Pravastatin is used from 8 years of age to reduce the risk of stroke, heart attack and other cardiovascular complications in people with diabetes or coronary heart disease or other risk factors.

 

What is Pravastatin?

 

Pravastatin works by reducing the levels of "bad" cholesterol (the so-called LDL cholesterol) and triglycerides in the blood. It also promotes increasing of "good" cholesterol (known as HDL cholesterol).

 

How should Pravastatin be taken?

 

Pravastatin is administered orally, generally in the form of tablets.

 

Side effects associated with Pravastatin

 

In rare cases, Pravastatin can lead to the loss of muscle mass and, consequently, to renal failure.

 

Among the other possible adverse effects are included:

 

  • Headache
  • Mild muscle aches
  • Diarrhea
  • Mild skin rash
  • Dizziness

 

It is important to contact a doctor immediately if taking Pravastatin triggers any of the following symptoms:

 

  • Rash
  • Itching
  • Swelling of face, eyes, lips, tongue or throat
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Tightness or chest pain
  • Pain, tenderness or unjustified weakness
  • Confusion, memory problems
  • Fever, unusual tiredness, dark urine
  • Increased thirst or urination, hunger, dry mouth, breath that smells of fruit, drowsiness, dry skin, blurred vision, weight loss
  • Swelling, weight gain, decreased urination
  • Nausea, pain in the upper stomach, itching, loss of appetite, dark urine , pale stools, jaundice

 

Contraindications and warnings associated with the use of Pravastatin

During treatment with Pravastatin it is necessary to avoid the consumption of foods high in fat or cholesterol and practice regular physical activity. It is also recommended to avoid the consumption of alcohol – by promoting an increase in triglycerides, it can increase the risk of liver damage – as well as grapefruit and its juice.

 

In case of treatment with cholestyramine or colestipol it is recommended to take it at least one hour after intake of Pravastatin or 4 hours before.

 

Lastly, before taking Pravastatin it is important to tell your doctor if:

 

  • You have any allergies to the active substance, its excipients, other medicines, foods, or any other substance
  • You are taking other medications, herbal remedies and supplements, in particular other statins, cimetidine and spironolactone
  • You suffer (or have suffered) from liver or kidney disease, diabetes or thyroid problems
  • You drink alcohol more than twice a day
  • You are pregnant or breastfeeding