LESCOL XL (FLUVASTATIN EXTENDED RELEASE)

Lescol XL Description

Lescol XL (Fluvastatin Extended Release) is a statin drug your doctor can prescribe to help you lower your cholesterol. You can also help Lescol XL achieve its goal by eating better, losing weight, stop smoking, and limit your alcohol intake. Cholesterol levels tend to increase as we age and unless it is kept in check can raise the risk of heart disease and stroke. Our bodies need cholesterol for making hormones and rebuilding cells but there may be a time when your doctor will recommend a prescription to take Lescol XL.

How Lescol XL Works

As an HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor, Lescol XL works slowly and steadily throughout the day to inhibit an enzyme in your liver responsible for producing cholesterol, known as HMG-CoA reductase. This action will cause your liver to produce less cholesterol and also to collect more low density lipoprotein (LDL) from your blood and removes it. LDL is considered the ‘bad cholesterol’ so these actions will help reduce the bad cholesterol and increase the good cholesterol (HDL) high density lipoprotein.

Other Conditions Treated by Lescol XL

People with mixed hyperlipidemia can also benefit from taking Lescol XL as a way to lower their cholesterol and triglycerides and reduce the risk of a heart attack or early coronary artery disease. Some symptoms of mixed hyperlipidemia are abdominal pain and enlarged liver or spleen. A lifestyle change with proper diet, exercise and no smoking can improve your cholesterol levels and possibly avoid having to take Lescol XL or other statins.

Lescol XL is also prescribed to slow down the hardening of the arteries in people who already have coronary heart disease caused by high cholesterol levels. Lescol XL may be prescribed to prevent further heart problems, such as heart attacks in people with coronary heart disease who have had a surgical procedure carried out on the heart through the skin. This may include procedures such as balloon dilation of an artery or a heart bypass graft. Fluvastatin, the active ingredient in Lescol XL, has been shown to reduce the risk of further heart problems following such procedures.

Before You Take Lescol XL

Ask your doctor about the safety of taking Lescol XL if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. Inform your physician of other conditions or disorders you may be treated for and list all over the counter and Rx drugs you are taking, including herbal, dietary, or vitamin supplements. Some medications can react negatively when taken along with statins and can cause unwanted side effects or change the effectiveness of Lescol XL.

Proper Use of Lescol XL

Lescol XL is an extended release medication that should be swallowed whole. Chewing, breaking, or crushing this medication would prevent the prolonged-release action from working. Alcohol consumption should be limited while taking Lescol XL to prevent an increased risk of liver problems. Keep all meds out of children’s reach and do not share with anyone.

Possible Side Effects of Lescol XL

• Diarrhea
• Muscle aches or pain
• Fever
• Sweating
• Nausea