What is Lescol Xl
FluvastatinThe Generic name of this drug
Treatment SummaryFluvastatin is a medication used to lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. It works by blocking an enzyme in the liver necessary for the production of cholesterol. Fluvastatin is a type of statin that is made up of equal amounts of two chemicals. It was the first artificial statin created and is different from other statins derived from fungi.
Lescolis the brand name
Lescol Xl Overview & Background
Brand Name
Generic Name
First FDA Approval
How many FDA approvals?
Lescol
Fluvastatin
1994
20
Effectiveness
How Lescol Xl Affects PatientsFluvastatin is a drug used to lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels, slow the progression of coronary atherosclerosis, and reduce the risk of needing coronary revascularization in patients with CHD. It is similar to other cholesterol-lowering drugs like lovastatin, simvastatin, and pravastatin, but has a shorter time period before it needs to be taken again, binds to proteins in the body, and does not pass into the spinal fluid. Fluvastatin works in the liver and comes in two forms, the 3R,5S form being the one that works best.
How Lescol Xl works in the bodyFluvastatin works to reduce cholesterol levels in the body. It does this by blocking an enzyme, HMG-CoA reductase, that plays a key role in producing cholesterol. When this enzyme is blocked, the liver is stimulated to make more LDL receptors, which help to clear out low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol from the bloodstream. This leads to lower levels of total and LDL cholesterol in the blood.
When to interrupt dosage
The prescribed dosage of Lescol Xl is contingent upon the determined condition, including unsuccessful dietary alteration, Coronary Heart Disease and Arteriosclerosis. The measure of dosage fluctuates, as per the method of administration laid out in the table beneath.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
Lescol Xl ContraindicationsCondition
Risk Level
Notes
active liver disease
Do Not Combine
Transaminases
Do Not Combine
Common Lescol Xl 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.
Lescol Xl Toxicity & Overdose RiskThe drug is usually well tolerated, but may cause digestive issues (diarrhea, nausea, constipation, gas, stomach pain), muscle damage (weakness, inflammation, breakdown of muscle tissue), and liver damage.
Lescol Xl Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Lescol Xl?
64 active clinical trials are currently in progress to assess the efficacy of Lescol Xl in cases of failed dietary modification, post-menarcheal 1 year period, 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
Lescol Xl Reviews: What are patients saying about Lescol Xl?
5Patient Review
5/14/2008 After trying this medication for a few weeks, I ended up having really terrible reactions like muscle aches and pains. I also noticed that it caused other problems like organ damage. Overall, I would not recommend this drug because it did more harm than good.
5Patient Review
5/23/2009 I was on Lescol for a number of years with no side effects whatsoever. My cholesterol went from 300 to 168 in just one month. I had to be taken off Lipitor last week due to muscle weakness and high blood pressure, so hopefully Lescol will be covered again soon.
5Patient Review
2/21/2009 I took Lescol XL to lower my cholesterol. I started having the same problems as with Lipitor: severe muscle weakness, pain in joints and hair loss. I no longer take any form of statin.
5Patient Review
12/12/2008 I've been using this medication for years with no side effects. My numbers are all fine, but it is a bit of an expensive drug.
5Patient Review
11/6/20075Patient Review
4/23/2009 This treatment increased my appetite, which was a welcomed change.
4.7Patient Review
3/31/2008 Lescol XL was far more effective than other cholesterol medications I've tried, and it didn't come with any nasty side effects.
4.3Patient Review
4/9/2013 This medication was very effective in alleviating my muscle pain.
4Patient Review
3/23/2008 While this medication has helped with my overall pain, I have found that it causes muscle weakness and fatigue.
3.3Patient Review
2/27/2011 I experienced some really unpleasant headaches and muscle pain in my legs while taking this medication.
3Patient Review
1/26/2010 I appreciate that this statin uses a different binder than lacti acid, as I am intolerant to lactose.
2Patient Review
12/17/2007 I unfortunately experienced some intense muscle pain while using this treatment. It took a few weeks for the discomfort to dissipate even after I stopped using the medication.
2Patient Review
12/29/2007 After developing muscle problems from Lipitor, I switched to Lescol. It's been much better for me-- no issues and my numbers look great.
2Patient Review
10/31/20071.7Patient Review
10/11/2009 The cost of this medication is outrageous. I can't believe it's not generic yet.
1Patient Review
1/6/2008 After being on this medication for just four days, I've already experienced a long list of side effects: gas, diarrhea, itchiness and rash, sore sinuses, coughing, difficulty sleeping and some chest pain.
Patient Q&A Section about lescol xl
What is Lescol XL used for?
"Fluvastatin is used in conjunction with a proper diet to lower bad cholesterol and fats (such as LDL, triglycerides), and raise good cholesterol (HDL) in the blood. It's a drug in the statin class. It works by reducing the amount of cholesterol produced by the liver." - Anonymous Online Contributor
Unverified Answer
When should I take Lescol XL?
"The recommended dose of fluvastatin for adults ranges from 20 to 80 milligrams (mg) per day. You can take up to 60 mg in a single dose in the evening or at bedtime. The 80-mg dose can be divided into two 40-mg capsules and taken twice a day with or after meals, or as a single 80-mg extended-release capsule taken once daily." - Anonymous Online Contributor
Unverified Answer
Is Lescol XL still available?
"Is the generic version of fluvastatin still available? The brand name Lescol has been discontinued, but the extended-release version of fluvastatin is available in both generic and brand name (Lescol XL) form." - Anonymous Online Contributor
Unverified Answer