Fluvastatin Extended-Release

Fluvastatin extended-release is a medicine that is used to treat certain conditions relating to heart disease. The medication is licensed for several uses, including the treatment of high cholesterol and high triglycerides. 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. The drug comes in the form of a tablet and is taken with the evening meal or right before bedtime. Possible side effects of this drug include headache, diarrhea, and nausea.

 

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.
 
Fluvastatin extended-release is the extended-release version of fluvastatin.
 

Who Makes Fluvastatin Extended-Release?

Fluvastatin extended-release is manufactured by Novartis Pharmaceuticals.
 

What Is Fluvastatin Extended-Release Used For?

Fluvastatin extended-release has been licensed for several uses, including:
 
 
o Decreasing the chances of needing a heart procedure, such as angioplasty or open heart surgery (known medically as coronary artery bypass surgery, or CABG)
 
o Decreasing the rate of cholesterol buildup on the arteries (atherosclerosis).
This drug has also been approved for use in children ages 10 to 16 for the treatment of high cholesterol.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;