Fluvastatin 20mg and 40mg Tablets

What is Fluvastatin?

Fluvastatin is a statin drug that is also referred to as an HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor. It belongs to a group of drugs that are lipid-lowering medications, which reduce the mortality of people who are at high risk of cardiovascular disease.

Statins are the most common form of drugs used in the treatment of lowering high cholesterol.

You must have a prescription to buy Fluvastatin. 

What is Fluvastatin used to treat?

Fluvastatin is a medication that is used in the treatment of high cholesterol. It lowers the amount of bad cholesterol your liver produces, lowering the overall cholesterol levels. It is prescribed as a treatment for adults who have high levels of fats in their blood, particularly cholesterol, which leaves them vulnerable to developing heart disease and suffering strokes.

Statins are the first-line treatment for high cholesterol levels and are particularly effective when used in conjunction with a healthy diet, exercise, and weight loss. More information on how to lower your cholesterol can be found on the NHS website.

Is Fluvastatin a good statin?

Research has found that atorvastatin is the most effective statin when it comes to lowering cholesterol. Fluvastatin has been found to be 33% as effective as atorvastatin, which may not make it the first-choice statin for many people. However, Fluvastatin has been found to be effective at successfully lowering cholesterol and is one of the most prescribed statins in the UK.

How does Fluvastatin treat high cholesterol?

Cholesterol is made up of a number of lipoproteins, the two most talked-about lipoproteins are LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein), which is often called bad cholesterol and HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein), which is often called good cholesterol.

Fluvastatin works by reducing the levels of LDL cholesterol in the body, it does this in several ways by:

• Increasing the levels of HDL 'good' cholesterol which help the body remove the LDL 'bad' cholesterol
• Increases the number of LDL receptors that absorb LDL cholesterol and passes it into the liver, where it is removed from the body
• Slows down the production of LDL cholesterol in the liver

Reducing the LDL cholesterol in the body decreases the risk of developing cardiovascular disease and also provides protection against future heart attacks and strokes.

Who can take Fluvastatin tablets?

You should speak to your doctor or pharmacist before taking Fluvastatin if any of the following apply to you:

• You have liver problems
• You have severe respiratory problems
• You have kidney disease
• You have had muscle pain or muscle problems after taking any similar medication
• You frequently consume alcohol in large amounts
• You have hypothyroidism (under-active thyroid)
• You are taking or have recently taken fusidic acid for bacterial infections
• You are allergic to soy or peanuts

Can you buy Fluvastatin over the counter?

No, you must have a prescription from a doctor to buy Fluvastatin.

Can you buy Fluvastatin online in the UK?

Yes, you can buy Fluvastatin online from most online UK pharmacies including Medicine Direct. You will need to complete an online health questionnaire so our healthcare professionals can assess your condition to ensure that pravastatin is the most suitable treatment option for you.

Fluvastatin Alternatives

You can buy several statin medicines online from Medicine Direct. If Fluvastatin is not suitable for you, you may benefit from taking one of the following medications we also stock:

• Atorvastatin
• Simvastatin
• Pravastatin

Fluvastatin Dosage and Directions

Our pharmacists and prescribers follow NICE prescribing guidelines when prescribing Fluvastatin capsules.

Fluvastatin is available in the following doses

• Fluvastatin 20mg

• Fluvastatin 40mg

The dose you are prescribed will heavily depend on your condition and the levels of your cholesterol.

What time should you take Fluvastatin?

Fluvastatin should be taken at night, this is because it has a particularly short half-life and is, therefore, more effective when taken at night. You should aim to take Fluvastatin at the same time every night.

How to take Fluvastatin tablets

Swallow the tablet whole with water, do not crush or chew the tablets.

You can also read the patient information leaflet which will also contain instructions on how you should take Fluvastatin.

You will be recommended to take Fluvastatin alongside a low cholesterol diet and active lifestyle. It can be taken before or after eating, with a glass of water.

Side Effects of Fluvastatin:

Common side effects of Fluvastatin include:

• Diarrhoea
• Fever or chills
• Pains in your muscles or joints
• A change in appetite
• Nausea or vomiting
• Disturbed sleep
• Symptoms of cold such as chills, shivering, runny nose, and weakness

Always read the patient information leaflet that accompanies your medication for full information on side effects.

Fluvastatin Warnings and Drug Interactions

While Fluvastatin is an effective way to treat high cholesterol, it may interact with other medicines you currently take. This could impact its effectiveness.

Speak to your doctor before taking Fluvastatin if you are already taking:

• Other medicines which regulate lipid levels
• Certain antibiotic or antifungal agents
• Anticoagulants
• Colchicines
• Immunosuppressant drugs
• Glibenclamide
• Phenytoin

See the NICE website for more information on medicines that interact with Fluvastatin.

Please read the information leaflet that will accompany your medicine for complete details on warnings. 

Can I drink alcohol while taking Fluvastatin?

You can drink alcohol while using this medication but are advised not to as this can increase your risk of liver problems like liver disease. Alcohol is also a contributing factor to high cholesterol.

Can I take Fluvastatin during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?

You should avoid taking this medication if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Similarly, you should not use Fluvastatin if you are trying to conceive.

If you currently use this medication, you should stop taking it 3 months before you attempt to conceive, as congenital anomalies have been reported and the decreased synthesis of cholesterol may affect fetal development.

Fluvastatin Ingredients

The main active ingredient within this medicine is: Fluvastatin sodium

For a full list of the inactive ingredients, please read the Summary of Product Characteristics.

How much does it cost to buy Fluvastatin tablets online in the UK?