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What is Lescol
FluvastatinThe Generic name of this drug
Treatment SummaryFluvastatin is a cholesterol-lowering drug that works by blocking the enzyme that helps produce cholesterol in the body. It belongs to a class of drugs called statins and is used to reduce levels of cholesterol in the bloodstream and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Fluvastatin is the first synthetic HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor, meaning it is made in a lab and not derived from fungi. The drug is a combination of two mirror-image molecules, (3R,5S)- and (3S,5R)-fluvastatin.
Lescolis the brand name
Lescol Overview & Background
Brand Name
Generic Name
First FDA Approval
How many FDA approvals?
Lescol
Fluvastatin
1994
20
Effectiveness
How Lescol Affects PatientsFluvastatin is a medicine used to lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels that are too high. It can also reduce the risk of needing coronary revascularization procedures in people with coronary heart disease (CHD). Fluvastatin is similar to other medications like lovastatin, simvastatin, and pravastatin but it is broken down more quickly in the body and has less active metabolites. It works mainly in the liver and comes as two different forms (3R,5S enantiomer).
How Lescol works in the bodyFluvastatin stops the liver from making cholesterol. It targets an enzyme that helps create cholesterol and stops it from doing its job. This decreases the amount of cholesterol in the liver and increases the amount of LDL cholesterol it can absorb. The result is a decrease in total and LDL cholesterol levels in the blood.
When to interrupt dosage
The quantity of Lescol relies upon the determined condition, such as unsuccessful dietary change, Coronary Heart Disease and Atherosclerosis. The dosage also differs based on the technique of delivery showcased in the table below.Condition
Dosage
Administration
Primary Hypercholesterolemia
, 80.0 mg, 20.0 mg, 40.0 mg
, Oral, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Tablet, film coated, extended release, Tablet, film coated, extended release - Oral
Coronary Heart Disease
, 80.0 mg, 20.0 mg, 40.0 mg
, Oral, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Tablet, film coated, extended release, Tablet, film coated, extended release - Oral
Dyslipidemias
, 80.0 mg, 20.0 mg, 40.0 mg
, Oral, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Tablet, film coated, extended release, Tablet, film coated, extended release - Oral
failed dietary modification
, 80.0 mg, 20.0 mg, 40.0 mg
, Oral, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Tablet, film coated, extended release, Tablet, film coated, extended release - Oral
Interventional procedure
, 80.0 mg, 20.0 mg, 40.0 mg
, Oral, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Tablet, film coated, extended release, Tablet, film coated, extended release - Oral
Hardening of the Arteries
, 80.0 mg, 20.0 mg, 40.0 mg
, Oral, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Tablet, film coated, extended release, Tablet, film coated, extended release - Oral
Hypercholesterolemia
, 80.0 mg, 20.0 mg, 40.0 mg
, Oral, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Tablet, film coated, extended release, Tablet, film coated, extended release - Oral
1 year post-menarche
, 80.0 mg, 20.0 mg, 40.0 mg
, Oral, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Tablet, film coated, extended release, Tablet, film coated, extended release - Oral
Warnings
Lescol ContraindicationsCondition
Risk Level
Notes
Transaminases
Do Not Combine
Liver Diseases
Do Not Combine
Common Lescol Drug Interactions
Drug Name
Risk Level
Description
Amitriptyline
Major
The metabolism of Amitriptyline can be decreased when combined with Fluvastatin.
Amoxapine
Major
The metabolism of Amoxapine can be decreased when combined with Fluvastatin.
Astemizole
Major
The metabolism of Astemizole can be decreased when combined with Fluvastatin.
Axitinib
Major
The metabolism of Axitinib can be decreased when combined with Fluvastatin.
Brigatinib
Major
The metabolism of Brigatinib can be decreased when combined with Fluvastatin.
Lescol Toxicity & Overdose RiskGenerally safe. However, side effects may include stomach discomfort (diarrhea, nausea, constipation, gas, abdominal pain), muscle breakdown (muscle weakness, inflammation of the muscles, and muscle breakdown), and liver damage.
Lescol Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Lescol?
