Google
 
Web www.vitaminlore.com
www.eniva.com
. 

Fluvastatin

Also indexed as: Lescol®

Fluvastatin is a member of the HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor family of drugs that blocks the body’s production of cholesterol. Fluvastatin is used to lower elevated cholesterol and to slow or prevent hardening of the arteries.

Interactions with Dietary Supplements

Coenzyme Q10
In a randomized, double-blind trial, blood levels of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) were measured in 45 people with high cholesterol treated with lovastatin or pravastatin (drugs related to fluvastatin) for 18 weeks.1 A significant decline in blood levels of CoQ10 occurred with either drug. One study found that supplementation with 100 mg of CoQ10 prevented declines in CoQ10 when taken with simvastatin (another HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor drug).2 Many doctors recommend that people taking HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor drugs such as fluvastatin also supplement with approximately 100 mg CoQ10 per day, although lower amounts, such as 10–30 mg per day, might conceivably be effective in preventing the decline in CoQ10 levels.

Niacin
Niacin is the form of vitamin B3 used to lower cholesterol. Fluvastatin and niacin used together have been shown to be more effective than either drug alone.3 High-dose niacin taken with lovastatin (a drug closely related to fluvastatin) may cause muscle disorders (myopathy) that can become serious (rhabdomyolysis).4 5 Such problems appear to be uncommon.6 7 No interactions have yet been reported with fluvastatin and niacin. Nonetheless, until more is known, people taking both fluvastatin and niacin should be monitored for muscle disorders by the prescribing physician.

Vitamin A
A study of 37 people with high cholesterol treated with diet and HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors found blood vitamin A levels increased during two years of therapy.8 Until more is known, people taking HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, including fluvastatin, should have blood levels of vitamin A monitored if they intend to supplement vitamin A.

Interactions with Foods and Other Compounds

Food
Fluvastatin is equally effective taken with or without food in the evening.9

Alcohol
In a study of 31 people with primary hypercholesterolemia treated with fluvastatin, six weeks of daily, moderate alcohol consumption slowed the absorption and metabolism of fluvastatin but did not interfere with its effectiveness.10

Summary of Interactions for Fluvastatin

Depletion or interference Coenzyme Q10
Adverse interaction Vitamin A*
Side effect reduction/prevention None known
Supportive interaction None known
Reduced drug absorption/bioavailability None known
Other (see text) Niacin

For the convenience of the reader, the information in the summary is categorized as follows: “Depletion or interference” indicates the drug may deplete or interfere with the absorption or function of the supplement or herb. “Adverse interaction” indicates that the supplement or herb used together with the drug may result in undesirable effects. “Side effect reduction/prevention” indicates the supplement or herb may reduce the likelihood and/or severity of a potential side effect caused by the drug. “Supportive interaction” indicates the supplement or herb may support or aid the function of the drug. “Reduced drug absorption/bioavailability” indicates that the supplement or herb may decrease the absorption and/or activity of the drug in the body. An asterisk (*) next to an item in the summary indicates that the interaction is supported only by weak, fragmentary, and/or contradictory scientific evidence.

References:

1. Mortensen SA, Leth A, Agner E, Rohde M. Dose-related decrease of serum coenzyme Q10 during treatment with HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors. Mol Aspects Med 1997;18(suppl):S137–44.

2. Bargossi AM, Grossi G, Fiorella PL, et al. Exogenous CoQ10 supplementation prevents plasma ubiquinone reduction induced by HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors. Molec Aspects Med 1994;15(suppl):s187–93.

3. Jacobson TA, Chin MM, Fromell GJ, et al. Fluvastatin with and without niacin for hypercholesterolemia. Am J Cardiol 1994;74:149–54.

4. Garnett WR. Interactions with hydroxymethylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase inhibitors. Am J Health Syst Pharm 1995;52:1639–45.

5. Yee HS, Fong NT. Atorvastatin in the treatment of primary hypercholesterolemia and mixed dyslipidemias. Ann Parmacother 1998;32:1030–43.

6. Jacobson TA, Amorosa LF. Combination therapy with fluvastatin and niacin in hypercholesterolemia: a preliminary report on safety. Am J Cardiol 1994;73:25D–9D.

7. Jokubaitis LA. Fluvastatin in combination with other lipid-lowering agents. Br J Pract Suppl 1996;77A:28–32.

8. Muggeo M, Zenti MG, Travia D, et al. Serum retinol levels throughout 2 years of cholesterol-lowering therapy. Metabolism 1995;44:398–403.

9. Dujovne CA, Davidson MH. Fluvastatin administration at bedtime versus with the evening meal: a multicenter comparison of bioavailability, safety, and efficacy. Am J Med 1994;96:37S–40S.

10. Smit JW, Wijnne HJ, Schobben F, et al. Effects of alcohol and fluvastatin on lipid metabolism and hepatic function. Ann Intern Med 1995;122:678–80.