Fluvastatin helps lower your cholesterol and triglyceride (fat) levels in the blood.
Excessive cholesterol and triglycerides in your body can clog up your blood vessels. This can lead to many health problems such as stroke and heart diseases, including heart attack.
Fluvastatin is meant to be taken as part of a complete cholesterol management programme that should include exercise, a healthy diet and lifestyle.
Take Fluvastatin exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
You may take Fluvastatin with or without food. Try to take it at the same time each day.
This medicine is available as a capsule or extended-release tablet.
If you are taking the capsule, swallow it whole with a glass of water.
If are taking the extended-release tablet (usually labelled as "XL"), swallow it whole with a glass of water. Do not divide, chew, or crush the tablet.
Fluvastatin must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine even when you feel well. Do not stop taking it unless instructed by the doctor.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- liver disease
- persistently high levels of certain liver enzymes (e.g. transaminases)
as Fluvastatin may not be suitable for you.
Do not take Fluvastatin if you are pregnant or planning to have a baby soon. If you become pregnant while being treated with Fluvastatin, alert your doctor immediately. Fluvastatin may cause harm to your unborn child. You must use proven birth control methods while taking Fluvastatin.
Do not breastfeed while you are being treated with Fluvastatin.
Do not take Fluvastatin if you are currently taking or have taken fusidic acid (antibiotic) in the last 7 days. Please see the section "Can I take this with other medicines?" below for more information.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- kidney disease
- family history of muscle disease
- consume large amounts of alcohol or if you are a frequent drinker
- thyroid disease
- history of liver disease
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving this medicine to a child or the elderly. Children or the elderly may be more sensitive to the side effects.
Some genetic traits can increase your risk of side effects from this medicine. If you have an alteration in your gene called
SLCO1B1, or if you are a poor or intermediate metaboliser of CYP2C9, or if you have a combination of both
SLCO1B1 gene alteration and CYP2C9 poor or intermediate metaboliser, you are more likely to develop persistent muscle or joint pain, muscle cramps, numbness or weakness from Fluvastatin. Your doctor may perform genetic testing before giving you this medicine. If you know you have this gene type, inform your doctor. However, you may still develop muscle problems, even if you do not have this gene type. Inform your doctor immediately if you experience muscle pain, weakness or tenderness especially if it is accompanied by fever or general body discomfort.
Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
- Your doctor may need to perform blood tests to make sure that your liver function is normal before you take Fluvastatin and thereafter depending on your doctor's advice.
- Regular monitoring of possible muscle problems may be done while you are being treated with this medicine.
- Your blood sugar levels may rise while taking this medicine. Your doctor may monitor you closely if you develop diabetes.
Fluvastatin may cause any of the following side effects: abdominal pain, stomach wind, indigestion, nausea, headache, and difficulty sleeping.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- persistent muscle or joint pain, muscle cramps, weakness or numbness
- yellowing of the skin or eyes, abdominal pain, dark coloured urine, tiredness, swelling in the legs and ankles
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Do not take Fluvastatin if you are currently taking or have taken fusidic acid (antibiotic) within the last 7 days.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- other cholesterol-lowering medicines e.g. gemfibrozil, bezafibrate, or nicotinic acid
- medicines to treat fungal infection e.g. fluconazole
- warfarin (blood-thinning medicine)
- rifampicin (medicine to treat TB, a lung infection known as tuberculosis)
- ciclosporin (medicines used in organ transplant or certain immune disorders)
- colchicine (medicine for high uric acid level in the blood)
Colestyramine reduces the effectiveness of Fluvastatin when taken at the same time. If you are taking colestyramine, take Fluvastatin at least 4 hours after you have taken colestyramine.
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Fluvastatin.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicine, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol. Consuming large amounts of alcohol is very damaging to the liver.
It is important to adhere to the diet prescribed by your doctor.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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