Indications 

Lescol is a prescribed medication intended to be used alongside a balanced diet to reduce “bad” cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein – LDL) and triglycerides (a type of fat in the blood) in the blood while elevating “good” cholesterol (high-density lipoprotein – HDL). By lowering LDL and triglycerides and raising HDL, Lescol diminishes the likelihood of heart disease and serves as a preventive measure against strokes and heart attacks. 

Lescol is also indicated for reducing cholesterol and other fatty substances in the blood of children and teenagers aged 10 to 17 with familial heterozygous hypercholesterolemia, a genetic condition impairing normal cholesterol removal from the body. 

As an HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor (statin), Lescol operates by inhibiting cholesterol production in the body, thereby reducing the accumulation of cholesterol on arterial walls. This action helps prevent the blockage of blood flow to the heart, brain, and other organs. 

Uses and Dosage 

Before taking Lescol and with each prescription refill, thoroughly review its medication guide and patient information leaflet. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for any inquiries or concerns. 

The dosage of Lescol is based on the patient’s medical condition, treatment response, age, and concurrent medications. Doctors usually initiate treatment with a low dose and gradually increase it, no more than once every four weeks. 

Typically, Lescol is taken once a day at bedtime or twice a day as prescribed by the doctor, without regard to food intake. Capsules must be swallowed whole; do not open upon ingestion. 

Lescol is an integral component of a comprehensive treatment regimen, encompassing diet, exercise, and weight management. Adhere closely to your physician’s directives. 

Take this medication consistently around the same time(s) daily. Do not take more or less than the prescribed dosage, nor take it more frequently than directed. 

Continue taking Lescol even if you are feeling well, for many individuals with elevated cholesterol or triglyceride levels do not experience noticeable symptoms. Consult your doctor before discontinuing treatment. 

Side Effects 

Listed below are the potential adverse effects of Lescol. Promptly inform your doctor if any of these symptoms persist or deteriorate. 

Common Side Effects 

• Muscle pain 
• Headache 
• Stomach pain, nausea, or indigestion 

Serious Side Effects 

• Muscle weakness in hips, shoulders, neck, and back 
• Difficulty lifting arms, climbing, or standing 
• Signs of kidney problems: 
  • Decreased urination 
  • Painful or difficult urination 
  • Swelling in feet or ankles 
  • Fatigue 
  • Shortness of breath 
• Signs of liver problems: 
  • Upper abdominal pain 
  • Loss of appetite 
  • Fatigue 
  • Dark urine 
  • Pale stools 
  • Jaundice (yellowing of skin or eyes) 

Call your doctor promptly if you experience any of the severe side effects listed above. 

Rarely, Lescol may cause a rare condition where skeletal muscle tissue breaks down, potentially resulting in kidney failure. Promptly contact your doctor if you experience unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness, particularly accompanied by fever, unusual fatigue, or dark-colored urine. 

Allergic Reactions 

Although rare, a severe allergic reaction to Lescol may occur. Seek medical attention immediately if you experience symptoms such as: 

• Rash 
• Itching 
• Facal, throat, or tongue swelling 
• Severe dizziness 
• Difficulty breathing 

This list does not contain all the potential side effects of Lescol. If any unlisted effects occur, notify your doctor promptly. 

Cautions 

Before starting treatment with Lescol, inform your doctor and pharmacist if you have any known hypersensitivities, especially to fluvastatin, other medications, or any ingredients present in Lescol capsules. 

To ensure Lescol is safe for you, disclose to your physician your medical background, especially if you have a history of: 

• Liver disease 
• Kidney disease 
• Alcohol use 

Some products may interact with Lescol, including colchicine, daptomycin, gemfibrozil, and phenytoin. To prevent such drug interactions, inform all your healthcare providers of all the medications you are currently taking, including prescription and non-prescription drugs, dietary supplements, and herbal products. 

If you are using other cholesterol-lowering medications (bile acid-binding resins like cholestyramine or colestipol), ensure a time gap of at least 1 hour before or 4 hours after taking Lescol. This precaution is necessary as these products can interact with fluvastatin, hindering its complete absorption. 

Avoid consuming red yeast rice products during Lescol treatment as they may contain lovastatin, a type of statin. Co-administration of fluvastatin and red yeast rice products may lead to severe muscle and liver complications. 

For optimal cholesterol reduction, adhere to a cholesterol-lowering diet plan and avoid consuming high-fat or high-cholesterol foods. Failure to do so may diminish the efficacy of Lescol in lowering cholesterol levels. 

Lescol poses a risk to the developing fetus and should not be used during pregnancy. If you become pregnant while taking this medication, discontinue its use and promptly inform your doctor. 

The use of a reliable contraception method to prevent pregnancy while taking Lescol is recommended. 

Breastfeeding mothers should avoid taking Lescol as its active ingredient fluvastatin can be transferred to breast milk and potentially harm the nursing infant.