What is Fluvastatin Sodium
FluvastatinThe Generic name of this drug
Treatment SummaryFluvastatin is a medication used to reduce levels of cholesterol in the blood. It belongs to a class of drugs called statins, which work by blocking the production of cholesterol in the body. Fluvastatin is the first of its kind, as it is entirely synthetic and has a different structure than other statin drugs. It is composed of two molecules in equal amounts, (3R,5S)- and (3S,5R)-fluvastatin, which work together to lower cholesterol levels and help prevent heart disease.
Lescolis the brand name
Fluvastatin Sodium Overview & Background
Brand Name
Generic Name
First FDA Approval
How many FDA approvals?
Lescol
Fluvastatin
1994
20
Effectiveness
How Fluvastatin Sodium Affects PatientsFluvastatin is a drug used to reduce cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood, as well as slow the progression of coronary artery disease. It is similar to other cholesterol-lowering drugs (lovastatin, simvastatin, and pravastatin), but has a shorter duration and does not create active metabolites. Fluvastatin works primarily in the liver, and is a mixture of two different chemicals that have similar properties. The 3R,5S enantiomer is the one that has the desired effect.
How Fluvastatin Sodium works in the bodyFluvastatin works by blocking an enzyme that helps to make cholesterol. This enzyme is called hydroxymethylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase. When this enzyme is blocked, the amount of cholesterol produced in the liver decreases. This stimulates the liver to make more receptors to absorb LDL cholesterol from the bloodstream. As a result, total and LDL cholesterol levels in the blood decrease.
When to interrupt dosage
The suggested dose of Fluvastatin Sodium is contingent upon the determined ailment, including declined dietary change, Coronary Heart Disease and Hardening of the arteries. The measure of dosage is subject to the technique of delivery as featured in the table below.Condition
Dosage
Administration
failed dietary modification
40.0 mg, 80.0 mg, , 20.0 mg
, Capsule - Oral, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Oral, Capsule, Tablet, film coated, extended release, Tablet, film coated, extended release - Oral
Coronary Heart Disease
40.0 mg, 80.0 mg, , 20.0 mg
, Capsule - Oral, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Oral, Capsule, Tablet, film coated, extended release, Tablet, film coated, extended release - Oral
Hardening of the Arteries
40.0 mg, 80.0 mg, , 20.0 mg
, Capsule - Oral, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Oral, Capsule, Tablet, film coated, extended release, Tablet, film coated, extended release - Oral
Primary Hypercholesterolemia
40.0 mg, 80.0 mg, , 20.0 mg
, Capsule - Oral, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Oral, Capsule, Tablet, film coated, extended release, Tablet, film coated, extended release - Oral
Hypercholesterolemia
40.0 mg, 80.0 mg, , 20.0 mg
, Capsule - Oral, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Oral, Capsule, Tablet, film coated, extended release, Tablet, film coated, extended release - Oral
Interventional procedure
40.0 mg, 80.0 mg, , 20.0 mg
, Capsule - Oral, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Oral, Capsule, Tablet, film coated, extended release, Tablet, film coated, extended release - Oral
1 year post-menarche
40.0 mg, 80.0 mg, , 20.0 mg
, Capsule - Oral, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Oral, Capsule, Tablet, film coated, extended release, Tablet, film coated, extended release - Oral
Dyslipidemias
40.0 mg, 80.0 mg, , 20.0 mg
, Capsule - Oral, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Oral, Capsule, Tablet, film coated, extended release, Tablet, film coated, extended release - Oral
Warnings
Fluvastatin Sodium ContraindicationsCondition
Risk Level
Notes
active liver disease
Do Not Combine
Transaminases
Do Not Combine
Common Fluvastatin Sodium Drug Interactions
Drug Name
Risk Level
Description
Amitriptyline
Major
The metabolism of Amitriptyline can be decreased when combined with Fluvastatin.
Amoxapine
Major
The metabolism of Amoxapine can be decreased when combined with Fluvastatin.
Astemizole
Major
The metabolism of Astemizole can be decreased when combined with Fluvastatin.
Axitinib
Major
The metabolism of Axitinib can be decreased when combined with Fluvastatin.
Brigatinib
Major
The metabolism of Brigatinib can be decreased when combined with Fluvastatin.
Fluvastatin Sodium Toxicity & Overdose RiskGenerally, this drug is well tolerated. However, some side effects may include diarrhea, nausea, constipation, gas, abdominal pain, muscle weakness, inflammation of the muscles, and liver damage.
Fluvastatin Sodium Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Fluvastatin Sodium?
64 ongoing trials are assessing the potential of Fluvastatin Sodium to mitigate symptoms of failed dietary modification, 1 year post-menarche and Primary Hypercholesterolemia.Condition
Clinical Trials
Trial Phases
failed dietary modification
0 Actively Recruiting
Dyslipidemias
2 Actively Recruiting
Phase 2
1 year post-menarche
0 Actively Recruiting
Hardening of the Arteries
42 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable, Phase 1, Phase 4, Phase 3, Phase 2
Primary Hypercholesterolemia
12 Actively Recruiting
Early Phase 1, Not Applicable, Phase 3, Phase 2
Hypercholesterolemia
3 Actively Recruiting
Phase 3, Not Applicable
Coronary Heart Disease
6 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable, Phase 3, Phase 2
Interventional procedure
0 Actively Recruiting
Fluvastatin Sodium Reviews: What are patients saying about Fluvastatin Sodium?
4.3Patient Review
2/22/2019 I've been taking this medication for a few months in an effort to find a statin that doesn't cause me nightly leg cramps. However, I was recently told that it is backordered and will be unavailable for the next 2-3 months.
Patient Q&A Section about fluvastatin sodium
What are side effects of fluvastatin?
"The following are common symptoms of anxiety: headache, heartburn, difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, sinus pain, cough, memory loss or forgetfulness, confusion." - Anonymous Online Contributor
Unverified Answer
Is fluvastatin a good statin?
"Lescol is effective in reducing bad cholesterol and triglycerides, while also raising levels of good cholesterol. It also has a lower risk of causing muscle problems than other statins." - Anonymous Online Contributor
Unverified Answer
What is fluvastatin sodium capsules used for?
"Fluvastatin is used with a proper diet to lower high cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood. This medicine may help prevent medical problems like atherosclerosis that are caused by fats clogging the blood vessels." - Anonymous Online Contributor
Unverified Answer
What are the ingredients in fluvastatin?
"Both strengths of fluvastatin capsules contain 20 mg or 40 mg fluvastatin free acid, as well as the following inactive ingredients: magnesium stearate; sodium hydrogen carbonate; talc; cellulose microcrystalline; maize starch; calcium carbonate; gelatine; E171; E172." - Anonymous Online Contributor
Unverified Answer