Lescol XL 80

Introduction
Lescol XL 80 belongs to a group of medicines called statins. It is used to lower cholesterol and to reduce the risk of heart disease. Cholesterol is a fatty substance that builds up in your blood vessels and causes narrowing, which may lead to a heart attack or stroke. Lescol XL 80 is regarded as safe for long-term use when taken as per the doctor’s advice. It can be taken with a meal or on an empty stomach. You can take it at any time of the day but try to take it at the same time each day. Most people with high cholesterol do not feel ill, but stopping your medicine may increase your cholesterol levels, making your condition could get worse and increasing your risk of heart disease and stroke. It is important to have your cholesterol levels checked regularly. This medicine is only one part of the treatment program which should also include a healthy diet, regular exercise, smoking cessation, moderation of alcohol intake and weight reduction. You can eat normally while taking this medicine, but try to avoid foods that are high in fat. Common side effects of this medicine include headache, nausea, stomach pain, constipation, muscle pain, and weakness. These are usually mild and disappear after a short time. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you notice any yellowing of your eyes or get repeated or unexplained muscle pains. This medicine should not be used in some conditions such as liver disease. Also, pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers should not take this medicine as it may harm the developing baby. Diabetic patients should monitor their blood sugar levels while taking this medicine, as it may lead to an increase in blood sugar levels. Your doctor may check your liver function before starting the treatment and monitor it regularly thereafter.

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Uses of Lescol XL 80
High cholesterol
Prevention of heart attack and stroke
Side effects of Lescol XL 80
Common
Abdominal pain
Headache
Muscle pain
Weakness
How to use Lescol XL 80
Use it as advised by your doctor or check the label for directions before use. Lescol XL 80 may be taken with or without food, but it is better to take it at a fixed time.
How Lescol XL 80 works
Lescol XL 80 is a lipid-lowering medication (statin). It works by blocking an enzyme (HMG-CoA-reductase) that is required in the body to make cholesterol. It thus lowers “bad” cholesterol (LDL) and triglycerides, raising the level of “good” cholesterol (HDL).
What if you forget to take Lescol XL 80?
If you miss a dose of Lescol XL 80, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double the dose.
Quick Tips
Inform your doctor if you experience fatigue, muscle weakness or muscle pain.
Your doctor may check your liver function before starting the treatment and regularly thereafter. Inform your doctor if you notice signs of liver problems such as stomach pains, unusually dark urine or yellowing of skin or eyes.
Inform your doctor if you have kidney disease, liver disease or diabetes before starting treatment with this medicine. If you are diabetic, monitor your blood sugar level regularly as Lescol XL 80mg Tablet may cause an increase in your blood sugar level.
Do not take Lescol XL 80mg Tablet if you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Brief Description
Indication
Hyperlipidaemias, Hypercholesterolemia
Administration
May be taken with or without food.
Adult Dose
Oral Hypercholesterolemia & Mixed Dyslipidemia Adult: Initially, 20-40 mg once daily in the evening, may increase at intervals of 4 wk to max 80 mg/day in 12hrly divided dose. Hepatic Impairment Contraindicated in active liver disease or unexplained transaminase elevations

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Child Dose
Oral Hyperlipidaemias Child: Heterozygous familial hypercholesterolaemia: 10-16 yr 20 mg once daily. If necessary, may increase dose at 6-wkly intervals to 40 mg bid or 80 mg once daily as modified-release.

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Renal Dose
Renal Impairment CrCl <30 mL/min: Adjust dose amount; not to exceed 40 mg/day _ Contraindication Acute liver disease; unexplained persistently raised serum aminotransferase concentrations; porphyria; pregnancy; lactation. Mode of Action Fluvastatin acts by competitively inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase, the enzyme for cholesterol synthesis. It reduces total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL and VLDL concentrations in plasma. It also increases HDL concentrations. Precaution History of liver disease; high alcohol intake. Manage hypothyroidism adequately before starting treatment. Report unexplained muscle pain. Monitor LFTs. Discontinue in case of marked or persistent increase in serum aminotransferase or creatine phosphokinase. Severe renal impairment. Lactation: enters breast milk; contraindicated _ Side Effect 1-10% Headache (9%),Dyspepsia (8%),Abdominal pain (5%),Diarrhea (5%),Myalgia (5%),Fatigue (3%),Insomnia (3%),Nausea (3%),Sinusitis (3%),Bronchitis (2%),UTI (2%),Transaminases increased (1.1%) <1% Rash,Back pain,Arthralgia,Myopathy,Rhabdomyolysis,Rupture of tendon,CPK increased,Pharyngitis,Rhinitis,Cough,Constipation,Pancreatitis,Dizziness _ Pregnancy Category Note Pregnancy Category: X Lactation: enters breast milk; contraindicated _ Interaction Bleeding and increased prothrombin time w/ coumarin anticoagulants. May increase the risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis w/ HIV protease inhibitors, colchicine, bezafibrate, ciprofibrate or niacin (nicotinic acid), ciclosporin and fluconazole. Reduced bioavailability w/ concomitant rifampicin.