Learn more about usage, cautions, and possible side effects .
Chemical Name: FLUVASTATIN (FLOO-va-sta-tin)
This medicine is an HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor (also known as a "statin") used in combination with a low-cholesterol and low-fat diet to lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels and to raise good cholesterol (HDL) levels in your blood. This medicine is not a cure for high cholesterol, but may help to control it. This medicine may also be used in certain patients to reduce the risk of blood vessel blockage. It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF YOUR DOSE OR CONDITION may be needed if you are taking azole antifungals (such as fluconazole, ketoconazole), anticoagulants (such as warfarin), cimetidine, colchicine, cyclosporine, digoxin, erythromycin, fibrates (such as clofibrate or fenofibrate), gemfibrozil, glyburide, high doses of niacin (1 gram or more per day), omeprazole, phenytoin, ranitidine, or rifamycins (such as rifampin). DO NOT START OR STOP any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions, including muscle problems, alcohol use, allergies (especially to other "statins"), pregnancy, or breast-feeding. USE OF THIS MEDICINE IS NOT RECOMMENDED if you have a history of liver problems, abnormal liver function tests, or gallbladder conditions. Certain medical conditions, including low blood pressure; severe infection; uncontrolled seizures; or serious metabolic, endocrine, or electrolyte problems may increase your risk for side effects that can result in kidney problems while taking this medicine. Contact your doctor if you develop one of these conditions. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about taking this medicine.
Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. This medicine may come with a patient information leaflet. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist any questions you may have about this medicine. If you take cholestyramine or colestipol, ask your doctor or pharmacist how to take it with this medicine. IF YOU ARE TAKING 1 DOSE A DAY, take your dose in the evening or at bedtime as directed by your doctor. Dosage is based on your medical condition, response to therapy, and use of certain interacting medicines. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details, since many of the medicines listed in the Before Using section may increase the chances of muscle injury when used with this medicine. STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature in a tightly-closed container, away from heat, moisture, and light. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.
FOLLOW THE DIETARY PLAN provided by your doctor. IT MAY TAKE SEVERAL WEEKS for this medicine to work. Do not stop using this medicine without checking with your doctor. KEEP ALL DOCTOR AND LABORATORY APPOINTMENTS while you are using this medicine. BEFORE HAVING ANY KIND OF SURGERY, tell your doctor that you are taking this medicine. AVOID DRINKING EXCESSIVE AMOUNTS OF ALCOHOL while taking this medicine. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. FOR WOMEN: DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE if you are pregnant. IF YOU SUSPECT THAT YOU COULD BE PREGNANT, contact your doctor immediately. THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED IN BREAST MILK. DO NOT BREAST-FEED while taking this medicine.
SIDE EFFECTS that may occur while taking this medicine include dizziness, indigestion, or trouble sleeping. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE if you experience muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness, especially if associated with fever and a general feeling of discomfort; rash; yellow skin or eyes; unusual bleeding or bruising; or sore throat. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience the following side effects or symptoms of toxicity: swelling of hands, face, lips, eyes, throat, or tongue; difficulty swallowing or breathing; or hoarseness. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist. This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your healthcare provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job. Use our drug interaction checker to find out if your medicines interact with each other. Check drug interactions
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.
FOR BEST RESULTS, this medicine should be used along with exercise, a low-cholesterol/low-fat diet, and a weight loss program if you are overweight. FOLLOW THE DIETARY PLAN provided by your doctor. DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others for whom it was not prescribed. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other health conditions. KEEP THIS MEDICINE out of the reach of children and pets. IF USING THIS MEDICINE FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, obtain refills before your supply runs out.