Pravastatin

Pravastatin is a member of the drug class known generally as statins. There used for lowering cholesterol and preventing cardiovascular disease. If you are at risk of developing heart disease or you suffer from high levels of cholesterol hypercholesterolaemia) in your blood, and have not responded to other treatments then you may be prescribed this medication. It works by blocking the enzyme that is needed for the manufacture of cholesterol. This in turn helps lower the risk of heart disease. Lowering cholesterol levels reduces the risk of cholesterol being deposited in the blood vessels. This process is known as atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries. In the same vein as other statins pravastatin is taken at night, this being the time of day when most cholesterol is produced. There is a possibility that inflammation, muscle pain and damge may be experienced with this medication however, it is rare to experience these problems and the main cause seems to be when other lipid lowering drugs called fibrates are given with statins.

Pravastatin prevents further illness and death from heart disease in people who have already had a heart attack or unstable angina and have normal or raised cholesterol levels.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved generic pravastatin for sale in the United States for the first time on April 24, 2006. Generic pravastatin sodium tablets (10 mg, 20 mg and 40 mg) are manufactured by TEVA Pharmaceuticals in Kfar Sava, Israel.

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Detailed Information

Quick Guide

• Lipid lowering drug with danger of overdose – MEDIUM
• Dependency is said to be – LOW
• Presctiption only – YES
• Available as generic – NO
• Alcohol Avoidance – YES/NO
• Excessive amounts of alcohol may increase the risk of developing liver disease

Side Effects

You may if on this medication suffer one or more of these side effects, in the initial stages. However, you may find you do not suffer any at all, as it does not follow that being on this medication will cause unwanted adverse effects.

Common: Headache, Nausea
Rare: Fatigue, chest Pain, Jaundice, Rash, Abdominal Pain, Muscle Pain, Tenderness and Weakness, Difficulty Breathing or Swallowing, Unusual Bleeding or Bruising, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, throat, or the extremities

The side effects listed here are the most common and rare problems reported by patients using this medication It does not include all of the side effects reported by the drug’s manufacturer. If common side effects persist you need to inform your doctor. Notify your doctor if you suffer any of the rare or some other side effects not listed here. For total peace of mind, seek information from your doctor or chemist.

Prolonged Use

Longterm use of pravastatin can effect the liver. Regular blood test to check liver and muscle function are usually required.

Driving, Hazardous Work & Alcohol

There are no special problems apart from being aware that excessive amounts of alcohol may cause liver damage. Ask your doctor about the safe use of alcoholic beverages while you are taking pravastatin.

Pregnancy and Breast-Feeding

This medication is not usually prescribed as safety in pregnancy has not been established. This is also the case if you intend to breast feed. You should discuss both issues with your doctor and be guided by his or her advice.

Tell Your Doctor

You should tell your doctor if you have a current health problem. For example: heart disease, kidney problems, if you are pregnant or you intend to become pregnant, or if you think you may be at risk from drug treatment for any other reason. Some types of medication can cause serious adverse effects when taken side by side so it is important to tell your doctor of any other medication you are already taking. This should also include any over-the-counter medication. For example: Painkillers, cold remedies, herbal and complimentary / alternative medication.

See full list of things you should tell your doctor about.»

Over 60’s & Children

There would be no special problems with prescribing for the over sixties. Pravastatin is not recommended for infants or children under 8 years of age.

Overdose

If you take an unintentianl extra dose it would be unlikely to cause problems. However, if a large overdose is taken you should get in touch with your doctor, as there is a possibillity of pravastatin causing liver damage.

Other Medication Reactions

Pravastatin may increase the effects of anticoagulants. There is a possibility of antifungal drugs such as itraconazole, ketoconazole and possibily other antifungal drugs causing muscle damage. Orlistat increases blood levels andtoxicity of pravastatin. Lipid lowering drugs known as fibrates when taken with pravastatin may increase the risk of muscle damage. Ciclosporin and other immunosuppressant drugs may also increase the risk of muscle damage however, they’re not usually prescribed together.

Missed A Dose

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue the regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Reducing or Stopping Medication

If you stop this drug it may cause a worsening of your problems. You should consult with your doctor.

Effect Of Medication

The onset of effects can be felt within 2 weeks. However, full beneficial effects may be felt after 4 weeks. The duration of the action of paravastatin can take 24 hours.

Storage and Safety

Keep medicine in its original container, in a cool dry place, away from the reach of children. Never take medication that has past the expiry date shown on the box or container. Return all un-used or old medicines to your pharmacist. Do not discard old or unwanted medication into your trash, sink or toilet.

If this medication has been prescribed for you never allow anyone else to use it, even if you know or they feel their symptom are similar to your own.

Do not leave your doctors surgery until you have a clear understanding of what the drug your doctor has prescribed for you does, and why you have been prescribed it. It is common for people who do not understand the reason behind there treatment to take their medication correctly.