Lescol (fluvostatin) is a statin medication used to reduce your cholesterol levels by blocking its production. Cholesterol is a fatty and waxy substance that can clog your blood vessels and lead to a myocardial infarction (heart attack) and stroke if levels are too high. Starting dosage is typically 20mg of Lescol daily; it may be increased to 80mg, depending upon your cholesterol levels.
Common Side Effects
According to Drugs.com, Lescol can commonly cause heartburn, stomach pain, flatulence (gas), nausea, diarrhea or constipation, says Drugs.com. It can also cause sinus pain, cough, a headache and sleep difficulties, says MedlinePlus. Consult your doctor when these symptoms persist for more than 3 to 4 days.
Serious Side Effects
MedlinePlus says that Lescol can cause fever, poor appetite, rashes, hives, trouble breathing, itching, painful urination, and jaundice (yellowing of your eyes or skin). Lescol can also cause fever, stomach pain, bruising or bleeding, and swelling of your throat, face, lips or throat. Seek medical help immediately if you have these side effects.
Drugs.com says that Lescol can cause breakdown of your skeletal muscles. This breakdown can release myoglobin (a protein in the muscles) that can enter the urinary tract and cause kidney failure. This side effect is rare, but notify your doctor if you experience muscle weakness or tenderness while taking Lescol.
Additional Side Effects
The National Library of Medicine says that Lescol can also cause tremors, depression, thrombocytopenia (low platelet levels), anemia (low red blood cell counts), chills, serious skin disorders such as Steven's Johnson syndrome, pancreatitis (inflammation of your pancreas), hepatitis (liver infection) and light sensitivity. Lescol can also cause fatty liver, vomiting, anorexia, alopecia (hair loss), gynecomastia (development of male breasts), lack of sex drive and erectile dysfunction. Other side effects include cataracts (clouding of your eye lenses) and thyroid gland problems.
Miscellaneous Concerns
Do not use Lescol if you are hypersensitive to its components. You may develop trouble breathing, hives and puffiness of your face or tongue. This is a medical emergency, so seek medical care immediately.
MedlinePlus warns that you should tell your doctor if you are taking such medications as warfarin, cimetidine, diclofenac, digoxin or erythromycin. Combining Lescol and these medications can lead to the aforementioned side effects.
Do not use Lescol if you are pregnant. Lescol can harm your unborn baby and cause birth defects. It isn't clear if Lescol passes into breast milk, so tell your doctor if you plan to breastfeed.
Do not drink alcohol while taking Lescol. The combination can cause liver damage and lead to increased triglyceride levels, says Drugs.com.
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