What is the dosage and how should it be used?
Fluvastatin comes as a capsule and an extended-release (long-acting) tablet to take by mouth. The capsule usually is taken once a day at bedtime or twice a day. The extended-release tablet usually is taken once a day at bedtime.
Take fluvastatin exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
Take each dose with a full glass of water.
For the greatest effect, fluvastatin is usually taken at bedtime or with an evening meal.
Fluvastatin may also be taken twice daily. Follow your doctor's directions.
Do not crush, chew, or break the extended-release tablets (Lescol XL®). Swallow them whole.
Your doctor may want to monitor your liver function with blood tests before starting treatment with fluvastatin and at twelve weeks after both the start of your treatment and any increase in dose. Depending on the results of these tests, your doctor can determine how much monitoring you will require.
Eat a low-fat, low-cholesterol diet. To realize beneficial effects from fluvastatin, avoid fatty, high-cholesterol foods.
It is important to take fluvastatin regularly to get the most benefit.
Do not stop taking fluvastatin without first talking to your doctor. Fluvastatin may need to be taken on a long-term basis for the treatment of high cholesterol.
Your doctor may want you to have blood tests or other medical evaluations during treatment with fluvastatin to monitor progress and side effects.
Why is this medication prescribed?
What special precautions should I follow?
What should I do if I forget a dose?
What side effects can this medication cause?