PRAVASTATIN (Pravachol) is used for lowering high cholesterol and triglycerides in certain patients. It works by reducing the production of certain fatty substances in the body, including cholesterol.It also increases high-density lipoprotein (HDL, "good") cholesterol levels. It is used along with an appropriate diet. It is also used in certain patients to reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, and death due to coronary heart disease. It is also used to slow blood vessel blockage and to reduce the need for medical procedures to open blocked blood vessels.
Pravastatin is used to lower high cholesterol level and triglycerides in certain patients.It is also used to slow blood vessel blockage and to reduce the need for medical procedures to open blocked blood vessels.
Tell your doctor if any of these apply to you:
you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or are breast-feeding
you have an alcohol problem
you have an unusual or allergic reaction to Pravastatin, any other medicine, foods, dyes, preservatives, or other substances
you have any hormone disorder
you have severe injury
you have blood salt imbalance
you have seizures (convulsions)
you have an infection
you have liver or kidney disease
you have recently had surgery
you have low blood pressure
you have muscle disorder or condition
How to use:
Strictly follow your doctor's instructions
Advert to Medication Guide if necessary
You may take Pravastatin either with or without food
Take your doses at regular intervals
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can
Avoid taking double or extra doses
Safety issues:
Visit your docotr for regular checks on your progress. You may need to have blood tests drawn to make sure your liver is working properly.
Tell your doctor as soon as you can if you get any unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness, especially if you also have a fever and tiredness.
Pravastatin is only part of a total cholesterol-lowering program. Your physician or dietician can suggest a low-cholesterol and low-fat diet that will reduce your risk of getting heart and blood vessel disease. Avoid alcohol and smoking, and keep a proper exercise schedule.
If you are going to have surgery tell your doctor that you are taking pravastatin.
What medicines may interact with Pravastatin?
orlistat
alcohol-containing beverages
medicines to lower cholesterol or triglycerides
itraconazole
cyclosporine
herbal medicines such as red yeast rice
itraconazole
Possible side effects:
If you experience these side effects, you should contact your doctor immediately:
yellowing of skin or eyes
dark yellow or brown urine
unusual tiredness or weakness
decreased urination, difficulty passing urine
skin rash, itching
fever
redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside mouth
muscle pain, tenderness, cramps, or weakness
These side effects usually don't require medical attention (but you should contact your doctor if they continue or are bothersome):
headache
flu-like symptoms
dizziness
What is the shelf life of the pills?
The expiry date is mentioned on each blister. It is different for different batches. The shelf life is 2 years from the date of manufacture and would differ from batch to batch depending on when they were manufactured.
What is a generic pill?
Generic drug (pl. generic drugs, short: generics) is a drug which is produced and distributed without a brand name. A generic must contain the same active ingredients as the original formulation. In most cases, it is considered bioequivalent to the brand name counterpart with respect to pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties.
