What is this medication for?
Fluvastatin belongs to the family of medications known as HMG CoA reductase inhibitors ("statins") that lower cholesterol. It is used in addition to diet and exercise to treat people with high cholesterol levels. This medication works by blocking an enzyme needed to make cholesterol in the liver. The result is that less cholesterol is made and levels of cholesterol in the blood are decreased.
Fluvastatin is also used for people with heart disease to decrease the risk of heart problems that would need procedures to improve blood flow to the heart muscle and to slow the buildup of too much cholesterol in arteries.
The full effect of fluvastatin on cholesterol levels is usually seen within 4 weeks. Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed here. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here. If you are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.
Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.
Some medications may have other generic brands available. Always ask your doctor or pharmacist about the safety of switching between brands of the same medication.
How should I use this medication?
Before starting fluvastatin, or at the same time as starting to take it, you should be placed on a cholesterol-lowering diet. If appropriate, a weight control and physical exercise program should also be followed.
The recommended adult dose of fluvastatin ranges from 20 mg to 80 mg daily. Up to 40 mg daily can be taken as one dose in the evening. A dose of 80 mg can be taken as either one extended release tablet once daily at any time of the day or as a 40 mg capsule twice daily. The extended release tablet should not be broken, crushed or chewed. For some people, your doctor or pharmacist may recommend that you take fluvastatin immediate release capsules at bedtime.
Fluvastatin may be taken with or without food, but it should be taken consistently with regard to food (always with food or always without food).
Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.
It is important that this medication be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
Store this medication at room temperature, protect it from light and moisture, and keep it out of the reach of children.
Who should NOT take this medication?
Fluvastatin should not be taken by anyone who:
- is allergic to fluvastatin or to any of the ingredients of this medication
- is pregnant or breast-feeding
- has active liver disease or a persistent unexplained increase in liver function test results