Generic/Brand/Classification Fluvastatin/ Lescol/ Statins (or HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors)

Dose >for patients with LDL hypercholesterolemia, coronary atherosclerosis and mixed dyslipidemia Adults: Initially, 20 to 40 mg P.O. h.s., increasing p.r.n. to maximum of 80 mg daily in divided doses. >for reducing the risk of undergoing coronary revascularization procedures Adults: In patients who must reduce LDL cholesterol level by at least 25%, initially, 40 mg P.O. once daily or b.i.d.; or one 80 mg extended-release tablet as a single dose in the evening. In patients who must reduce LDL cholesterol level by less than 25%, initially, 20 mg P.O. daily. Dosages range from 20 to 80 mg daily.

Route Oral

Indication >To reduce LDL and total cholesterol levels in patients with primary hypercholesterolemia; to slow progression of coronary atherosclerosis in patients with coronary heart disease; elevated triglyceride and apolipoprotien B levels in patients with primary hypercholesterolemia and mixed dyslipidemia whose response to dietary restriction and other nonpharmacologic measures has been inadequate. >To reduce the risk of undergoing coronary revascularization procedures.

Contraindication Hypersensitivity to any component of this medication. Lescol (fluvastatin sodium) and Lescol XL (fluvastatin sodium) are contraindicated in patients with active liver disease or unexplained, persistent elevations in serum transaminases.

Nursing Responsibility >Use only after diet and other nondrug therapies prove ineffective. Patient should follow a standard low-cholesterol diet during therapy. >Test liver function at start of therapy, at 12 weeks after start of therapy, 12 weeks after an increase in dose, and then periodically. Stop drug if there is a persistent increase in ALT or AST levels of at least three times the upper limit of normal. >W.O.F. signs of myositis. >SALAD, Dont confuse fluvastatin with fluxetine.