In rare cases, fluvastatin can cause a condition that results in the breakdown of
skeletal muscle tissue. This condition can lead to
. Call your doctor at once if you
have unexplained
in an unborn baby.
Do not use if
you are pregnant. Use an effective form of birth control, and tell your doctor if you
become pregnant during treatment.
Do not take fluvastatin if you have liver disease, or if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Before taking fluvastatin, tell your doctor if you have diabetes, underactive thyroid,
kidney disease, a muscle disorder, or a blood disorder:
Avoid eating foods that are high in fat or cholesterol. Fluvastatin will not be as effective
in lowering your cholesterol if you do not follow a cholesterol-lowering diet plan.
Avoid drinking alcohol while taking fluvastatin. Alcohol can raise triglyceride levels,
and may also damage your liver while you are taking fluvastatin.
There are many other drugs that can interact with fluvastatin. Tell
your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes
vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a
new medication without telling your doctor.
What is fluvastatin?
Fluvastatin is a cholesterol-lowering medication that blocks the production of cholesterol
(a type of fat) in the body.
Fluvastatin reduces low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and total cholesterol in the
blood. Lowering your cholesterol can help prevent heart disease and hardening of the arteries,
conditions that can lead to heart attack, stroke, and vascular disease.
Fluvastatin may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking fluvastatin?
Do not use this medication if you are allergic to fluvastatin, if you are pregnant or
breast-feeding, or if you have liver disease.
Before taking fluvastatin, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:
-
diabetes;
-
underactive thyroid;
-
kidney disease; or
-
a muscle disorder.
If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment
or special tests to safely take this medication.
FDA pregnancy category X. This medication can cause birth defects. Do not
use fluvastatin if you are pregnant. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant
during treatment. Use an effective form of birth control while you are using this medication.
It is not known whether fluvastatin passes into breast milk. Do not take fluvastatin
without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Fluvastatin is not for use in children younger than 10 years of age.