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Lescol |
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What is Lescol and why is it prescribed? Lescol reduces "bad" LDL cholesterol and increases "good" HDL cholesterol, and can lower your chances of developing clogged arteries and heart disease. Lescol is also prescribed to slow the accumulation of plaque in the arteries of people who already have coronary heart disease, and may be prescribed for you when you are released from the hospital after a heart attack. Your doctor will prescribe Lescol only if you have been unable to reduce your blood cholesterol level sufficiently with a low-fat, low-cholesterol diet alone. It's important to remember that Lescol is a supplement, not a substitute, for those other measures. To get the full benefit of Lescol, you need to stick to the diet and exercise program prescribed by your doctor. How should you take Lescol? Follow your doctors directions for taking Lescol. Lescol is available in standard capsules and extended-release tablets. If you are taking standard Lescol capsules and you've been prescribed a small, single dose per day, take it at bedtime. A large dosage (80 milligrams) may be divided into 2 smaller doses and taken twice a day. Lescol XL tablets should be taken once a day at bedtime. The tablets should be swallowed whole, never crushed or chewed. You may take Lescol with or without food. If you miss a dose take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take two doses at the same time. Store Lescol at room temperature in a tightly closed container. Protect from direct light and excessive heat. Are there any Lescol side effects? Lescol side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. More common Lescol side effects may include abdominal pain, accidental injury, back pain, constipation, diarrhea, flu-like symptoms, headache, indigestion, joint diseases, joint pain, muscle pain, nasal inflammation, nausea, sore throat, and upper respiratory infection. Less common Lescol side effects may include allergy, arthritis, chest congestion, coughing, dizziness, dental problems, fatigue, gas, inflamed sinuses, insomnia, rash, and urinary tract infection. What are the possible food and drug interactions when taking Lescol? If Lescol is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. Be sure to inform your doctor of all the prescription and over the counter medications you are taking. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Lescol with Cholestyramine (Questran), Cimetidine (Tagamet), Clofibrate (Atromid-S), Cyclosporine (Sandimmune, Neoral), Diclofenac (Voltaren), Digoxin (Lanoxin, Lanoxicaps), Erythromycin (E-Mycin, E.E.S.), Gemfibrozil (Lopid), Glyburide (Micronase), Niacin (Niaspan), Omeprazole (Prilosec), Phenytoin (Dilantin), Ranitidine (Zantac), or Rifampin (Rifadin). Are there any special warnings about Lescol? Because Lescol may damage the liver, your doctor may order a blood test to check your liver enzyme levels before you start taking this medication. Blood tests will probably be done 12 weeks after you start Lescol therapy, whenever your dose is increased, and periodically after that. If your liver enzymes rise too high, your doctor may tell you to stop taking Lescol. Your doctor will monitor you especially closely if you have ever had liver disease or if you are, or have ever been, a heavy drinker. Since Lescol may cause damage to muscle tissue, be sure to tell your doctor of any unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness right away, especially if you also have a fever or feel sick. Your doctor may want to do a blood test to check for signs of muscle damage. If your blood test shows signs of muscle damage, your doctor may suggest discontinuing this medication. If your risk of muscle and/or kidney damage suddenly increases because of major surgery or injury, or conditions such as low blood pressure, severe infection, or seizures, your doctor may tell you to stop taking Lescol for a while. |
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Information on this website is provided for educational purposes and should not replace discussions with your doctor. |
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