Fluvastatin: Uses, indications and precautions when using

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Fluvastatin is a statin medicine that is used with an appropriate diet to help lower "bad" cholesterol and fats (such as LDL, triglycerides) and raise "good" cholesterol (HDL) in the blood. Fluvastatin works to reduce the amount of cholesterol made by the liver.

1. Indications and contraindications of the drug Fluvastatin

Fluvastatin is indicated in cases of:
High cholesterol High blood cholesterol caused by heterozygous inheritance. High cholesterol and high triglycerides. Treatment to prevent heart attack. Treatment to slow the progression of coronary artery disease. Heart attack prevention. Prevention of ischemia Prevention of stroke. Hardening of the arteries due to plaque buildup. Too much fat in the blood. Fluvastatin is contraindicated in the following cases:
Alcoholism Uncontrolled epilepsy Hemorrhage in the brain Significantly low blood pressure Liver disease Rhabdomyolysis Dementia High blood sugar Severe trauma Pregnancy Women who are pregnant Breastfeeding Myalgia or pain with increased creatine kinase Metabolic syndrome x

2. How to use Fluvastatin

Read the dosing instructions from your doctor carefully before you start taking fluvastatin and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions about how to use Fluvastatin, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Take Fluvastatin by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually once daily in the evening. Some patients may be directed to take this medication twice daily. The dose of Fluvastatin is determined by your medical condition, response to treatment, age, and other medications you are taking. If you are also taking certain other medicines to lower cholesterol (bile acid conjugated forms such as cholestyramine or colestipol), take fluvastatin at least 1 hour before or at least 4 hours after these medicines. Because these drugs can react with fluvastatin, preventing its complete absorption by the body. Take Fluvastatin regularly to get the most benefit from it. Remember to take your medicine at the same time(s) each day. It is very important to follow your doctor's advice regarding diet and exercise while using Fluvastatin. It may take up to 4 weeks before you get the full benefit of Fluvastatin. Tests such as blood lipids should be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects from Fluvastatin.

3. Fluvastatin side effects

You may experience abdominal pain while taking Fluvastatin. If this effect persists or worsens, tell your doctor right away.
Remember that your doctor has prescribed Fluvastatin because they have judged that the benefit to you outweighs the risk of side effects. Many people take Fluvastatin without any serious side effects.
A very small number of people taking fluvastatin may experience mild memory problems or confusion. Tell your doctor right away if any of these effects occur.
Rarely, statin drugs such as fluvastatin can cause or worsen diabetes. However, you should still talk to your doctor about the benefits and risks of using this medicine if you have diabetes.
Fluvastatin rarely causes muscle problems especially conditions. very serious conditions called rhabdomyolysis and autoimmune myopathy. Tell your doctor right away if you have any of these symptoms during treatment and if these continue after you stop taking Fluvastatin: Muscle pain/weakness ( especially fever or unusual tiredness), signs of kidney problems.
Fluvastatin rarely causes liver problems. If you notice any of the following rare but serious side effects of Fluvastatin, tell your doctor right away: Yellow eyes or skin, dark urine, heaviness in the stomach/abdominal pain, sadness persistent vomiting or vomiting.
Fluvastatin very rarely causes a serious allergic reaction. However, if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction to fluvastatin, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), dizziness severe, difficult to breathe, seek immediate medical attention.
Below are Fluvastatin side effects by likelihood.
Common side effects of Fluvastatin include:
Muscle pain Common cold Indigestion Constipation Dizziness Skin rash Headache Nausea Heartburn Diarrhea Severe abdominal pain Uncommon side effects of Fluvastatin These include:
Atrial fibrillation Inflammation of the lining of the sinuses Gastritis Eczema Joint pain Back pain Fatigue Flu-like symptoms Heart pounding Heart bloating Rare side effects of Fluvastatin include:
Diabetes Deficiency hemolytic anemia Anemia Large brown or purple skin spots Decreased platelets in the blood Eosinophils in the blood Myopathy Cataracts Vasculitis Bronchitis Dead liver tissue Liver failure Hepatitis Bile duct obstruction Tract infection urology Dermatitis with vesicles Erythema multiforme Toxic epidermal necrolysis Stevens-Johnson syndrome Leech's nest A condition with lupus-like symptoms Inflammation of the skin and muscles Muscle pain and stiffness in the shoulders, neck, and pelvis Rhabdomyolysis Myositis Shortness of breath Chest pain Abnormal liver function tests Anaphylaxis Angioedema Polymyositis V eyes or skin jaundice Blurred vision Nasal congestion and runny nose Dry mouth Inability to have an erection Enlarged breasts Skin more sensitive to sunlight Itching Hair loss Dry skin Skin color changes Muscle contractions Muscle weakness Cramps Memory loss Lightheadedness Difficulty sleeping Fever Muscle tremors Loss of taste Numbness Numbness on the skin Visible water retention Temporary redness of the face and neck Decreased appetite Cough Vomiting Difficult or painful urination Increased need to urinate often Night urination Blood sugar High Tingling sensation in the skin Unusual skin sensation A feeling of discomfort Paralysis of the facial nerves Anxiety This is not a complete list of the possible side effects of Fluvastatin. If you notice other effects of Fluvastatin not listed above, contact your doctor for prompt action.

4. Precautions for Fluvastatin side effects

Before taking fluvastatin, tell your doctor if you are allergic to this medicine and any other allergies you may have. Fluvastatin may contain inactive ingredients, and they may cause allergic reactions or other problems.
Before using Fluvastatin, tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: Liver disease, kidney disease, alcohol use.
Before surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are being treated with Fluvastatin.
Limit alcoholic beverages especially when combined with fluvastatin. Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of fluvastatin, especially muscle problems.
Fluvastatin should not be used by women during pregnancy. Fluvastatin can harm an unborn baby. Therefore, it is important to avoid pregnancy while taking this medicine.
Fluvastatin passes into breast milk and may have unwanted effects on a newborn baby. Breast-feeding while using this medicine is not recommended.

5. Fluvastatin drug interactions

Drug interactions can change the way Fluvastatin works or increase your risk of serious side effects. Tell your doctor about all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products). Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine while using Fluvastatin, without your doctor's approval.
Some products that may interact with Fluvastatin include: Colchicine, daptomycin, gemfibrozil, phenytoin.
Do not take any red yeast rice products while you are taking fluvastatin because some red yeast rice products may also contain a statin called lovastatin. Taking fluvastatin and red yeast rice products together might increase your risk of serious muscle and liver problems.

6. What to do if you overdose or forget to use Fluvastatin?

If you or someone else has overdosed on Fluvastatin and has severe symptoms such as fainting or difficulty breathing, call 911 immediately.
If you miss a dose of Fluvastatin, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose of Fluvastatin, skip the missed dose. Use your next dose of medicine at the usual time and do not take a double dose.

7. How to store Fluvastatin

Store Fluvastatin at room temperature of 77 degrees F (25 degrees C), away from light and moisture. Allows for short-term storage of the drug between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 to 30 degrees C). Keep medicine out of reach of children and pets, do not leave medicine in the bathroom. Dispose of medication appropriately when it has expired or is no longer needed by you.

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Reference source: webmd.com