Fluvastatin capsules

What is this medicine?

FLUVASTATIN (FLOO va sta tin) is known as a HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor or 'statin'. It lowers the level of cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood. This drug may also reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, or other health problems in patients with risk factors for heart disease. Diet and lifestyle changes are often used with this drug.

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. You can take this medicine with or without food. If you are also taking cholestyramine or another bile acid resin, take this medicine at bedtime at least 2 hours after the bile acid resin. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

• confusion

• joint pain

• loss of memory

• redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth

• signs and symptoms of high blood sugar such as being more thirsty or hungry or having to urinate more than normal. You may also feel very tired or have blurry vision.

• signs and symptoms of muscle injury like dark urine; trouble passing urine or change in the amount of urine; unusually weak or tired; muscle pain or side or back pain

• yellowing of the eyes or skin

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• constipation

• diarrhea

• dizziness

• gas

• headache

• nausea

• stomach pain

• trouble sleeping

• upset stomach

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

• herbal medicines like red yeast rice

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

• alcohol

• colchicine

• cyclosporine

• digoxin

• fluconazole

• glyburide

• medicines for stomach acid like cimetidine, omeprazole, ranitidine

• niacin

• other medicines for high cholesterol like clofibrate, fenofibrate, and gemfibrozil

• phenytoin

• rifampin

• telithromycin

• warfarin

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 to 30 degrees C (59 to 86 degrees F). Protect from light. Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• diabetes

• if you often drink alcohol

• kidney disease

• liver disease

• muscle aches or weakness

• an unusual or allergic reaction to fluvastatin, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular check-ups. You may need regular tests to make sure your liver is working properly.

Tell your doctor or health care professional right away if you get any unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness, especially if you also have a fever and tiredness. Your doctor or health care professional may tell you to stop taking this medicine if you develop muscle problems. If your muscle problems do not go away after stopping this medicine, contact your health care professional.

Do not become pregnant while taking this medicine. Women should inform their doctor if they wish to become pregnant or think they might be pregnant. There is a potential for serious side effects to an unborn child. Talk to your health care professional or pharmacist for more information. Do not breast-feed an infant while taking this medicine.

This medicine may increase blood sugar. Ask your healthcare provider if changes in diet or medicines are needed if you have diabetes.

If you are going to need surgery or other procedure, tell your doctor that you are using this medicine.

This drug is only part of a total heart-health program. Your doctor or a dietician can suggest a low-cholesterol and low-fat diet to help. Avoid alcohol and smoking, and keep a proper exercise schedule.

This medicine may cause a decrease in Co-Enzyme Q-10. You should make sure that you get enough Co-Enzyme Q-10 while you are taking this medicine. Discuss the foods you eat and the vitamins you take with your health care professional.