Fluvastatin Capsules (20mg & 40mg)

What is Fluvastatin and what is it used for?

Fluvastatin is a medicine used to treat high cholesterol. The drug helps to control cholesterol levels by reducing the activity of the enzyme responsible for producing cholesterol. Fluvastatin is most effective when combined with regular exercise and a healthy, low-cholesterol diet. The treatment is available in two capsule dosages (20mg and 40mg) for easy oral use.

What is high cholesterol and why does it matter?

Although high cholesterol itself doesn’t have any obvious symptoms, the condition can act as a ticking time bomb for other serious health issues. If left untreated, high cholesterol can cause a number of life-changing circulatory problems, including; heart attacks and stroke. This is why being conscious of your cholesterol levels is so important.

As well as awareness, it is also essential that you try and manage your cholesterol levels, through regular exercise and a heart-smart diet.

• fatty foods
• alcohol
• smoking
• a lack of physical activity

These factors can all lead to raised cholesterol levels, which is why it is important to make the right lifestyle choices. However, for some, high cholesterol can occur as a consequence of another medical condition, such as diabetes. Genetics can also play a role – having a blood relative with high cholesterol can make a person more susceptible to developing the condition.

Cholesterol itself serves a useful purpose in the body. At low levels, the substance is responsible for transporting essential fats to cells via the bloodstream, which allows the cells to grow. This ‘good’ cholesterol is known as high-density lipoprotein (HDL). However, the required amount of good cholesterol is already produced naturally in the liver, so any dietary cholesterol only serves to form an excess. When excess amounts of cholesterol build up in the blood, these fats can stick together, forming blockages that can restrict blood flow. This ‘bad’ form of cholesterol is known as low-density lipoprotein (LDL).

How does Fluvastatin work?

Fluvastatin works by reducing the activity of HMG-CoA reductase, an enzyme found in the liver that produces cholesterol. This lowers the overall levels of cholesterol in the body. Having controlled, healthy levels of cholesterol will reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, and angina. It can also combat atherosclerosis, which is a hardening of the arteries.

Non-Prescription Alternatives for treating High Cholesterol

• Becoming more active will help lower cholesterol levels.
• Adjusting your diet to avoid foods that are high in saturated fats and generally eating healthier
• Aspirin can help prevent blood clotting and help lower Cholesterol
• Giving up smoking
• Reducing Alcohol intake

Sources

• https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/...
• https://www.bhf.org.uk/informa...

Fluvastatin Warnings

Reading the following warnings carefully will help to ensure you are selecting an appropriate product

Consult your GP or pharmacist before taking Fluvastatin if:

• You have kidney disease
• You have hypothyroidism (an under-active thyroid gland)
• You have a personal or family history of muscular problems
• You have had muscle problems after taking other similar medicines
• You have liver problems
• You frequently consume large amounts of alcohol
• You are taking or have recently taken fusidic acid for a bacterial infection
• You have severe respiratory problems

If you are allergic to soy or peanut, Fluvastatin may be unsuitable for you – the capsule contains soya lecithin.

Fluvastatin and other medicines

Some other medicines may interact with Fluvastatin. This could impact the effectiveness of either (or both) of the medicines. Otherwise, the combination could increase your risk of certain side effects. These medicines include:

• Immunosuppressant drugs (Ciclosporin)
• Certain antibiotic or antifungal agents (rifampicin, fluconazole)
• Other medicines which regulate lipid levels (gemfibrozil, fenofibrate)
• Phenytoin (for epilepsy)
• Anticoagulants (e.g. warfarin)
• Glibenclamide (for diabetes)
• Colchicines (for gout)

The above list is not exhaustive. Please read all packaging and the Product Information Leaflet contained within the packaging before taking any new medicine and inform your doctor of medicines you are taking or intend to take.

Fluvastatin Dosage

Take one capsule per day. Swallow it whole with a sip of water. If possible, make a routine of taking the capsule each evening. It is up to you whether you take the capsule with food or not.

To start, you will likely be advised to take one 20mg capsule per day. Your doctor may adjust this dosage depending on its effectiveness and on any side effects.

Fluvastatin Ingredients

The active ingredient contained in Fluvastatin is fluvastatin sodium

Fluvastatin also contains the following inactive ingredients to make up the complete product: Mannitol, Talc, Magnesium stearate.

20mg:

Capsule body – Gelatin, titanium dioxide (E171), yellow iron oxide(E 172), red iron oxide (E 172).

Capsule cap – Gelatin, titanium dioxide (E 171), red iron oxide (E 172).

Ink – Titanium dioxide (E171), Shellac, Soya lecithin, Antifoam DC 1510, Iron oxide, red (E172), Iron oxide, black (E172), Propylene glycol.

40mg:

Capsule body – Gelatin, titanium dioxide (E171), yellow iron oxide(E 172).

Capsule cap – Gelatin, titanium dioxide (E 171), red iron oxide (E 172).

Ink: Ink – Titanium dioxide (E171), Shellac, Soya lecithin, Antifoam DC 1510, Iron oxide, red (E172), Iron oxide, black (E172), Propylene glycol.

Fluvastatin Side Effetcs

Not everyone will experience side effects when they take Fluvastatin, however, if you do they can include:

• A headache
• Nausea
• Insomnia
• Stomach pain

If you are concerned about these effects, or if the product affects you in any other way, stop using it and talk to your doctor or pharmacist.