Fluvastatin – Generic Lescol/Lescol XL

Fluvastatin is the generic name of a statin drug which is most commonly sold under the brand names Lescol and Lescol XL. Other names that may be used for fluvastatin include Canef and Vastin.

The pharmaceutical manufacturer Novartis is currently the only licensed manufacturer of fluvastatin and cheaper generic forms of the drug are unlikely to become available until after the patent expires in April 2012.

Fluvastatin is available in 20 and 40 mg capsules, and in an 80 mg extended release (tablet) form. Patients usually start off with a 20 mg dose.

Although fluvastatin is not as commonly prescribed as some of the other members of the statin class of drugs, it is probably one of the cheapest statin medicines available.

What fluvastatin does

Fluvastatin calcium is a member of the statin class of drugs. All statins work to decrease levels of cholesterol in the blood by inhibiting the production of an enzyme that plays an important role in the synthesis of cholesterol.

There is an association between high LDL cholesterol levels and cardiovascular disease and it is common practice to try to reduce cholesterol levels in individuals with heart disease or people who are considered to be at high risk of developing it. So fluvastatin is actually used to try to treat or prevent cardiovascular problems.

More information relating to fluvastatin:

For more information about cholesterol see the article: Cholesterol Explained.

For more information about statins in general see the article: Statins for Lowering High Cholesterol.

For more information on side effects of statins see: Side Effects of Statins

The information in these documents explains in greater detail why statin drugs such as fluvastatin are prescribed, how they work, how effective they are, who should consider taking them and what side effects may arise.

Atorvastatin Calcium – Generic Lipitor

Atorvastatin calcium is the generic name of the brand name drug Lipitor, manufactured by Pfizer. In the US patent protection means a generic alternative will not come available until after June 2011.

However in other countries generic forms exist and atorvastatin calcium is marketed under the following names:

• Atoris
• Atorlip
• Lipvas
• Sortis
• Torvast
• Torvacard
• Totalip
• Tulip
   

What atorvastatin calcium does

Atorvastatin calcium is a member of the statin class of drugs. All statins work to decrease levels of cholesterol in the blood by inhibiting the production of an enzyme that plays an important role in the synthesis of cholesterol.

There is an association between high LDL cholesterol levels and cardiovascular disease and it is common practice to try to reduce cholesterol levels in individuals with heart disease or people who are considered to be at high risk of developing it. So atorvastatin is actually used to try to treat or prevent cardiovascular problems.

More information relating to Atorvastatin:

For more information about cholesterol see the article: Cholesterol Explained.

For more information about statins in general see the article: Statins for Lowering High Cholesterol.

For more information on Lipitor see: Lipitor Basics.

For more information on side effects of statins see: Side Effects of Statins

The information in these documents explains in greater detail why statin drugs such as atorvastatin are prescribed, how they work, how effective they are, who should consider taking them and what side effects may arise.

Most brand name prescription drugs are far more expensive than generics. Of course some brand name drugs are not currently available as generic formulations because they are still under patent.

Use our brand and generic drug list to discover whether you can get your rx drugs and medications cheaper, perhaps through an online pharmacy.

Even the over the counter medications you buy from a pharmacy can be available as branded or generic. If you buy generic drugs you may end up paying a fraction of the cost you would for equivalent brand name medications.

DISCLAIMERS:

This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, competent clinical examination or a healthcare professional’s knowledge. Please seek professional medical advice when considering any new course of treatment. Be aware that different treatments may affect individuals in a variety of ways and that what works for one person may not work for another. Likewise a medicine that causes problems for one person may produce good results for another and remember that some medications may interact with other drugs and even food stuffs. The comments posted on this site represent the views of individuals and do not constitute our endorsement of any product or service. Whilst we have made every effort to ensure that the articles published on this site are accurate and supported by clinical research, they are for information purposes only and do not constitute a recommendation and should not be relied upon when making desicions about your health care.