Pravachol

The active ingredient in Pravachol is pravastatin sodium, a lipid lowering agent. Pravachol is a statin. It works by inhibiting an enzyme in your liver that produces cholesterol. This reduces the amount of "bad" cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein, or LDL-C) in your bloodstream. Pravastatin may also help increase your "good" cholesterol (high-density lipoprotein, or HDL) and lower your triglyceride levels. As a result, pravastatin reduces the risk of coronary artery disease, atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), heart attacks, and strokes.

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and read all documents provided, including the full Prescribing Information, FDA-Approved Product Labeling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide before using Pravachol. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Pravachol:

• Take Pravastatin at the same time every day, with or without food.
• Pravachol doses vary by age and are lower in children and teenagers.
• It may take up to four weeks for your cholesterol levels to improve, and you may need to have regular blood testing. Even if you don't have any symptoms, testing can help your doctor establish how effective this medication is.
• Pravachol is simply one component of a comprehensive therapy plan, which may also include diet, exercise, and weight management. Follow your doctor's instructions closely.

The most common side effects of Pravachol seen in clinical trials as compared to placebo include:

• Muscle pain or muscle cramps.
• Chest pain.
• Nausea or vomiting.
• Upper respiratory infections.
• Dizziness.
• Tiredness.

Some individuals may experience serious side effects while using Pravachol. These side effects may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical help:

• Severe muscular injury (rhabdomyolysis) characterized by dark brown urine, significant muscle weakness or discomfort, fever, and fatigue.
• Liver damage including stomach enlargement, yellowing of the skin (jaundice) or whites of the eyes, loss of appetite, weight loss, disorientation, and dark or brown urine.
• An allergic reaction to the medication, including hives, trouble breathing, and swelling of your face, tongue, and throat.

These are not all of the possible side effects of Pravachol. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before starting Pravachol, it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including if you have:

• Kidney disease.
• Abnormal liver function tests.
• Muscle problems or unexplained muscle pain (myopathy).
• Heart disease.
• A thyroid condition.
• If you consume more than two alcoholic beverages every day.
• You should not take Pravachol if you are allergic to pravastatin, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have active liver disease.
• Pravachol can cause skeletal muscle tissue to break down, resulting in renal failure. This illness may be more common in older folks and those with kidney disease or poorly treated hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid).

If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, please notify your healthcare professional since Pravastatin is not safe to use.

• Liver problems (including liver failure and severe liver cirrhosis)

Peak levels of Pravachol are seen within one to one and a half hours of administration; however, it may take one to two weeks of regular dosing before cholesterol levels improve, and up to four weeks before the maximum cholesterol-lowering effects of pravastatin are apparent.

When Pravachol is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Make sure that you tell your healthcare professional about anything that you are taking to avoid any negative drug interactions, including:

• Cyclosporine.
• Colchicine.
• Clarithromycin, erythromycin, and azithromycin.
• Cimetidine.
• Fibrates such as gemfibrozil, fenofibric acid, and fenofibrate.
• Niacin-containing medications include Advicor, Niaspan, Niacor, Simcor, Slo-Niacin, and others.
• If you are taking cholestyramine or colestipol, take your Pravachol dose one hour before or four hours after taking the other medication.

Typical Pravachol doses:

Adults: The normal dose is 10 mg to 80 mg used orally once a day.

Children aged 14 to 18 years with HeFH: The typical starting dose is 40 mg orally once a day.

For children aged 8 to 13 years with HeFH, the normal dose is 20 mg orally once per day.

Your provider will adjust your dose based on a variety of factors, including your cholesterol levels, kidney function, side effects, and any other medications you may be taking that interact with pravastatin.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and just take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

Store your Pravachol at room temperature and out of reach of children.

Bristol-Myers Squibb is a pharmaceutical company that manufactures Pravachol.

There are several lower-cost generic versions of Pravachol available.

Do not stop taking Pravachol or change your dose without talking to your doctor first. You will not have withdrawal symptoms, however, discontinuing pravastatin may cause your cholesterol to rise.

Do not use it if you are pregnant. This medication may harm an unborn child. Use effective birth control to avoid pregnancy. If you become pregnant while taking this medication, discontinue use and notify your doctor immediately.

It is not recommended to breastfeed while taking this medication as it passes through the breast milk to the child.