LESCOL (FLUVASTATIN)

Lescol Description

Lescol or generic Fluvastatin may be prescribed in addition to a diet and exercise program to treat high cholesterol levels. Many factors determine whether your cholesterol levels are high or low, including; age, diet, gender, heredity, weight, and level of activity. The generic alternative is not manufactured by the company that makes the brand product.

Lescol is also prescribed for people who have undergone heart procedures, such as angioplasty, to help prevent complications after surgery. Statins are an effective treatment for preventing heart disease by reducing the risk of atherosclerosis where the major blood vessels of your heart become blocked with deposits of excess cholesterol.

How Lescol Can Lower Bad Cholesterol

The actions of Fluvastatin cause a reduction in your bad cholesterol and an increase in your good cholesterol . Lescol or generic Fluvastatin is a statin drug that works as an enzyme blocker to inhibit the production of cholesterol in your body. Fluvastatin works by blocking an enzyme needed to make cholesterol in the liver (HMG-CoA reductase). The result is that less cholesterol is made and levels of cholesterol in the blood are decreased.

What is Cholesterol?

Cholesterol is a fatty substance your body needs to rebuild its cells and to make certain hormones. When there's too much cholesterol in your bloodstream, you have high cholesterol. High cholesterol can increase your risk of heart disease, stroke, and peripheral vascular disease. Reduction of cholesterol levels in the blood has been shown to reduce the risks associated with heart disease, such as heart attack.

A simple blood test can reveal your total cholesterol count. This includes low-density lipoproteins (LDL)-the bad cholesterol, and high-density lipoproteins (HDL)-the good cholesterol. This fatty substance will not dissolve in your blood so the lipoproteins transport it to and from your cells. Another form of fat your body makes is called triglycerides. High levels of triglycerides can be caused by being overweight, a diet high in carbs, inactivity, smoking, and excess alcohol consumption.

Before You Take Lescol

You should not take Lescol if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. Tell your doctor about all other medications you take or use. Taking certain drugs with Lescol can increase your risk of serious muscle problems. Talk to your doctor about your complete medical history, especially if you have chronic muscle aches or weakness; diabetes; problems with your thyroid, kidneys, or liver; or if you drink more than two alcoholic drinks a day. This medication usually takes four weeks to have a significant effect on the cholesterol level in your blood.

Precautions for Lescol

Use of alcoholic beverages should be limited while taking Lescol; it can raise triglyceride levels and may increase your risk for liver problems. Keep Lescol and other medications out of children’s reach and away from pets. Never share any meds with anyone else.

Possible Side Effects of Lescol

• Chills
• Joint pain
• Diarrhea
• Loss of appetite
• Runny nose

You should stop taking Lescol and contact your doctor if you experience any of these serious side effects while taking Lescol: unexplained muscle pain or tenderness; pain or burning when you urinate; confusion; swelling.