The use of fluvastatin in cardiovascular risk management.
BACKGROUND
Fluvastatin was the first synthetic 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitor (statin) to be developed and is used in the management of dyslipidaemia in primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease.


OBJECTIVE
This article reviews the properties of fluvastatin and experience accrued through its use in clinical practice and clinical trials.


METHODS
Relevant publications were identified through the PubMed database and product information held by the US Federal Drug Administration was also reviewed.


CONCLUSIONS
In the authors' opinion, fluvastatin exhibits a favourable safety profile in comparison to other statins, with a low incidence of adverse effects and a reduced propensity for interactions with other drugs. However, fluvastatin is a less potent cholesterol-lowering agent than newer statins on the market and its future predominant use is likely to be in niche patient groups at risk of side effects or drug interactions with other agents.
McDonald
Kenneth J
KJ
University of Glasgow, BHF Glasgow Cardiovascular Research Centre, 126 University Place, Glasgow G12 8TA, UK.
Jardine
Alan G
AG
D000924:Anticholesteremic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control*; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D004347:Drug Interactions; D005229:Fatty Acids, Monounsaturated / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000077340:Fluvastatin; D006801:Humans; D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D007211:Indoles / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D012307:Risk Factors
D000924:Anticholesteremic Agents; D005229:Fatty Acids, Monounsaturated; D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors; D007211:Indoles; D000077340:Fluvastatin