Lescol

 

 

Name              Lescol (Fluvastatin)

 

 

Purpose          To decrease total cholesterol, LDL, and triglycerides, and to raise HDL.

 

 

Action             Lescol inhibits an enzyme necessary to produce cholesterol in the liver. It also facilitates the removal of LDL cholesterol from the blood.

 

 

Dose                The dosing range is 20-80 mg per day, usually once daily at bedtime. Lescol is available in 20 and 40mg tablets.  Lescol XL comes in 80mg only.The Doctor wants you to start  _______mg.

 

 

You should not take Lescol if any of the following apply:

• You have active liver disease or unexplained elevated liver enzymes.
• Females who are pregnant, nursing, or likely to conceive.
• You take Erythromycin type antibiotics (eg. E-mycin, Ery-Tab, Biaxin).
• You take Cyclosporine to suppress your immune system.
• You are using azole type drugs (eg. Sporanox) to treat fungal infections.

   

• You should be cautious about taking Lescol with Lopid (Gemfibrozil), Tricor, or high doses of Niacin (Niaspan); however, combinations of these medications may be ordered by the lipid MD with careful monitoring.

   

 

Possible side effects

 

Lescol is generally well tolerated; side effects usually have been mild and temporary.  Call your doctor or our office if you have: Gastrointestinal problems, rash, fatigue, cold/flu symptoms, muscle aches, headaches or dizziness. However, report muscle pain and brown urine to us immediately, particularly if accompanied by fever and/or weakness.

 

 

Lab tests

 

In addition to a lipid profile, the lab tests AST and ALT will be done periodically to help assess liver function.

 

 

Special instructions

 

• Always take the prescribed amount of medicine.
• Avoid substantial use of alcohol.
• Have lab tests done promptly when ordered to avoid risks.
• If you are taking Coumadin, prothrombin times should be monitored closely.

 

PRECAUTION

 

Women capable of childbearing must have a pregnancy test (serum HCG) before starting this medication. This is a category X drug and not recommended for use during pregnancy or lactation.