About Lescol

The information below should not be taken as a substitute for qualified medical advice. Consult your health care provider before taking Lescol.

Lescol/ Lescol XR is a statin drug used to reduce cholesterol levels in patients that are at risk for cardiovascular disease. Statin drugs work by inhibiting the activity of an enzyme called HMG CoA reductase that is involved in the cholesterol synthesis pathway. The end result is that total cholesterol levels are decreased, levels of LDL, or "bad cholesterol," are decreased, and levels of HDL, or "good cholesterol," are increased. Lescol also helps to reduce triglyceride levels in the blood. Lescol is available in regular and extended-release forms.

Lescol is usually taken once or twice per day, at the same times every day, with or without a meal. Do not take Lescol with alcohol, because alcohol increases triglyceride levels and puts your liver at risk. Do not consume grapefruit or grapefruit juice when taking Lescol; chemicals in these products can have an adverse reaction with the drug. Medications and supplements can also have an adverse reaction with Lescol. Tell your doctor about all medications and supplements you are taking, especially if you are taking warfarin or other blood-thinners, omeprazole, cimetidine, glyburide, phenytoin, ranitidine, spironolactone, erythromycin, fluconazole, niacin-containing medications, immune suppressing drugs, or other statin drugs.

Side effects of Lescol/ Lescol XR include nausea, diarrhea, headache, muscle aches, cold symptoms, and sleep problems. Patients taking statin drugs need to be monitored for blood cholesterol levels and liver enzyme levels. In rare cases, statin drugs can contribute to kidney or liver disease. If you have any signs of kidney or liver disease, such as jaundice or discolored urine in addition to fever, muscle pain, and fatigue, seek medical attention immediately.