Fluvastatin is used in combination with an appropriate diet and physical activity to low high cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood. Sometimes, it is used in certain patients to slow blood vessel obstruction and to reduce the need for immediate surgery.
What is Fluvastatin?
Fluvastatin is an inhibitor also known as statin. It works by reducing the production of cholesterol and triglyceride in the body. It also helps increase the “good” cholesterol in the body.
How should Fluvastatin be taken?
Fluvastatin is typically administered orally.
Side effects associated with Fluvastatin
Fluvastatin can affect blood sugar levels and increase the risk of myopathy (especially in older patients or those with kidney or thyroid problems). It can also cause kidney problems.
Among the other possible side effects of Fluvastatin include the following:
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- Mild stomach pain
You should immediately contact a doctor if you experience:
- Rash
- Urticaria
- Itch
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- Tightness in the chest;
- Swelling of the mouth, face, lips or tongue
- Hoarseness
- Burning, numbness or tingling sensation
- Changes in the amount of urine produced
- Chest pain
- Confusion
- Sexual problems
- Mood changes or psychological problems
- Pain, tenderness or weakness in the muscles
- Persistent fever, chills or sore throat
- Flu-like symptoms
- Articolar pains
- Memory problems
- Frequent or painful urination
- Redness, swelling, blistering or peeling of the skin
- Stomach pain or sore back
- Shortness of breath
- Liver problems (dark urine, pale stools, nausea, severe or persistent loss of appetite, stomach pain, jaundice)
- Tremors
- Bruising or bleeding
- Tiredness or weakness
Contraindications and warnings associated with the use of Fluvastatin
Fluvastatin should not be taken in case of kidney problems or treatment with gemfibrozil.
Before starting treatment with Fluvastatin, it is important to tell your doctor if:
- You have any allergies to the active substance, its excipients or any other drugs or food
- You are taking any other medications, herbal remedies or supplements. Mentioning in particular: gemfibrozil, colchicine, cyclosporine, daptomycin, erythromycin, fibrates, fluconazole, mifepristone, niacin, omeprazole, ranitidine, anticoagulants, rifamycins, cimetidine, glyburide, ketoconazole, phenytoin and spironolactone
- You are suffering (or have suffered) from low blood pressure, severe infections, kidney or liver problems, diabetes, muscle or thyroid disease, seizures, metabolic disorders, hormonal or electrolyte disorders, alcoholism or homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia
- You are planning on undergoing surgery
- You are pregnant or breast-feeding
It is also important to inform physicians, surgeons and dentists of any ongoing treatment with Fluvastatin. Keep in mind that the drug can impair the ability to drive or operate hazardous machinery; especially if it is taken with alcohol or certain other medications.
