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Pravastatin
Generic Name: Pravastatin
Brand Name: Pravachol
It is used with diet changes to reduce the amount of cholesterol
and certain fatty substances in the blood. Pravastatin comes
in the class of medications called HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors.
It works by slowing the production of cholesterol in the human
body.
How Is It Used?
Pravastatin comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually
taken once a day with or without food. To help you remember
to take pravastatin, take it around the same time every day.
Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully,
and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do
not understand. Take pravastatin exactly as directed. Do not
take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed
by your doctor.
Your doctor may start you on a low dose of pravastatin and gradually
increase your dose, not more than once every 4 weeks.
Continue to take pravastatin even if you feel well. Do not stop
taking pravastatin without talking to your doctor.
Are There Possible Side Effects?
Pravastatin may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if either
of these symptoms is severe or does not go away:
Side effects can be serious. The following symptoms are uncommon,
but if you experience any of them, call your doctor immediately:
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muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness
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yellowing of the skin or eyes
It may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have
any unusual problems while taking this medication.
What particular precautions should I follow?
Before taking pravastatin,
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Tell your doctor/pharmacist if you are
allergic to pravastatin or any other medications.
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Tell your doctor/pharmacist what prescription
and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements,
and herbal products you are taking.
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Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol
on regular basis.
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Do tell your doctor/pharmacist if you
are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding.
If you become pregnant while taking pravastatin, stop taking
pravastatin and call your doctor immediately. It may harm
the fetus.
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In case of severe infection, surgery,
an injury, low blood pressures while taking pravastatin, talk
to your doctor about stopping to take the medication for a
while.
What about Interactions with Other Drugs?
Bile acid sequestrants such as cholestyramine may significantly
reduce the absorption of pravastatin and therefore reduce its
effect. Therefore, pravastatin should be taken 1-4 hours after
bile acid sequestrants.
Use of pravastatin with nicotinic acid, gemfibrozil or other
drugs that may cause liver/muscle concerns may increase the
incidence of such side effects.
In case of emergency/overdose
In case of overdose, call your local poison control center.
If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local
emergency services at 911.
What If I Miss A Dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. If it is almost
time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue the
regular dosing schedule. Don't take a double dose to make up
for a missed one.
How Should It Be Stored?
Pravastatin should be stored at room temperature, between 20-25°C
(68-77°F).
Anything Else I Should Know?
Keep all the appointments with your doctor/pharmacist and the
laboratory. Your doctor will order certain lab tests before
& during treatment to check your body's response to pravastatin.
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your doctor/pharmacist
any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
NOTE: The above information is intended
to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment
of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional.
It should not be construed to indicate that the use of the product
is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare
professional before taking the product.
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