Fluvastatin Extended-Release

Fluvastatin extended-release is commonly used to treat conditions relating to heart disease. The medication is licensed for several uses, including the treatment of high triglycerides and high cholesterol. In people with existing heart disease, it can also reduce the rate of cholesterol buildup on the arteries and decrease the chances of needing a heart procedure or surgery. Common side effects include headache, muscle pain, and joint pain.

Fluvastatin Sodium

What Is Fluvastatin Extended-Release?

Fluvastatin extended-release (Lescol^® XL) is a prescription medication used for treating a number of conditions related to heart disease, including high cholesterol and high triglycerides. It is part of a class of drugs called HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, which are more popularly known as statins.

As the name implies, fluvastatin extended-release is the extended-release version of fluvastatin. Both medications are approved for the same uses.

(Click Lescol Uses for more information, including possible off-label uses.)

Are There Side Effects?

As with any medicine, side effects are possible with fluvastatin extended-release, but not everyone who takes this drug will experience problems.

In fact, most people tolerate it well. If side effects do occur, they are usually minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider.

The most common side effects thought to be related to this medicine include:

Headache
Indigestion
Muscle pain (see Lescol and Muscle Pain)
Joint pain (see Lescol and Joint Pain)
Increased liver enzymes (see Lescol and Liver Problems).

Other, less common side effects include but are not limited to:

Serious breakdown of muscle (known as rhabdomyolysis)
Memory loss (see Lescol and Memory Loss)
Depression (see Lescol and Depression).

Weight gain is not a known side effect of fluvastatin extended-release (see Lescol and Weight Gain).

Keep in mind that if you experience unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness (especially if accompanied by a fever or feeling of illness), it is important to contact your healthcare provider right away. This could be a sign of a serious, life-threatening muscle problem.

(Click Side Effects of Fluvastatin to learn more.)

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