Lescol XL and/or Equivalents

Drug	Related Drug Names
Lescol XL 80mg and/or Equivalents	Fluvastatin, Lescol XL

Lescol XL (fluvastatin)

Lescol XL Description

Produced by Novartis, the active ingredient in Lescol XL is fluvastatin that lowers cholesterol by enabling your liver to make less cholesterol. The drug helps to bring down triglycerides and bad cholesterol or LDL and raises the level of good cholesterol or HDL. At the end of four weeks, Lescol XL helps to lower LDL by a median of 38 percent. The drug works by blocking a specific enzyme called HMG – CoA reductase that controls the cholesterol production rate in the liver. By blocking, liver makes less cholesterol and uses more LDL cholesterol from blood.

Lescol XL or fluvastatin sodium is available in the form of capsules of dosage strength 20 mg and 40 mg. 20 mg capsules are light brown and brown in color and available in bottles of 30 and 100 capsules. 40 gm capsules are gold and brown in color. Lescol XL is also available as extended release tablets and these are round, yellow and biconvex film coated with edges that are beveled. The drug should be stored at 25 degree Celsius and away from light and moisture.

Conditions treated by Lescol XL

Fluvastatin or Lescol XL is used for treating high levels of cholesterol in children and adults who are at least 10 years of age. Bringing down cholesterol levels will prevent arterial hardening, heart disease and other conditions that may result in vascular disease, stroke or heart attack. Lescol XL is a prescription medicine used in conjunction with dietary changes to bring down cholesterol, delay the occurrence of heart diseases and bring down the risk of running a procedure to facilitate blood flow to your heart.

Lescol XL is also used to treat heart patients with coronary artery disease by delaying the buildup of cholesterol in the arteries. It also helps to bring down the risk of requiring a second heart procedure like angioplasty for restoring blood flow to heart.

Lescol XL Dosage Information

a.) Typical Dosage Recommendations

Before initiating Lescol XL for patients with cholesterol, a standard fat free diet must be established for the patient. The recommended beginning dose for a patient who needs LDL – C (bad cholesterol) reduction rate of 25 percent or higher is 40 mg taken as a single capsule in the evening. Where the reduction goal is 25 percent or lower, 20 mg is the recommended starting dose. This medication can be taken without or with meals. It can be administered after 4 hours from the evening meal or with the meal itself. The recommended beginning dose in pediatric patients is a single 20 mg capsule.

The drug is usually taken once or two times every day. Your health care professional can suggest adjustments to your dose to derive maximum benefits. The capsule or tablet should not be opened, broken, chewed or crushed. Swallow it completely and follow up the medication with an appropriate exercise schedule and correct diet program.

b.) Missing a Dose

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember that you have missed it but if it is less than 12 hours for your subsequent dose; do not take the missed one. Do not take extra doses to catch up since it may prove harmful.

c.) Overdosing

If you think you have been overdosed with Lescol XL, contact the Poison Helpline or get emergency medical attention.

Lescol XL Warnings

If you need to take colestipol or cholestyramine along with Lescol XL, take those drugs at least 2 hours before you take Lescol. Avoid consuming foods that are rich in cholesterol or fat. Lescol XL will work effectively only when a healthy lifestyle and correct eating habits are followed. Alcohol should be avoided since it has the ability to increase levels of triglyceride and will also increase risk of damage to liver. Grapefruit juice and grapefruit can interact with Lescol XL and result in dangerous outcomes. Lescol XL should be taken for long term to derive benefits and to accrue maximum efficacy.

You have to inform your doctor and have your dose adjusted if you have a history of liver or kidney disease, diabetes, and thyroid disorder or consume more than 2 alcoholic drinks every day. In a few cases, the ingredient in Lescol XL can cause skeletal muscle tissue breakdown, which can eventually lead to kidney failure. Lescol XL should not be taken while pregnant. If you have become pregnant or planning to become pregnant, you should stop the use of Lescol XL and inform your doctor immediately. The drug can cause problems to unborn and newborn babies. The ingredients can pass through breast milk and cause harm to babies. Therefore, breastfeeding mothers are not recommended to take this drug.

Lescol XL Side Effects

Allergic reaction while taking Lescol XL is possible. You could experience one or more of the following symptoms:

• swelling of lips, throat, tongue and face
• breathing difficulties
• hives or rashes

You may need to discontinue the use of this medication if you experience one of the following serious side effects:

• weakness
• tenderness or unexplained muscle pain
• dark colored urine
• unusual tiredness
• fever
• burning sensation or pain while urinating etc

Other possible side effects can include:

• less or no urination
• unusual weight gain
• swelling
• jaundice
• clay colored stools
• dark urine
• appetite loss
• itching
• upper stomach pain and nausea

Less serious troubles may include:

• headache
• muscle pain
• diarrhea
• mild nausea
• indigestion or stomach pain
• insomnia
• symptoms of cold such as sore throat, sneezing and stuffed nose

Possible Drug Interactions With Lescol XL

When you are prescribed Lescol XL, you should inform your doctor if you are taking the following drugs that can possibly interact with this medication:

• Tagamet (cimetidine)
• Coumadin (warfarin)
• Diabeta (glyburide)
• Prilosec (omeprazole)
• Dilantin (phenytoin)
• Zantac (ranitidine)
• Aldactone (spironolactone)
• Zocor (simvastatin)
• Crestor (rosuvastatin)
• Pravachol (pravastatin)
• Mevacor (lovastatin)
• Lipitor (atorvastatin)

Other drugs when had with Lescol XL can increase risk of serious muscle troubles and these include:

• Erythromycin
• Diflucan (fluconazole)
• Tricorlopid (fenofibrate)
• Fibricor (Fenofibric Acid)
• Lopid (gemfibrozil)

medicines containing niacin and drugs that weaken immune system such as:

• Prograf (tacrolimus)
• Rapumune (sirolimus)
• Neoral Gengraf (cyclosporine)
• cancer medications and steroids

All medications used including vitamins and herbal products must be informed to the doctor.

If you have any questions about buying discount Lescol XL online or any other prescription products you can contact our team of professional Patient Service Representatives or one of our pharmacists 24-7 by calling 1-800-226-3784.

Notice: The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Lescol XL and/or Equivalents warnings, side-effects and general information