Fluvastatin (Fluvastatin Sodium)

FLUVASTATIN - ORAL (FLEW-vuh-stat-in)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Lescol, Lescol XL

USES: Fluvastatin is used to lower cholesterol and fats in the blood to help prevent heart attacks and strokes.

HOW TO TAKE THIS MEDICATION: If your doctor has instructed you to take this once daily, take it in the evening. You may take this medication with or without meals. If your doctor has instructed you to take this more than once daily, take it exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Long-acting forms of this drug must be swallowed whole. Do not crush or chew them. Do not take this more often or increase the dose without your doctor's approval. Your cholesterol level will not be lowered faster and you may increase the risk of developing side effects.

SIDE EFFECTS: Headache, fatigue, stomach upset, stomach pain and diarrhea may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, inform your doctor. Notify your doctor if you develop: muscle aches or tenderness (especially if fever is present), joint pain, chest pain, rapid or pounding heart rate, weakness, nausea, yellowing eyes or skin, dark urine, skin rash, vomiting. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: liver disease, severe infection, kidney disease, heart disease, low thyroid function, any allergies you may have. Heavy drinking of alcohol can increase blood levels of fluvastatin. Do not drink heavily while taking fluvastatin. Fluvastatin should not be used during pregnancy. If you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant, inform your doctor immediately. Fluvastatin is excreted into breast milk. Because of the possible harmful effects to the infant, do not breast-feed while using this medication.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of all the medications you may use (both prescription and nonprescription), especially of: cyclosporine, gemfibrozil, erythromycin, niacin, cimetidine, ranitidine, omeprazole, warfarin, rifampin, cholestyramine, colestipol, itraconazole. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.

NOTES: Your doctor may periodically perform lab tests during treatment to monitor your progress. For best results, exercise regularly and follow a doctor- approved, low-fat, low-cholesterol diet.

MISSED DOSE: Take each dose at the scheduled time. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as remembered; do not take it if it is near the time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

STORAGE: Store this medication below 86 degrees F (30 degrees C) away from heat and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep this and all medications out of the reach of children.