Lescol

Lescol is a prescription medicine that is licensed for the treatment of high cholesterol and high triglycerides. In people with heart disease, the medication can also decrease the chances of needing a heart procedure (such as angioplasty or open heart surgery) and decrease the rate of cholesterol buildup on the arteries. Lescol works by blocking a particular enzyme that controls the rate of cholesterol production in the body -- this causes the liver to make less cholesterol.

 

What Is Lescol?

Lescol® (fluvastatin sodium) and Lescol® XL (fluvastatin extended-release) are prescription medications 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.
 
In this article, when we refer to Lescol, we are referring to both Lescol and Lescol XL unless we specify a difference.
 

Who Makes Lescol?

Lescol is manufactured by Novartis Pharmaceuticals.
 

What Is Lescol Used For?

Lescol has been licensed for several uses, including:
 
 

 

 People with heart disease can use Lescol to:

 

 

  • Decrease the rate of cholesterol buildup on the arteries (atherosclerosis).

 

Lescol 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;