64 active studies are currently exploring the potential of Lescol to address failed dietary modification, Secondary Hyperlipidemia in adolescents 1 year post-menarche and Primary Hypercholesterolemia.Condition
Clinical Trials
Trial Phases
Hardening of the Arteries
22 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable, Phase 4, Phase 2, Phase 3, Phase 1
Coronary Heart Disease
9 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable, Phase 2, Early Phase 1
Primary Hypercholesterolemia
11 Actively Recruiting
Phase 3, Phase 2, Not Applicable
Hypercholesterolemia
2 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable, Phase 1
Dyslipidemias
0 Actively Recruiting
1 year post-menarche
0 Actively Recruiting
failed dietary modification
0 Actively Recruiting
Interventional procedure
0 Actively Recruiting
Lescol Reviews: What are patients saying about Lescol?
5Patient Review
11/3/2011 I've been using this medication for years without any issues; however, my latest physical showed that I'm now borderline high. My doctor wants me to keep an eye on it and make sure I'm eating right and exercising, but other than that, no changes are being made to the medication at this time.
5Patient Review
6/4/2010 I've been on this drug for a little over a year and it has lowered my cholesterol from 245 to 140. I occasionally experience pain in my arm between the elbow and wrist, but it goes away after several minutes.
5Patient Review
5/29/2008 I took this drug for a couple of years and it worked great, but then my CPK levels suddenly spiked. I had to stop taking the drug immediately and now I'm experiencing muscle aches.
4.7Patient Review
2/19/2015 I found that this drug didn't have the unfortunate side effect of joint pain and stiffness.
4.3Patient Review
5/13/2009 I've been using this medication for a few years now. I switched to it after Lescol caused problems for me and many others I talked to who had used it. Crestor was the next option, but it started bothering my muscles and joints. There are no such issues with Lescol, even though it's not as effective as Lipitor. However, it keeps my cholesterol levels in check, which is all I can ask for. I'm sticking with my 40mg/day regimen.
3.7Patient Review
12/30/2011 I've been taking this for three years and it has lowered my cholesterol levels; however, I have noticed that skin wounds take longer to heal. I went off the medication two months ago due to cost, and since then I've noticed my skin wounds healing better. Not sure if it's a coincidence or not, but something to consider if you're thinking about taking this medication.
3.7Patient Review
8/14/2010 I began taking this medication a few years ago but had to stop because of the severe leg pain it caused me. I tried again a few months ago with the same result. My doctor and I will have to look into other options as I do not want to keep taking these statins if they're going to continue causing me so much pain.
3.3Patient Review
11/1/2010 Has anyone experienced severe or mild memory loss as a side effect?
3.3Patient Review
3/24/2012 After using this medication for 2 and a half years, I started to notice a significant decline in my memory function.
2.7Patient Review
4/17/2021 Itching and rashes all over my body, swelling of hands/fingers, fatigue, insomnia, depression, aches in legs, muscle soreness, cognitive difficulties - this was my experience.
2Patient Review
4/17/2021 I experienced severe itching and rashes all over my body, as well as swelling of the hands. I was also incredibly tired, couldn't sleep, and felt depressed. Additionally, I had muscle aches and a general foggy feeling in my head.
2Patient Review
3/31/2009 I experienced muscle aches, tiredness, trouble sleeping, tingling and numbness in hands while taking this medication.
1.7Patient Review
2/8/2010 I have trouble with all statin drugs. My doc keeps trying different drugs to see if he can hit on the right one. After two months, my muscles began cramping to the extent that I had to give up the drug and he changed me to Trilipix. After reading reviews of Trilipix I will not take that one either.
1Patient Review
12/4/2007 About ten minutes after taking my third dose of Lescol, I felt really jittery and uncomfortable. I definitely won't be taking this medication again.
1Patient Review
10/28/2007 I'm not sure what's going on, but this medication led to me having two of the worst gall bladder attacks I've ever experienced. Has anyone else had a similar reaction?
Patient Q&A Section about lescol
These questions and answers are submitted by anonymous patients, and have not been verified by our internal team.Is Lescol a statin drug?
"Lescol XL is a part of a group of drugs known as statins. These drugs help to lower the level of lipids in the blood, which has been shown to reduce the risk of cardiovascular and coronary heart diseases."
Answered by AI
Is Lescol still available?
"The Lescol brand has been discontinued, but the extended-release version of fluvastatin is still available as both a generic and a brand (Lescol XL)."
Answered by AI
What is Lescol used for?
"Fluvastatin is a drug that can help to lower cholesterol levels in the blood. It is part of a group of drugs called statins, and it works by reducing the amount of cholesterol produced by the liver."
Answered by AI