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Can Lescol Be Substituted With Fluvastatin?

Posted on Tue, 29 Apr 2014

Question: I am now taking lescol xl 80 mg can I substitute with fluvastatin 40 mg twice a day. Will I achieve the same results.

Answered by Dr. Vaishalee Punj (9 minutes later)

Brief Answer: Yes it can be taken Detailed Answer: Hi Thanks for posting your query on HealthcareMagic. Yes lescol xl 80 mg can be substituted for fluvastatin 40 mg bd. Yes same results are expected as the basic chemical is same. Current recommendations state that statins should be initiated if LDL levels are more than or equal to 190 (in the absence of other chronic conditions). Other levels are not really considered. Fluvastatin also follows the same rule. Thus if you can tell me your LDL levels I will be better able to help. Also please mention the units for the triglyceride levels you have provided. You have the option of uploading the test reports from your dashboard, that would give me a better picture of your lipid profile. Regards Dr Vaishalee

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Vaishalee Punj (45 minutes later)

Numbers from latest blood work. Cholesterol, total - 162 HDL Cholesterol - 87 Cholesterol/HDL ratio - 1.9 LDL Cholesterol calculated - 67 Triglycerides - 42 Non HDL Cholesterol - 75 Don't know what You mean with regard to units of Triglycerides. This is all of the numbers provided by Quest Diagnostics 10/23/13. The medications as previous mentioned were taken together for over a year. Reason why I am taking Zetia in addition to Lescol is that I had a calcium test about 2 years ago and showed a high calcium build-up in my LAD (left artery downward). Was sent to a cardiologist and did a nuclear stress test and was fine according to this doctor. I think that's it.

Answered by Dr. Vaishalee Punj (39 minutes later)

Brief Answer: Lipid profile normal Detailed Answer: Hi again The presence of coronary artery calcification does put you at risk and lipid-lowering therapy is advised to lower the lipid levels. Your lipid levels are pretty much in control. I doubt if lipid lowering therapy is of much benefit at these lower levels. Still your treating doctor is the best person to take this decision. My opinion is that you may continue these medicines, and discuss with your doctor about the need to continue lipid lowering medicines at these low levels. Take care Dr Vaishalee

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Vaishalee Punj (1 hour later)

Because my insurance company will raise the co-pay on lescol xl 80 mg substantially. My original question was will Fluvastatin 40 mg twice a day do the job as well as the Lescol lx 80 mg. Lescol lx 80 mg is a timed release tablet taken once a day and Fluvastatin 40 mg capsule that is not time released. Will Fluvastatin be as effective as Lescol. Considering my stats would you recommend the change to the generic brand. Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Vaishalee Punj (13 minutes later)

Brief Answer: Yes it can be done Detailed Answer: Hi Yes it can be safely switched to generic medicine. Regards Dr Vaishalee

Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar