PRAVASTATIN - ORAL

PHONETIC PRONUNCIATION: (PRAV-uh-stat-in)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Pravachol

GENERIC NAME(S): pravastatin sodium

Uses

USES: Pravastatin is used along with a proper diet to help lower "bad" cholesterol and fats (such as LDL, triglycerides) and raise "good" cholesterol (HDL) in the blood. It belongs to a group of drugs known as "statins." It works by reducing the amount of cholesterol made by the liver. Lowering "bad" cholesterol and triglycerides and raising "good" cholesterol decreases the risk of heart disease and helps prevent strokes and heart attacks. In addition to eating a proper diet (such as a low-cholesterol/low-fat diet), other lifestyle changes that may help this medication work better include exercising, losing weight if overweight, and stopping smoking. Consult your doctor for more details.

How to use PRAVASTATIN - ORAL

HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually once daily. The dosage is based on your medical condition, response to treatment, age, and other medications you may be taking. Be sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). If you also take certain other drugs to lower your cholesterol (bile acid-binding resins such as cholestyramine or colestipol), take pravastatin at least 1 hour before or at least 4 hours after taking these medications. These products can react with pravastatin, preventing its full absorption. Take this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. Remember to take it at the same time each day. It is important to continue taking this medication even if you feel well. Most people with high cholesterol or triglycerides do not feel sick. It is very important to continue to follow your doctor's advice about diet and exercise. It may take up to 4 weeks before you get the full benefit of this drug.

Side Effects

SIDE EFFECTS: Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. A very small number of people taking pravastatin may have mild memory problems or confusion. If these rare effects occur, talk to your doctor. Rarely, statins may cause or worsen diabetes. Talk to your doctor about the benefits and risks. This drug may rarely cause muscle problems (which can rarely lead to very serious conditions called rhabdomyolysis and autoimmune myopathy). Tell your doctor right away if you develop any of these symptoms during treatment and if these symptoms persist after your doctor stops this drug: muscle pain/tenderness/weakness (especially with fever or unusual tiredness), signs of kidney problems (such as change in the amount of urine). This medication may rarely cause liver problems. If you notice any of the following rare but serious side effects, tell your doctor right away: yellowing eyes/skin, dark urine, severe stomach/abdominal pain, persistent nausea/vomiting. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Precautions

PRECAUTIONS: Before taking pravastatin, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: liver disease, kidney disease, alcohol use. Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). Limit alcoholic beverages. Daily use of alcohol may increase your risk for liver problems, especially when combined with pravastatin. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information. Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially muscle problems. This medication must not be used during pregnancy. Pravastatin may harm an unborn baby. Therefore, it is important to prevent pregnancy while taking this medication. Consult your doctor for more details and to discuss the use of reliable forms of birth control (such as condoms, birth control pills) while taking this medication. If you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant, tell your doctor right away. This medication passes into breast milk and may have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Breast-feeding while using this drug is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Interactions

DRUG INTERACTIONS: See also How To Use section. Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval. Some products that may interact with this drug include: colchicine, gemfibrozil. Do not take any red yeast rice products while you are taking pravastatin because some red yeast rice products may also contain a statin called lovastatin. Taking pravastatin and red yeast rice products together can increase your risk of serious muscle and liver problems.

Overdose

OVERDOSE: If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

Images

PRAVACHOL 20 MG TABLET

color: yellow
shape: rectangle
imprint: PRAVACHOL 20, logo

PRAVACHOL 40 MG TABLET

color: green
shape: rectangle
imprint: PRAVACHOL 40, logo

PRAVACHOL 80 MG TABLET

color: yellow
shape: oblong
imprint: BMS, 80

PRAVASTATIN SODIUM 10 MG TAB

color: pink
shape: round
imprint: 93, 771

PRAVASTATIN SODIUM 10 MG TAB

color: pink
shape: round
imprint: 93, 771

PRAVASTATIN SODIUM 20 MG TAB

color: light yellow
shape: round
imprint: 93, 7201

PRAVASTATIN SODIUM 20 MG TAB

color: light yellow
shape: round
imprint: 93, 7201

PRAVASTATIN SODIUM 40 MG TAB

color: light green
shape: round
imprint: 93, 7202

PRAVASTATIN SODIUM 40 MG TAB

color: light green
shape: round
imprint: 93, 7202

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Faq for PRAVASTATIN - ORAL

What is pravastatin used for

Pravastatin is commonly prescribed to lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.

How does pravastatin work

Pravastatin belongs to a class of medications called statins, which work by inhibiting an enzyme in the liver that is responsible for producing cholesterol. By lowering cholesterol levels in the blood, pravastatin helps reduce the risk of cardiovascular events.

What are the common side effects of pravastatin

Common side effects of pravastatin may include muscle pain, joint pain, stomach upset, nausea, diarrhea, and headache. It is advisable to consult your doctor if any of these side effects become severe or persistent.

Can pravastatin be taken with other medications

Certain medications may interact with pravastatin and increase the risk of side effects. It is important to inform your doctor about all the medications you are currently taking, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and herbal supplements.

Can pravastatin be taken during pregnancy

Statins like pravastatin are generally not recommended during pregnancy as they may harm the developing fetus. It is important to discuss the potential risks and benefits with your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.

Can pravastatin be taken with grapefruit or grapefruit juice

Consuming grapefruit or grapefruit juice may increase the levels of pravastatin in the body, potentially leading to an increased risk of side effects. It is advisable to avoid or limit the intake of grapefruit and its juice while taking pravastatin.

How long does it take for pravastatin to show its effects

The full effects of pravastatin may not be seen for several weeks or months. It is important to continue taking the medication as prescribed by your doctor, even if you do not immediately notice any significant changes.

Can pravastatin be stopped abruptly

It is generally not recommended to stop taking pravastatin abruptly without consulting your doctor. Suddenly discontinuing statin therapy may lead to a rebound effect, causing a sudden increase in cholesterol levels. Always discuss any changes in medication with your healthcare provider.

Are there any dietary restrictions while taking pravastatin

While there are no specific dietary restrictions, it is important to follow a healthy diet low in cholesterol and saturated fats to maximize the effectiveness of pravastatin in reducing cholesterol levels.

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Disclaimer

IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.

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