Lescol: HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor for the treatment of hypocholesterolemia
Leskol (international name - Fluvastatin) is a drug belonging to the group of HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors. It is used to treat primary hypocholesterolemia, particularly types IIA and IIb, when diet therapy does not produce the desired effect within 3-6 months. Lescol is manufactured by several companies in Switzerland, including Novartis, Sandoz Switzerland and Sandoz Pharma Ltd.
The main active ingredient of Leskol is fluvastatin, which reduces the amount of cholesterol in the blood by suppressing HMG-CoA reductase, an enzyme involved in the synthesis of cholesterol in the liver. The medicine is available in the form of 20 mg and 40 mg capsules.
Before you start taking Leskol, you must take into account the contraindications and restrictions for its use. It is not recommended in cases of hypersensitivity to fluvastatin or acute pathological processes in the liver. It should also not be used in cases of increased concentrations of liver transaminases of unknown origin, diffuse myalgia, increased or decreased muscle tone of unknown origin, severe renal failure, liver disease, alcohol abuse, pregnancy, breastfeeding (abortion of breastfeeding is necessary) and in children and adolescents up to 18 years old.
Taking Leskol may be accompanied by side effects, such as dyspeptic symptoms, nausea, insomnia, abdominal pain, flatulence, headache and toothache, hypoesthesia, increased transaminase activity and myopathy. In addition, possible interactions of Lescol with other drugs should be taken into account, for example, an enhanced effect may occur when combined with beta-blockers, and the risk of developing myopathy may increase when combined with cyclosporine and other immunosuppressants, gemfibrozil, nicotinic acid and erythromycin.
An overdose of Lescol has not been described, but an overdose may lead to increased side effects, in which case you should immediately consult a doctor. Also, before starting to take Leskol, special instructions should be taken into account, such as the need to adhere to a cholesterol-lowering diet, periodically examine blood lipids and liver function, and also avoid drinking alcohol.
In general, Lescol is an effective treatment for primary hypocholesterolemia, but its use should be informed and supervised by a physician, taking into account potential side effects and restrictions on use. If you have questions or concerns about the use of Lescol, you should contact your doctor or pharmacist for more information.