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Home > Drug Category > Cholesterol Medications > Lescol and Equivalent

Lescol Information

Lescol (Fluvastatin) is used to use with a proper diet to help lower "bad" cholesterol and fats (such as LDL triglycerides) and raise "good" cholesterol (HDL) in the blood. Statins (HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors) like Lescol works by reducing the amount of cholesterol the liver makes. Lowering "bad" cholesterol and triglycerides and raising "good" cholesterol decreases the risk of heart disease and helps prevent strokes and heart attacks. In addition to eating a proper diet (such as a low cholesterol/low-fat diet), other lifestyle changes that may help this medication work better include exercising, losing weight if overweight, and stopping smoking.

Lescol Side Effects

The most common side effects of Lescol may include muscle pain or weakness, headache; insomnia; fatigue; diarrhea; abdominal pain; nausea, and vomiting.

Call your doctor right away if you have any of the serious side effects such as:
• Breast enlargement, loss of libido, and erectile dysfunction;
• Cognitive impairment (e.g., memory loss, forgetfulness, amnesia, memory impairment, confusion);
• Poor vision;
• Recurrent urinary tract infection;
• Severe muscle cramps, rhabdomyolysis, muscle spasms and weakness;
• Symptoms suggestive of kidney problems (such as a change in the amount of urine);
• Yellowing of the eyes or skin, pale stool, dark urine

Lescol Precautions

Before taking Fluvastatin, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it or have any other allergies. Before you start taking this medication, tell your doctor about your medical history, including if you have liver disease; kidney disease; chronic alcohol use, heart diseases such as hypertension, heart failure, and stroke; overweight; or diabetic. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant when using Lescol. Fluvastatin is not safe during pregnancy, so it is recommended that women of childbearing age should use an effective form of birth control while taking Fluvastatin. It may harm an unborn baby. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Lescol passes into breast milk and may have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Breastfeeding is not recommended while using this medication. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding. Tell your doctor about all your medications, including prescription, OTC, herbal supplements, and vitamins. There may be a drug interaction between Lescol and other medications such as gemfibrozil and red yeast rice. Lescol is a capsule that should be taken orally with or without food, usually once daily in the evening. However, some patients may be directed to take this medication twice daily, depending on the severity of their condition. Do not open the capsules. The dosage is based on your medical condition, response to treatment, age, and other medications you may be taking. If you also take certain other drugs to lower your cholesterol (bile acid-binding resins such as cholestyramine or colestipol), take Fluvastatin at least an hour before or at least 4 hours after taking these medications. These products can react with Fluvastatin, preventing its full absorption. Take this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. Keep taking this medication even if you feel well. Most people with high cholesterol or triglycerides do not feel sick. It is vital to continue following your doctor's diet and exercise advice. It may take up to 4-6 weeks before you get the full benefit of this drug.

Do I need a prescription to order Lescol?

Yes, a prescription is required from your physician to order Lescol.