Side Effects for the Drug Lescol

Side Effects for the Drug Lescol
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Lescol is the brand name in the United States of fluvastatin, a 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitor. It is used in the treatment of high cholesterol, specifically the low-density lipoprotein that is referred to as "bad" cholesterol. Lescol helps reduce the amount of LDL produced in your blood. It typically is prescribed, the Mayo Clinic states, in combination with a diet designed to lower your cholesterol. All serious common side effects of Lescol most likely will require medical attention, so tell your doctor about them immediately.

Gastrointestinal Problems

Some of the more common serious side effects that Lescol may produce in your body affect your stomach and intestines. For example, it can cause you to have loose stools and diarrhea, which can lead to dehydration. It also can cause loss of appetite. Vomiting and associated nausea or stomach queasiness also are reported as common serious side effects of fluvastatin. Non-serious side effects of Lescol also may occur such as an acidic stomach or pain in the stomach, belching, indigestion and heartburn. Tell your doctor about these symptoms if they persist past the first few days of taking the medication.

Flu-like Symptoms

Although they may not at first appear to be connected with taking Lescol, there are some related side effects that mimic the flu. These serious common side effects of fluvastatin include fever, throat soreness, cough, runny nose, chills and shivering, and malaise or general discomfort. If you have started taking Lescol and experience these symptoms, talk with your physician immediately to determine the cause.

Pain

Lescol also may produce some painful side effects. These, too, are common and sometimes serious. You may get a headache when taking the drug. You also might experience pain in various muscles in your body. The joints, particularly in those in the extremities, could be affected as well. At first, you may not associate this pain with taking fluvastatin, so check with a physician to determine the cause.

Other Side Effects

A few other serious common side effects have been reported by users of Lescol. You may, for example, be prone to accidental injury while taking it. Sweating also can be a side effect of fluvastatin as well as insomnia, weakness or tiredness that is abnormal for you.

References

Article reviewed by Libby Swope Wiersema Last updated on: Mar 23, 2010

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