Fluvastatin

What is Fluvastatin used for?

Fluvastatin is used to treat high cholesterol in adults and to lower the risk of cholesterol-related illnesses, such as cardiovascular disease and stroke.

Also available under the brand name Lescol, fluvastatin belongs to a group of medications called statins. It works by reducing the levels of cholesterol in the arteries and bloodstream.

With Prescription Doctor, you can get a private prescription for fluvastatin online. Click "Start order" and complete our medical form for our doctor's review.

Our pharmacy can dispatch your item the same day if your order is approved by our doctor before 3pm, Monday to Friday.

What is High cholesterol?

High cholesterol is when the levels of a fatty substance called cholesterol build up in your arteries. This can cause the arteries to harden and become too narrow for blood to flow freely (also referred to as atherosclerosis). It occurs through a mixture of lifestyle and genetic factors, although it is more prevalent in those with inactive lifestyles and poor diets.

If you are over 40 years old or have underlying health conditions, such as diabetes, it is essential to monitor your cholesterol levels. By catching high cholesterol early, you can take appropriate steps to reduce your risk of developing complications such as heart disease.

You can get a home cholesterol test kit online from Prescription Doctor. Our rapid home test kits are easy to use and provide results in just a couple of minutes.

As a build-up of cholesterol inhibits the flow of blood through the body, high cholesterol levels can lead to serious complications such as heart problems and an increased likelihood of a stroke. It is therefore vital that the levels of cholesterol in the body be reduced.

High cholesterol can be managed by eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly. If diet and exercise alone are not effective for you, your doctor may prescribe a medicine to lower your cholesterol, such as fluvastatin. These medicines are an adjunct to diet and exercise, and they do not replace the need for diet and exercise changes to lower your cholesterol.

How does Fluvastatin work?

Fluvastatin reduces the levels of cholesterol in the body by inhibiting an enzyme responsible for the synthesis of cholesterol in the liver.

In turn, the levels of fat in the blood are minimised, and the risks of developing cardiovascular disease or stroke from plaque building up in the arteries are reduced.

By preventing fat from obstructing blood vessels, the body can pump blood more efficiently, which carries necessary oxygen and nutrients throughout the body.

While taking Fluvastatin, you should make adjustments to your diet and increase your level of physical activity to help prevent your cholesterol levels from rising.

How long does Fluvastatin take to work?

It can take up to 4 weeks for statins, such as fluvastatin, to lower your high cholesterol levels.

How do I take Fluvastatin?

Always take Fluvastatin as prescribed by your doctor.

Swallow Fluvastatin capsules whole with a glass of water, once or twice per day, as instructed by your doctor.

You can take Fluvastatin with or without food.

Do not crush, chew or dismantle the capsules.

Your dosage will be determined by your cholesterol levels and your response to treatment. Your doctor may adjust your dose until the right level of cholesterol is achieved.

Your doctor may prescribe Fluvastatin alongside a cholesterol absorption inhibitor, such as Ezetimibe.

If you are unsure how to take Fluvastatin, speak to your doctor or ask a pharmacist for advice.

Fluvastatin Side Effects and Cautions

You must read the patient information leaflet before starting to take Fluvastatin.

The patient information leaflet contains instructions on how to store, use and dispose of Fluvastatin safely.

You can view the Fluvastatin patient information leaflet online.

If you have any concerns about the contents of the patient information leaflet, discuss them with your doctor.

Side effects of Fluvastatin

All medicines carry the risk of side effects, although not everyone experiences them.

You must remain vigilant of side effects throughout your course of treatment.

Side effects of Fluvastatin may include:

• disturbed sleep
• headache
• stomach ache and indigestion
• abdominal pain
• nausea (feeling sick)
• abnormal liver or muscle blood test results

This is not a full list of side effects associated with Fluvastatin. Read the patient information leaflet for a full list of side effects.

Allergies

Do not take Fluvastatin if you are allergic to fluvastatin or any of the other ingredients listed in the patient information leaflet.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Do not take Fluvastatin if you are pregnant, think you might be pregnant, or are breastfeeding.

If you become pregnant while taking Fluvastatin, inform your doctor as soon as you can.

Speak to your doctor for further advice.

Other safety information

Inform our online prescriber of all medicines you are currently taking, including those prescribed by your doctor, or bought over the counter, as well as health and herbal supplements.

Do not take Fluvastatin past the expiry date printed on the packaging.

Never dispose of medicines via household or water waste, as this can harm the environment. Ask your local pharmacy to dispose of any medicine that you no longer need.

Always store Fluvastatin capsules out of sight and out of reach of children and pets.

Never share Fluvastatin that has been prescribed to you with anybody else, even if they have been diagnosed with high cholesterol.

Frequently asked questions

What should I do if I forget to take Fluvastatin when I should?

If there is less than 4 hours before your next dose, it is advised that you skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the usual time.

However, if it is within 16 hours of your usual Fluvastatin dose, take your capsule as prescribed, as soon as you remember.

Do not take a double dose of Fluvastatin to make up for a missed dose.

What should I do if I take too much Fluvastatin?

If you take too much Fluvastatin, contact your doctor straight away. If you suddenly notice symptoms such as headaches, confusion, forgetfulness or difficulty falling asleep, then you may have taken too much Fluvastatin.

In these cases, it is essential to call 999 immediately or visit your local accident and emergency department, if it is safe to do so. If you are unable to get to A&E yourself, ask someone to take you.

Taking more Fluvastatin won't lower your cholesterol any faster, but may increase your risk of side effects.

Can I drink alcohol while taking Fluvastatin?

Drinking alcohol while taking Fluvastatin is not advised, as this can cause problems with your liver and raise your risk of further complications. If you drink more than 2 alcoholic drinks per day, or more than 2 units per day, you should speak to your doctor for further advice.

Will Fluvastatin impact my ability to drive or operate machinery?

There is currently not enough research to indicate whether Fluvastatin has an effect on the ability to drive or operate machinery. If you feel that you are unable to drive, work or operate machinery while taking Fluvastatin, please contact your doctor or pharmacist for further help and advice.

Is Fluvastatin available online?

Yes. As long as you purchase Fluvastatin from a trusted, certified source such as Prescription Doctor, your prescription can be filled online.