Generic Lescol XL Statin Now Available

A generic version of Novartis’ lipid-lowering Lescol XL is now available in the United States.

Mylan’s extended-release fluvastatin sodium 80 mg tablets are indicated as an adjunct to diet to reduce elevated total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLC), apolipoprotein B (Apo B), and triglyceride levels—and also increase high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLC)—in adults with primary hypercholesterolemia and mixed dyslipidemia.

The statin may be taken at any time of the day with or without food.

Lescol XL should be prescribed with caution in those with predisposing factors for myopathy, which include older age, renal impairment, and inadequately treated hypothyroidism.

Concurrent therapy with cyclosporine, erythromycin, fibrates, or niacin increases the risk of myopathy and/or rhabdomyolysis with statin use.

Because persistent elevations in hepatic transaminases have been reported with Lescol XL use, liver enzyme tests should be performed before initiating therapy and if signs or symptoms of liver injury occur.

The most common side effects of fluvastatin sodium are headache, dyspepsia, myalgia, abdominal pain, and nausea.

Lescol XL has not been studied in conditions where the major abnormality is elevation of chylomicrons, very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), or intermediate-density lipoprotein (IDL).