Lescol

What is it?

A suppressant of cholesterol production (a statin), available in two strengths: yellow/brown capsules containing 20mg of fluvastatin and orange/brown capsules containing 40mg of fluvastatin. All capsules are marked with XU, the strength and the company logo. Also, LESCOL XL, available as yellow tablets containing 80mg of fluvastatin as sodium salt, marked with strength and name.

Medical Uses

Primary hypercholesterolaemia (high blood cholesterol levels) and mixed dyslipidaemia in patients whose condition cannot be controlled by diet alone: reduction of overall cholesterol, LDLcholesterol, triglycerides and apolipoprotein B. Also, in patients with primary hypercholesterolaemia and coronary heart disease, to hinder progression of atherosclerosis in coronary arteries.

Dosage

Lescol, adults aged over 18 years, a starting dose of 20 to 40mg once each day taken at bedtime, increasing if necessary at 4 week intervals to a maximum of 40mg twice each day. The usual dose is 20 to 40mg once each day. Lescol XL, 1 tablet each day in patients who have first been treated with Lescol.Special

Special Care

History of liver disease, or alcoholism (test liver function and discontinue if certain enzyme levels are high), myalgias or muscle weakness particularly with fever or if generally unwell. Any condition predisposing to rhabdomyolysis.

Avoid Use

Children, pregnancy, breastfeeding, kidney or liver disease, persistent high blood levels of certain enzymes - transaminases.

Possible Drug And Food Interactions

Immunosuppressive drugs, rifampicin, erythromycin, nicotinic acid, gemfibrozil, other fibrates.

Known Side Effects

Headache, abdominal pain, insomnia, nausea, acid indigestion. In rare cases, muscle pain, tenderness or weakness, abnormal liver function tests.

Manufacturer

Novartis.