Fluvastatin

This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of a health care professional. Always ask a health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.

• Fluvastatin is used along with a proper diet to help lower "bad" cholesterol and fats (such as LDL and triglycerides) and raise "good" cholesterol (HDL) in the blood.
• It belongs to a group of drugs known as "statins" and works by reducing the amount of cholesterol produced by the liver. Lowering "bad" cholesterol and triglycerides and raising "good" cholesterol decreases the risk of heart disease and helps prevent strokes and heart attacks.
• In addition to committing to a healthy diet (such as a low-cholesterol or low-fat diet), other lifestyle changes that may help this medication work better include exercising, losing weight if overweight and stopping smoking. Consult your medical provider for more details.

• Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start taking Fluvastatin and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your medical provider or pharmacist.
• Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your medical provider, usually once daily in the evening. Some patients may be directed to take this medication twice daily. Do not open the capsules.
• The dosage is based on your medical condition, response to treatment, age and other medications you may be taking. Be sure to tell your medical provider and pharmacist about all the products you use, including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs and herbal products.
• If you also take certain other drugs to lower your cholesterol—including bile acid-binding resins such as Cholestyramine or Colestipol—take Fluvastatin at least 1 hour before or at least 4 hours after taking these medications. These products can react with Fluvastatin and prevent its full absorption.
• Take Fluvastatin regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. Remember to take it at the same time(s) each day and continue the medication even if you feel well. Most people with high cholesterol or triglycerides do not feel sick.
• It is very important to continue to follow your medical provider's advice about diet and exercise. It may take up to 4 weeks before you get the full benefit of this drug.

• Stomach upset may occur. If this effect lasts or gets worse, tell your medical provider or pharmacist right away.
• Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your medical provider has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not experience serious side effects.
• A very small number of people taking Fluvastatin may experience mild memory problems or confusion. Talk to your medical provider if these rare effects occur.
• In rare cases, statins may cause or worsen diabetes. Talk to your medical provider about the benefits and risks.
• In rare cases, this drug may cause muscle problems that can lead to very serious conditions called rhabdomyolysis and autoimmune myopathy. Tell your medical provider right away if you develop any of the following symptoms during treatment and if they last after your medical provider stops this drug: muscle pain, tenderness or weakness (especially with fever or unusual tiredness), or signs of kidney problems such as change in amount of urine or dark urine.

• In rare cases, this medication may cause liver problems. Tell your medical provider right away if you develop symptoms of liver problems, including:

  • Nausea or vomiting that doesn't stop
  • Yellowing eyes or skin
  • Dark urine
  • Stomach or abdominal pain

• A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including:

  • Rash
  • Itching or swelling, especially of the face/tongue/throat
  • Severe dizziness
  • Trouble breathing

• This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, request a callback for medical advice. You may also report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

• Before taking Fluvastatin, tell your medical provider or pharmacist if you are allergic to it or have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Go to your patient dashboard and request a callback for more details.
• Before using this medication, tell your medical provider or pharmacist your medical history—especially of liver disease, kidney disease and alcohol use.
• Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use—including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs and herbal products.

• This drug can precipitate or worsen myasthenia gravis. Symptoms include:

  • Weakness of the eye muscles (ocular myasthenia)
  • Drooping of one or both eyelids (ptosis)
  • Blurred or double vision (diplopia)
  • Changes in facial expressions
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Shortness of breath
  • Impaired speech (dysarthria)
• Limit alcoholic beverages. Daily use of alcohol may increase your risk for liver problems, especially when combined with Fluvastatin. Ask your medical provider or pharmacist for more information.
• Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially muscle problems.
• During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when there is a clear need. It may harm an unborn baby. Discuss the risks and benefits with your medical provider.
• This medication passes into breast milk and may have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Breast-feeding while using this drug is not recommended. Consult your medical provider before breast-feeding.

• Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions.
• Keep a list of all the products you use—including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products—and share it with your medical provider and pharmacist.
• Do not start, stop or change the dosage of any medicines without your medical provider's approval.
• Colchicine, Daptomycin, Gemfibrozil, Phenytoin, HIV medications and Hepatitis C medications may interact with this drug.
• Do not take any red yeast rice products while you are taking Fluvastatin, as some red yeast rice products may also contain a statin called Lovastatin. Taking Fluvastatin and red yeast rice products together can increase your risk of serious muscle and liver problems.

If someone has overdosed and is experiencing serious symptoms—such as passing out or trouble breathing—call 911. If symptoms from taking this medication are less severe, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222 right away.

Do not share this medication with others. Lab and/or medical tests (such as blood cholesterol/triglyceride levels and liver function) should be performed while you are taking this medication. Keep all medical and lab appointments. Consult your medical provider for more details.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

• Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. 
• Keep all medications away from children and pets.
• Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more information.