Lescol Uses

Several conditions can be treated with Lescol. Uses for the medication include the treatment of high cholesterol, high triglycerides, and other conditions. People with heart disease can take Lescol to reduce the chances of requiring a heart procedure (such as angioplasty or open heart surgery) and decrease the rate of atherosclerosis. The drug is licensed for use by adults and children ages 10 to 16.

What Is Lescol Used For?

Lescol® (fluvastatin sodium) and Lescol® XL (fluvastatin extended-release) are prescription medications that have been licensed to treat several conditions. Approved Lescol uses include treatment for:
 
 
For people with heart disease, Lescol can be used to decrease:
 
  • Chances of needing a heart procedure, such as angioplasty or open heart surgery (known medically as coronary artery bypass graft surgery, or CABG)
 
 

How Does Lescol Work?

Lescol is part of a class of drugs called
 statins. It works by blocking a particular enzyme (HMG-CoA reductase) that controls the rate of cholesterol production in the body. This causes the liver to make less cholesterol and increases its ability to collect and get rid of LDL cholesterol.
 
Because of the effects of Lescol, the following forms of cholesterol and fats are decreased:
 
  • Total cholesterol
  • LDL cholesterol ("bad" cholesterol)
  • Triglycerides.
     
Lescol also increases HDL cholesterol ("good" cholesterol).
 
Lescol Uses Article Continues on Next Page >
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD
 
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