- 80mg
For oral dosage form (capsules):
- Adults
- 20 to 40 milligrams (mg) a day in the evening at first. Some people may require 40 mg twice a day (one in the morning and one in the evening). If required, your doctor may raise the amount of medication you are taking.
- Children 10 to 16 years of age
- Start with a dose of 20 mg in the evening. It’s possible that your doctor will increase the dosage if it’s needed. Most people just take 40 mg twice a day at most (one in the morning and one in the evening).
- Children younger than 10 years of age
- Dosage and method of use must be decided by your physician.
For oral dosage form (extended-release tablets):
- Adults
- 80 mg once a day.
- Children 10 to 16 years of age
- 80 mg once a day.
- Children younger than 10 years of age
- Dosage and method of use must be decided by your physician.
What side effects are common with taking Fluvastatin (Lescol)?
An adverse reaction to Fluvastatin (Lescol) is possible. Consult your physician if any of the following symptoms are severe or persistent:
- Headache
- Heartburn
- Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
- Sinus pain
- Cough
- Memory loss or forgetfulness
- Confusion
Some of the negative effects can be life-threatening. Call your doctor or seek emergency medical treatment if you encounter any of the following symptoms:
- Muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness
- Lack of energy
- Fever
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes
- Pain in the upper right portion of the esophagus
- Dark colored urine
- Nausea
- Extreme tiredness
- Unusual bleeding or bruising
- Loss of appetite
- Flu-like symptoms
- Rash
- Hives
- Itching
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- The swelling of one’s face and/or body’s extremities (e.g., feet/ankles/hands)
- Hoarseness
Does Fluvastatin (Lescol) interact with other medications?
A drug interaction might alter the effectiveness or side effects of your prescriptions, putting you at risk of serious harm. Not all possible interactions between medications are included here.
Stopping or changing the dosage of any medications should only be done with your doctor’s approval.
Some products that may interact with Fluvastatin (Lescol) include:
Who should NOT take Fluvastatin (Lescol)?
Any of the following conditions should prevent you from taking this drug. If you have any of the following symptoms, you should see a doctor right away:
- Alcoholism
- Uncontrolled epilepsy
- A hemorrhage in the brain
- Significantly low blood pressure
- Liver problems
- The disease rhabdomyolysis, which is characterized by muscular tissue breakdown
- Memory loss
- High blood sugar
- Major traumatic injury or recent operation
- Pregnant and / or breastfeeding patients who are also lactating
Are there any special precautions I should follow before taking Fluvastatin (Lescol)?
If you are allergic to Fluvastatin (Lescol) or have any other allergies, notify your doctor or pharmacist before taking it. These inactive compounds may cause allergic reactions or other issues. If you have any further concerns, speak with your physician.
Doctors and pharmacies will need to know about your medical conditions if you have a history of alcoholism.
Make sure your doctor or dentist is aware of everything you eat and drink (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).
Limit your intake of alcoholic beverages. Alcohol consumption on a regular basis may raise your risk of liver issues, especially when taken with Fluvastatin (Lescol). If you have any further concerns, speak with your physician.
The drug’s negative effects, particularly muscle difficulties, may be more pronounced in older persons.
This drug should not be taken when pregnant. Fluvastatin (Lescol) has the potential to harm an unborn child. Pregnant women should avoid taking this medication at all costs. For more information, talk to your doctor about using a reliable form of birth control (such as condoms or birth control tablets) while taking this medicine. In the event that you become pregnant or suspect that you might be pregnant, notify your doctor immediately.
Taking this prescription while breastfeeding can cause harm to a child’s health. It is not advised to breastfeed while taking this medication. Consult your physician before beginning to breastfeed.
What drugs are similar to Fluvastatin (Lescol)?
- Medications can be used to treat your disease in a variety of ways. Some may be a better fit for your needs than others. This includes the following:
Does Fluvastatin (Lescol) have a generic form?
Fluvastatin is the generic form of the drug Lescol.
What is the price of Fluvastatin (Lescol) without insurance?
Fluvastatin can cost between $125.00-$150.00 or more.
Typical cholesterol drugs are not cheap; they can cost anywhere from $29.95 to $500 USD out of pocket!
You may save money on cholesterol prescription medicines including Fluvastatin (Lescol) at over 35,000 pharmacies across the United States with the NSURx Prescription Benefit Card.
When you use an NSURx card, you can save up to 80% on Fluvastatin (Lescol). This could potentially save you THOUSANDS of dollars each time you fill out a script.
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