How Does Fluvastatin Work?
Fluvastatin is part of a class of drugs called statins. Fluvastatin works by blocking a particular enzyme (HMG-CoA reductase) that controls the rate of
cholesterol production in the body. This causes the liver to make less cholesterol. Fluvastatin also:
In previous fluvastatin research studies, people taking fluvastatin 40 mg once in the evening were able to, on average, decrease LDL cholesterol by 25 percent, total cholesterol by 19 percent, and triglycerides by 14 percent. They were also able to
increase HDL by 4 percent. The effects of fluvastatin on cholesterol and triglyceride levels were generally greater for the higher daily doses of fluvastatin.
When and How to Take Fluvastatin
Some general considerations for when and how to take fluvastatin include:
- Fluvastatin sodium comes in a capsule. Fluvastatin extended-release comes in a tablet.
- Your fluvastatin medication should be taken with the evening meal or right before bedtime. If you are taking two doses per day, the other dose can be taken in the morning.
- To maintain even levels of fluvastatin in your body, make sure to take fluvastatin at the same time each day.
- Fluvastatin can be taken with or without food.
- Swallow the capsule or tablet whole with a drink of water. Do not break, chew, or crush the fluvastatin capsules or tablets.
- For fluvastatin to work properly, you have to take it as prescribed. Fluvastatin will not work if you stop taking it.
- Do not adjust your fluvastatin dose unless specifically instructed by your healthcare provider to do so.
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