Details

Fluvastatin is in a group of drugs called HMG CoA reductase inhibitors, or "statins." Fluvastatin reduces levels of "bad" cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein, or LDL) and triglycerides in the blood, while increasing levels of "good" cholesterol (high-density lipoprotein, or HDL). Fluvastatin is used to treat high cholesterol in adults and children who are at least 10 years old. Lowering your cholesterol can help prevent heart disease and hardening of the arteries, conditions that can lead to heart attack, stroke, and vascular disease. Before taking fluvastatin, tell your doctor if you have ever had liver or kidney disease, diabetes, or a thyroid disorder, or if you drink more than 2 alcoholic beverages daily. In rare cases, fluvastatin can cause a condition that result in the breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue, leading to kidney failure. Do not take fluvastatin if you are pregnant. Stop taking this medication and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.

Typical Uses

Fluvastatin is used along with a proper diet to help lower "bad" cholesterol and fats (such as LDL, triglycerides) and raise "good" cholesterol (HDL) in the blood. It belongs to a group of drugs known as "statins." It works by reducing the amount of cholesterol made by the liver. Lowering "bad" cholesterol and triglycerides and raising "good" cholesterol decreases the risk of heart disease and helps prevent strokes and heart attacks.

Side Effects

Stop taking fluvastatin and inform your doctor immediately if you have serious side effects such as unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness confusion, memory problems fever, unusual tiredness, and dark coloured urine pain or burning when you urinate swelling, weight gain, urinating less than usual or not at all increased thirst, increased urination, hunger, dry mouth, fruity breath odour, drowsiness, dry skin, blurred vision, weight loss) or nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-coloured stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

Drug Interactions

• Fluvastatin+clofibrate- Using clofibrate together with fluvastatin can increase the risk of side effects such as liver damage and a rare but serious condition called rhabdomyolysis that involves the breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue. In some cases, rhabdomyolysis can cause kidney damage and even death. You may need a dose adjustment or more frequent monitoring by your doctor to safely use both medications.
• Fluvastatin+colchicine- Talk to your doctor before using colchicine together with fluvastatin. Combining these medications may increase the risk of a rare but serious and potentially fatal condition that affects your muscles and kidneys. The risk is greatest if you are elderly or have pre-existing kidney disease. If your doctor does prescribe these medications together, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use both medications.
• Fluvastatin+erythromycin- Ask your doctor before using erythromycin together with fluvastatin. Using these medications together can increase your blood levels of fluvastatin and may cause a dangerous side effect on your muscles. If your doctor prescribes these medications together, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take both medications.
• Fluvastatin+fenofibrate- Using fenofibrate together with fluvastatin can increase the risk of side effects such as liver damage and a rare but serious condition called rhabdomyolysis that involves the breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue. In some cases, rhabdomyolysis can cause kidney damage and even death. You may need a dose adjustment or more frequent monitoring by your doctor t

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Mechanism of action

Fluvastatin belongs to a group of medications called statins (lipid-lowering agents) or HMG CoA reductase inhibitors. It works by blocking an enzyme (HMG CoA) that is needed by the body to make cholesterol, and thereby reduces the amount of cholesterol in the blood.

Pregnancy Category : X