GP and surgeon, Dr Shane Charles (MBBS, MRCS, PgDip SEM) provides a simple explanation of the medication below:

'Fluvastatin (Fluvastatin Sodium) is a cholesterol-lowering medication. '.

If you think Fluvastatin is a treatment that can help you, start an online consultation now for a registered prescriber to review. If treatment is deemed suitable, they can prescribe it, and we can deliver it to you from the comfort of your own home with a range of convenient delivery and payment options for you to choose from. If you have any questions about a medication, you should always consult your doctor with any questions prior to starting treatment, to ensure that it is safe and suitable for you.

Fluvastatin is an oral, cholesterol-lowering medication. It is part of the HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor group, commonly called statins.

Statins reduce cholesterol by inhibiting an enzyme in the liver that is necessary for the production of cholesterol. Statins lower the total and bad cholesterol as well as triglycerides in the blood. LDL cholesterol is believed to be an important cause of coronary artery disease. Lowering LDL cholesterol levels slows and may even reverse coronary artery disease. Statins also increase HDL cholesterol.  Raising the levels of HDL cholesterol may slow coronary artery disease.

Fluvastatin Uses

The use of Fluvastatin will be beneficial in the lowering of the total and LDL cholesterol in the blood while at the same time increasing the levels of HDL cholesterol. The lowering of the LDL and increasing the HDL levels will decrease the risk of heart disease and helps prevent strokes and heart attack.

Read the patient information leaflet that comes with the medication package before you start taking Fluvastatin.

Take this medication by mouth with or without a meal as directed by your doctor, which is usually once daily in the evening. Some patients may be directed by the doctor to take this medication twice daily. The dosage of this medication is based on your medical condition, your response to the treatment, your age and other medications you are currently taking. Be sure to tell your doctor all the medications you are currently taking, including nonprescription drugs, vitamin supplements, and herbal products.

You may also take other medications to lower your cholesterol. Take Fluvastatin at least one hour before or at least 4 hours after taking other cholesterol medications. Other medications can react with Fluvastatin, preventing its full absorption.

Take Fluvastatin regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. Take Fluvastatin at the same time each day to help you remember to take your scheduled dose. It is important that you continue to take your Fluvastatin even if you start to feel better. Most people with high cholesterol or triglycerides do not feel sick.

It is important to continue to follow your doctor’s advice about exercise and diet. It may take up to 4 weeks before you get the full benefit of this drug.

The usual dosage of Fluvastatin is one capsule daily. Some patients may be prescribed to take one capsule twice a day, depending on their medical condition, response to the treatment, age, and other medications they may be taking.

Fluvastatin 20mg / Fluvastatin 40mg

Before commencing treatment with fluvastatin, it is advised that patients adhere to a standard cholesterol-lowering diet, which should be carried out during the course of said treatment.

It is important that starting and maintenance doses of fluvastatin are tailored to a patient's LDL-C levels at baseline and the desired treatment outcome.

The recommended dosing for fluvastatin is between 20 to 80 mg/day. Patients aiming to reduce LDL-C to a goal of less than 25% may begin with a 20 mg starting dose, taken as a single capsule in the evening. For those aiming to reduce LDL-C to a goal of 25% or higher, a recommended starting dose of 40 mg as one capsule in the evening is put forth.

The dose may be increased to a maximum of 80mg daily, taken as a single dose (one 80 mg prolonged-release tablet) at any time of day or as a 40mg capsule taken twice daily (once in the morning and once in the evening).

It should be noted that the maximum lipid-lowering effect is achieved within 4 weeks of taking a given dose of fluvastatin. Thus, dose adjustments should be made at intervals of 4 weeks or longer.

Fluvastatin Side Effects

Medicines and their possible side effects affect individual users differently. Not everyone who uses Fluvastatin will experience the possible side effects.

Your doctor has prescribed this medication because he deemed that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects.  A very small number of people taking Fluvastatin may have mild memory problems or confusion. If these rare effects occur, talk to your doctor.

Rarely, statins may cause or worsen diabetes. Talk to your doctor about the benefits and risks.

Stomach upset may occur. If this persists or worsens, tell your doctor promptly.

Fluvastatin may rarely cause muscle problems. Tell your doctor immediately if you develop any of these symptoms during treatment and if these symptoms persist after your doctor stops you from taking this drug: muscle pain or tenderness, and signs of kidney problems.

Fluvastatin may rarely cause liver problems. If you notice any of the following rare but serious side effects, immediately inform your doctor: yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, severe stomach or abdominal pain, persistent nausea or vomiting.

A very serious allergic reaction to Fluvastatin is rare. Seek immediate medical care if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, such as rash, itching or swelling of the face/tongue/throat, severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

Before you start taking Fluvastatin, tell your doctor if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. Fluvastatin may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your doctor for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor your medical history, especially if you have kidney or liver disease or alcohol use.

Before having surgery, tell your healthcare professional about all the products you are taking, including Fluvastatin.

Limit your alcohol intake while taking Fluvastatin. Daily use of alcohol may increase your risk for liver problems, especially while you are taking Fluvastatin.

Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of Fluvastatin, especially muscle problems.

This medication must not be used during pregnancy. Fluvastatin may harm an unborn baby. It is important to prevent pregnancy while taking this medication. Consult your doctor for more details and to discuss the use of reliable forms of birth control. Tell your doctor if you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant.

Fluvastatin passes into breast milk and may have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Breastfeeding while using this drug is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

Drug interactions may change how your medication works or increase the risk of serious side effects. Share with your doctor a list of all the medications you are currently taking. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without the approval of your doctor.

Do not take any red yeast rice products while taking Fluvastatin because some red yeast rice products may also contain a statin called lovastatin. Taking Fluvastatin and red yeast rice products together can increase your risk of serious muscle and liver problems.

You can safely buy Fluvastatin online at UK Meds. You will need to have first an online consultation with a pharmacist independent prescriber before your order will be supplied. The online consultation will ensure that Fluvastatin is the right medication for your medical condition.