Fluvastatin tablets and capsules

About fluvastatin

Lipids, or fats, are made naturally in your body from the food you eat. They are easily stored in your body and serve as a source of energy. Cholesterol and triglycerides are types of lipid. If the concentration of these lipids in your blood becomes too high, it leads to a condition called hyperlipidaemia. When the concentration of cholesterol becomes too high, it is called hypercholesterolaemia. Although a high blood concentration of lipids will not make you feel ill, it can cause a problem if it is left untreated.

People with high lipid levels can develop small fatty patches called atheroma. These patches develop when excess fat is deposited on to the walls of blood vessels. Over time, these patches can make a blood vessel narrower and this is called atherosclerosis (sometimes referred to as 'hardening of the arteries'). The narrowing reduces the blood flow through the artery and increases the risk of a number of heart and blood vessel diseases, such as heart attack and stroke.

Fluvastatin belongs to a group of medicines known as statins (or HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors). It regulates the amount of cholesterol and other lipids made by your body. It does this by blocking the action of a certain enzyme (called HMG-CoA reductase) which your body needs to make the fats. This lowers your risk of heart and blood vessel disease. Fluvastatin can also reduce the risk of a heart attack after coronary angioplasty, which is a procedure used to open up blocked blood vessels of the heart.

Fluvastatin is available as two strengths of capsule (20 mg and 40 mg), and as one strength of modified-release tablet (80 mg) which has a more prolonged action.

Before taking fluvastatin

Some medicines are not suitable for people with certain conditions, and sometimes a medicine may only be used if extra care is taken. For these reasons, before you start taking fluvastatin it is important that your doctor knows:

• If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breastfeeding.

• If you have any problems with the way your liver works, or if you have ever had a disease which has affected your liver.

• If you have an underactive thyroid gland.

• If you have a problem with unexplained muscle aches or pains, or if you (or a close relative) have ever had a muscle disorder.

• If you regularly drink large amounts of alcohol.

• If you have any problems with the way your kidneys work.

• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.

• If you are taking any other medicines. This includes any medicines you are taking which are available to buy without a prescription, as well as herbal and complementary medicines.
  

How to take fluvastatin

• Before you start the treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside the pack. It will give you more information about fluvastatin and will provide you with a full list of the side-effects which you may experience from taking it.

• Take fluvastatin exactly as your doctor tells you to. It is usually taken once a day, although some people on higher doses may be asked to take two doses a day. Your doctor will tell you what dose to take each day, and this information will also be printed on the label of the pack to remind you. Capsules of fluvastatin reduce blood lipid levels best when they are taken in the evening. Fluvastatin tablets can be taken at any time of day, although it is best if you take your doses at the same time of day each day.

• Swallow the tablets/capsules whole with a drink of water. You can take fluvastatin before or after food.

• If you forget to take a dose, leave out the missed dose but make sure that you remember to take your next dose when it is due. Do not take two doses together to make up for a forgotten dose.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Try to keep your regular appointments with your doctor. This is so that your doctor can check on your progress. You will need to have some blood tests from time to time. These are to measure your lipid levels and also to check that your liver has not been affected by taking fluvastatin.

• Your doctor will give you advice about eating a healthy diet, cutting down on the amount of alcohol you normally drink, reducing the amount of salt in your diet, stopping smoking, and taking regular exercise. Following this advice will also help you to reduce your risk of developing heart and blood vessel disease.

• Women taking fluvastatin must avoid getting pregnant. Make sure you have discussed with your doctor which types of contraception are suitable for you and your partner.

• Treatment with fluvastatin is usually long-term unless you experience an adverse effect. You should continue to take it regularly.

Can fluvastatin cause problems?

Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. The table below contains some of the most common ones associated with fluvastatin, although these tend to be mild. You will find a full list in the manufacturer's information leaflet supplied with your medicine. Unwanted effects often improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following continue or become troublesome.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to fluvastatin, speak with your doctor or pharmacist for further advice.

How to store fluvastatin

• Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.

• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.
  

Important information about all medicines