Lescol (fluvastatin)

How does it work?

Lescol capsules contain the active ingredient fluvastatin sodium, which is a type of medicine called a statin. It works by reducing the production of cholesterol by the liver.

For the sake of simplicity, there are two sorts of cholesterol; a 'bad' sort called low density lipoprotein (LDL) and a 'good' sort called high density lipoprotein (HDL). LDL is deposited in the arteries and increases the risk of heart disease by clogging and narrowing the arteries, while HDL actually protects the arteries against this.

Fluvastatin decreases the production of LDL cholesterol by blocking the action of the enzyme in the liver (called HMG-CoA reductase) that is responsible for its production. This decreases the amount of cholesterol in the liver cells, which causes them to take up LDL cholesterol from the blood. The decreased cholesterol production and increased removal of LDL cholesterol from the blood ultimately results in lowered blood cholesterol levels.

Fluvastatin also causes a small decrease in the production of other 'bad fats' in the blood called triglycerides, and a small increase in the level of HDL cholesterol. This results in lowered levels of 'bad fats' and raised levels of 'good fats'.

As the body produces most cholesterol at night, statins are generally more effective if taken at night.

Statins have an important role in the prevention of heart disease. They reduce the risk of excess cholesterol being deposited in the major blood vessels of the heart (atherosclerosis). Any blockage in the blood vessels limits the amount of blood and therefore oxygen being carried to the heart muscle. This can cause chest pain (angina) and in severe cases can result in a heart attack (myocardial infarction).

Fluvastatin is used to lower blood levels of cholesterol and other fats when these cannot be lowered by diet and exercise alone. This helps to reduce the risk of hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis) and the problems described above that this can cause.

Fluvastatin is also used to slow down the hardening of the arteries in people who already have coronary heart disease caused by high cholesterol levels.

Fluvastatin has also been licensed to prevent further heart problems, eg heart attacks, in people with coronary heart disease who have had a surgical procedure carried out on the heart through the skin. This is known as percutaneous coronary intervention, and may include procedures such as a balloon dilation of an artery or a heart bypass graft. These are performed by introducing devices through the skin into accessible arteries, which are guided on to the diseased areas. Fluvastatin has been shown to reduce the risk of further heart problems following such procedures.

It is important to continue to follow a cholesterol-lowering diet and exercise regime while taking fluvastatin.

What is it used for?

High blood cholesterol levels.

Abnormal levels of fats in the blood, eg high LDL cholesterol, low HDL cholesterol and high triglycerides (mixed dyslipidaemia).

Slowing down hardening of the arteries in people who already have coronary heart disease associated with high cholesterol.

Preventing further heart problems in people with coronary heart disease who have had a a surgical procedure carried out on the heart through the skin (eg balloon dilation of an artery).

Warning!

You should should continue to follow a cholesterol-lowering diet during treatment with this medicine. Discuss this with your doctor.

This medicine may very rarely have side effects on the muscles. For this reason you should inform your doctor immediately if you experience any muscular symptoms such as pain, tenderness, cramps, or weakness while taking this medicine, particularly if it is accompanied by a fever or feeling generally unwell. Your doctor may need to check for side effects on the muscles by taking a blood test to measure the level of a compound called creatinine kinase in your blood. If this is the case, the test should not be done following strenuous exercise.

You should have blood tests to monitor your liver function (liver function tests) before starting treatment and regularly throughout treatment with this medicine.

Use with caution in

People aged over 70 years.

Decreased kidney function.

History of liver disease.

History of heavy alcohol consumption.

Personal or family history of hereditary muscle disorders.

History of muscular side effects during previous treatment with a statin or fibrate medicine.

Underactive thyroid gland .

Not to be used in

Children or adolescents under 18 years of age.

Decreased liver function.

Active liver disease.

Unexplained raised results in liver function tests.

Pregnancy.

Women who could get pregnant, unless they also use effective contraception to prevent pregnancy.

Breastfeeding.

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

This medicine should not be used during pregnancy as it may be harmful to the unborn baby. Women who could get pregnant should use an effective method of contraception to prevent pregnancy while taking this medicine. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

This medicine may pass into breast milk. It should not be used by breastfeeding mothers. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Just because a side effect is stated here does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

Abdominal pain.

Indigestion (dyspepsia).

Nausea.

Headache.

Difficulty in sleeping (insomnia).

Skin reactions such as rash and itch.

Muscle pain and weakness.

Alteration in results of liver function tests.

Pins and needles (paraesthesia).

Inflammation of the liver (hepatitis).

Muscle inflammation.

Muscle breakdown (rhabdomyolysis).

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

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