Date - 23 November 2004

Source- Drugs in Context 2004; 1A(8): Fluvastatin - Lipid disorders p299

Author - Dr Eleanor Bull

Fluvastatin, in common with other statins, inhibits hydroxymethyl glutaryl coenzyme A (HMGCoA) reductase, thereby lowering total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein (LDL-C) and triglyceride levels. Fluvastatin is a synthetic hydrophilic statin, subject to extensive first-pass metabolism, primarily by the cytochrome P450 (CYP) 2C9 enzyme system. Fluvastatin has been shown to reduce mortality and morbidity in clinical outcomes trials, predominantly in a secondary prevention setting. However, the evidence from trials investigating the effect of statins on surrogate endpoints such as LDL-C reduction, are less favourable for fluvastatin than most other statins. Fluvastatin has an excellent safety and tolerability profile and its use may be associated with a lower incidence of severe adverse events such as rhabdomyolysis than other agents in this class.

Keywords: Fluvastatin, Lipid disorders