Brand name: PRAVACHOL®, Mevalotin; Generic Name : Pravastatin
About PRAVACHOL®:
PRAVACHOL® is used with diet changes (restriction of cholesterol and fat intake) to reduce the amount of cholesterol and certain fatty substances in your blood. Accumulation of cholesterol and fats along the walls of your arteries (a process known as atherosclerosis) decreases blood flow and, therefore, the oxygen supply to your heart, brain, and other parts of your body. Lowering your blood level of cholesterol and fats may help to prevent heart disease, angina (chest pain), strokes, and heart attacks.
PRAVACHOL® sodium is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
PRAVACHOL® Uses:
PRAVACHOL® comes in tablets to take by mouth. It usually is is taken once a day at bedtime. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take Pravachol sodium exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. Continue to take Pravachol sodium even if you feel well. Do not stop taking Pravachol without talking to your doctor.
What special precautions should I follow?
Before taking Pravochol, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to Pravachol or any other drugs. Tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially antacids, cholestyramine (Questran), cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune), digoxin (Lanoxin), erythromycin, gemfibrozil (Lopid), itraconazole (Sporanox), niacin, and vitamins. If you are taking cholestyramine (Questran) or colestipol (Colestid), take Pravachol at least 1 hour before or 4 hours after these medications. Tell your doctor if you drink large amounts of alcohol and if you have or have ever had liver, kidney, or heart disease; a severe infection; low blood pressure; or seizures. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking Pravachol sodium, stop taking Pravachol and call your doctor immediately. Pravachol can harm the fetus. If you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking Pravachol. Talk to your doctor about the safe use of alcohol while taking Pravachol sodium. Alcohol increases the side effects caused by Pravachol.
Plan to avoid unnecessary or prolonged exposure to sunlight and to wear protective clothing, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Pravachol may make your skin sensitive to sunlight.
What should I do if I forget a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
PRAVACHOL® Side Effects:
Although side effects from Pravachol are not common, they can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away: gas, stomach pain or cramps, diarrhea, constipation, heartburn, headache, blurred vision, dizziness, rash or itching, upset stomach.
If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness with or without fever and excessive tiredness.
What storage conditions are needed for PRAVACHOL®?
Keep Pravachol sodium in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.
What other information should I know?
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain lab tests before and during treatment to check your response to Pravachol.
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
IMPORTANT NOTE: This 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 use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug. No liability can be taken as a result of using this information.
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