Sandoz Pravastatin

Brand Name:Apo-Pravastatin, CO Pravastatin, Novo-Pravastatin, Nu-Pravastatin, PMS-Pravastatin, Pravachol, ratio-Pravastatin

Prescription needed: Yes

What is this drug used for?

Pravastatin is used to lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood. This drug is typically prescribed following initial treatment with exercise, weight loss, and a diet low in cholesterol and saturated fats. In some patients, this medication has been shown to reduce the risk for heart attacks and strokes.

Is there any reason not to take this drug?

You should not take this drug if you are allergic to pravastatin or other similar drugs (e.g. atorvastatin, rosuvastatin, simvastatin, lovastatin). Tell your doctor if you consume more than three alcohol drinks per day and/or have or have ever had:

  • problems with your liver or kidney
  • problems with muscle pain or weakness with other cholesterol medications
  • problems with your thyroid
  • diabetes
  • drink ³ 3 alcohol drinks per day

What about possible side effects?

The most common side effects are

  • diarrhea
  • gas or bloating
  • nausea/vomiting
  • stomach pain or cramps

Other less common and/or possibly severe side effects include:

  • muscle pain you can’t explain, tenderness, or weakness with or without a fever -contact your doctor if you experience these symptoms
  • rare cases of hepatitis (inflammation of the liver) and jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes) have been reported - call your doctor immediately
  • headache or dizziness

This is not a complete list of side effects. If you are concerned about these or other unusual symptoms while taking this medication, ask your doctor and/or pharmacist for more information and advice.

What if I am taking other drugs?

Always provide your doctor with a list of all other drugs you are taking (including over-the-counter medications and herbal/natural products) as they may interact with and/or may change the safety or effectiveness of either drug. Tell your doctor specifically if you are taking any of these drugs as these are the most common interactions and he/she may need to make changes or monitor you more closely

  • cholestyramine (may decrease the amount of pravastatin that can be absorbed from your stomach)
  • gemfibrozil, fenofibrate, clofibrate, niacin (may increase your chances of feeling muscle side effects)
  • cyclosporine

This is not a complete list of drug interactions. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to review your list of medications.

Other information:

You will likely have to have blood tests taken periodically while taking this medication to check for side effects.

Children: Not recommended.

Seniors: Can take this drug as prescribed.

Pregnancy: Not recommended. Safety in pregnancy not established. Talk to your doctor.

Women who are nursing: Not typically recommended. Safety not established. Talk to your doctor.

People who drive or operate machinery: Should not do so until they know the impact this drug has on them personally.

Alcohol: Excessive amounts may increase the risk of developing liver and muscle problems.

Overdose: If you experience any unusual reactions or if you seriously exceed the recommended dosage, call your doctor or 911. A serious overdose may cause liver problems.

Stopping the drug: Do not stop taking this drug until you have first spoken with your doctor. Even though you cannot see or feel how this drug is working, you are still benefiting from the medication. If you stop taking the medication, you will also lose any positive effect it is having on your cholesterol and your risk for having a heart attack or stroke.

If you miss a dose: Take it as soon as you remember. If it is within eight hours of your next scheduled dose, do not take the missed dose. Take your next dose as scheduled. Do not take a double dose.

Storage conditions: Closed container; cool, dry location away from excess moisture (not in the bathroom) and light; always out of reach of children.

Dietary precautions: Follow a low-cholesterol, low-fat diet as discussed with your doctor or dietician. You should avoid or minimize the use of grapefruit juice as it can increase the amount of the drug in your blood and increase your chances of having muscle side effects. Discuss with your doctor or pharmacist.