The use of fluvastatin in cardiovascular risk management

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.

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

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

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.