Fluvastatin XL
(Fluvastatin)Fluvastatin XL Overview
Fluvastatin is used along with a proper diet to help lower bad cholesterol and fats (such as LDL, triglycerides) and raise good cholesterol (HDL) in the blood. It belongs to a group of drugs known as "statins." It works by reducing the amount of cholesterol made by the liver. 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 Fluvastatin XL work better include exercising, losing weight if overweight, and stopping smoking. Consult your doctor for more details.
How to Use Fluvastatin XL
Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start taking fluvastatin and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Take Fluvastatin XL by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually once daily. Swallow the tablets whole. Do not crush or chew the tablets. Doing so can release all of the drug at once, increasing the risk of side effects. Dosage of Fluvastatin XL is based on your medical condition, response to treatment, age, and other medications you may be taking. Be sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). If you also take certain other drugs to lower your cholesterol (bile acid-binding resins such as cholestyramine or colestipol), take fluvastatin at least 1 hour before or at least 4 hours after taking these medications. These products can react with fluvastatin, preventing its full absorption. Take Fluvastatin XL regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. Remember to take it at the same time each day. Keep taking Fluvastatin XL even if you feel well. Most people with high cholesterol or triglycerides do not feel sick. It is very important to continue to follow your doctor's advice about diet and exercise. It may take up to 4 weeks before you get the full benefit of Fluvastatin XL.
Fluvastatin XL Precautions
Before taking fluvastatin, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. Fluvastatin XL may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using Fluvastatin XL, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history,liver disease, kidney disease, alcohol use. Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). Limit alcoholic beverages. Daily use of alcohol may increase your risk for liver problems, especially when combined with fluvastatin. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information. Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of the drug, especially muscle problems. During pregnancy, Fluvastatin XL should be used only when clearly needed. It may harm an unborn baby. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Fluvastatin XL passes into breast milk and may have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Breast-feeding while using Fluvastatin XL is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Fluvastatin XL Misdose
If you miss a dose of Fluvastatin XL, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Use your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.
Fluvastatin XL Interactions
See also How to Use section. Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.colchicine, daptomycin, gemfibrozil, phenytoin. Do not take any red yeast rice products while you are taking fluvastatin because some red yeast rice products may also contain a statin called lovastatin. Taking fluvastatin and red yeast rice products together can increase your risk of serious muscle and liver problems.
Fluvastatin XL Side Effects
Stomach upset may occur. If this effect lasts or gets worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Remember that Fluvastatin XL has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using Fluvastatin XL do not have serious side effects. A very small number of people taking fluvastatin may have mild memory problems or confusion. If these rare effects occur, talk to your doctor. Rarely, statins may cause or worsen diabetes. Talk to your doctor about the benefits and risks. Fluvastatin XL may rarely cause muscle problems (which can rarely lead to very serious conditions called rhabdomyolysis and autoimmune myopathy).muscle pain/tenderness/weakness (especially with fever or unusual tiredness), signs of kidney problems (such as change in the amount of urine). Fluvastatin XL may rarely cause liver problems. Tell your doctor right away if you develop symptoms of liver problems,nausea/vomiting that doesn't stop, yellowing eyes/skin, dark urine, stomach/abdominal pain. A very serious allergic reaction to Fluvastatin XL is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction,rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
Fluvastatin XL Storage
Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard Fluvastatin XL when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.
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