Information about Pravastatin (Generic Pravachol) :


Pravastatin is a beta-hydroxy-beta-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitor (statin) that is used for reducing high lipid levels and high cholesterol, with diet and exercise. It lowers the blood levels of triglycerides and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) (bad) cholesterol by reducing their production by the liver and increases the blood levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) (good) cholesterol. It is also may be administered to prevent certain heart problems, including slowing down the progression of hardening of the arteries in patients with heart disease. Pravastatin may be also administered to treat other conditions as determined by your physician.

You should not use Pravastatin in case you have conditions mentioned below: you are allergic to any ingredient in Pravastatin; you are pregnant or breast-feeding a baby; you have liver disease or abnormal liver tests; you are taking fibric acids (eg, gemfibrozil, fenofibrate).

In such cases it is obligatory to consult with your doctor or health care provider before taking this medicine.

Before using Pravastatin you should tell your doctor if you have any medical conditions listed below: you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding a baby; you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement; you have allergies to medicines or other substances; you abuse alcohol or have a history of alcohol abuse; you have low blood pressure; a muscle disease; a blood infection; a metabolic, endocrine, or electrolyte problem; uncontrolled seizures; a severe infection; had a recent surgery, trauma, or organ transplant; or a high level of a creatine phosphokinase in your blood.

Be aware that Pravastatin may interact with some medicines. Consult with your health care provider in case you are taking any other drugs, especially any of the next: Cyclosporine or fibric acids (eg. gemfibrozil, fenofibrate) because of side effects such as severe muscle destruction.

It may not be a complete list of all interactions with other drugs. To prevent any complications you should check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use Pravastatin:
You should use Pravastatin as recommended by your doctor with or without food.

It is recommended to take Pravastatin 1 hour before or 4 hours after taking bile-acid reducing resins (eg, cholestyramine, colestipol).

In case you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next intake, skip the missed dose and take it according to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take double doses at once.

Ask your health care provider for extra information about Pravastatin usage.

Important safety information:
Taking of Pravastatin may lead to dizziness or blurred vision. These effects may be worsening by taking alcohol or certain medicines. Prevent driving or performing any other possibly unsafe actions.

Try to use Pravastatin along with exercise, a low-cholesterol/low-fat diet, and a weight loss program in case you are overweight.

Follow the diet and exercise program given to you by your health care provider.

You should notice your doctor or dentist that you use Pravastatin before any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery.

To monitor your progress or to check for side effects lab tests, liver function, kidney function, blood pressure, and blood cholesterol, may be performed. Follow all doctor and lab appointments strictly.

PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING:
You should not use Pravastatin in case you are pregnant because it may be harmful to the fetus. If you suppose you may be pregnant, consult with your doctor immediately. Pravastatin passes into breast milk. Avoid breast-feeding while using Pravastatin.

Possible side effects of Pravastatin:
You should consult with your doctor if you have any of side effects especially bothersome listed below: Common cold; constipation; cough; diarrhea; dizziness; flu-like symptoms; gas; headache; heartburn; muscle aches; nausea; pain; rash; runny nose; soar throat; stomach pain; tiredness; urination problems (difficult or painful urination. frequent urination, frequent urination at night); unusual bleeding or bruising; vomiting; yellowing of skin or eyes.

Seek emergency in case you have any of these severe side effects:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); chest pain; hoarseness; muscle cramps; muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness (especially when associated with fever and a general feeling of discomfort); sore throat; swelling of hands, eyes, or throat; unusual bleeding or bruising; yellowing of skin or eyes.

What is the expiration date of the pills?
This information is mentioned on each blister. The expiration date is 2 years from the date of manufacture. It may be different for various batches.