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Pravachol

(other types of Pravachol)
generic: Pravastatin Sodium (learn more about brand vs. generic drugs)

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Information on Pravachol

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Learn more about usage, cautions, and possible side effects .

Tablets
Chemical Name: PRAVASTATIN (PRA-va-stat-in)

Common uses
Pravachol 10mg is an HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor (also known as a "statin") used in combination with a low-cholesterol and low-fat diet to lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels and to raise good cholesterol (HDL) levels in your blood. It may also be used in certain children and adolescents over 8 years of age who have a genetically caused cholesterol problem. Pravachol 10mg is not a cure for high cholesterol, but may help to control it. Pravachol 10mg may also be used in certain patients to reduce the risk of heart attack, blood vessel blockage, stroke, or death due to heart disease. It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Before using
Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with Pravachol 10mg. INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. DO NOT TAKE PRAVACHOL 10mg if you are also taking gemfibrozil. If you are currently taking gemfibrozil, tell your doctor or pharmacist before starting to take Pravachol 10mg. ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF YOUR DOSE OR CONDITION may be needed if you are taking fibrates (such as clofibrate or fenofibrate), cyclosporine, or high doses of niacin (1 gram or more per day). DO NOT START OR STOP any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions, muscle problems, alcohol use, allergies (especially to other "statins"), pregnancy, or breast-feeding. USE OF PRAVACHOL 10mg IS NOT RECOMMENDED if you have a history of liver conditions or abnormal liver function test results. Certain medical conditions, including low blood pressure; severe infection; uncontrolled seizures; or serious metabolic, endocrine, or electrolyte problems may increase your risk for side effects that can result in kidney problems while taking Pravachol 10mg. Contact your doctor if you develop one of these conditions. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about taking Pravachol 10mg.

Directions
Follow the directions for using Pravachol 10mg provided by your doctor. Pravachol 10mg may be taken on an empty stomach or with food. Try to take Pravachol 10mg at the same time each day. STORE PRAVACHOL 10mg between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C) away from heat, moisture, and light. Brief storage between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF PRAVACHOL 10mg, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Cautions
FOLLOW THE DIETARY PLAN provided by your doctor. KEEP ALL DOCTOR AND LABORATORY APPOINTMENTS while you are using Pravachol 10mg. BEFORE HAVING ANY KIND OF SURGERY, tell your doctor that you are taking Pravachol 10mg. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. FOR WOMEN: DO NOT USE PRAVACHOL 10mg if you are pregnant. IF YOU SUSPECT THAT YOU COULD BE PREGNANT, contact your doctor immediately. PRAVACHOL 10mg IS EXCRETED IN BREAST MILK. DO NOT BREAST-FEED while taking Pravachol 10mg.

Possible side effects
SIDE EFFECTS that may occur while taking Pravachol 10mg include dizziness or flu-like symptoms. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE if you experience muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness, especially if associated with fever and a general feeling of discomfort; rash; yellow skin or eyes; unusual bleeding or bruising; or sore throat. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience the following side effects or symptoms of toxicity: swelling of hands, face, lips, eyes, throat, or tongue; difficulty swallowing or breathing; or hoarseness. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist. This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your healthcare provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Drug interactions
Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job. Use our drug interaction checker to find out if your medicines interact with each other. Check drug interactions

If you take too much
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.

Additional information
FOR BEST RESULTS, Pravachol 10mg should be used along with exercise, a low-cholesterol/low-fat diet, and a weight loss program if you are overweight. FOLLOW THE DIETARY PLAN provided by your doctor. DO NOT SHARE PRAVACHOL 10mg with others for whom it was not prescribed. DO NOT USE PRAVACHOL 10mg for other health conditions. KEEP PRAVACHOL 10mg out of the reach of children and pets. IF USING PRAVACHOL 10mg FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, obtain refills before your supply runs out.

Selected data included with permission and copyrighted by Medi-Span, 2010. This copyrighted material has been downloaded from a Licensed data provider and is not for distribution in professional healthcare settings.
The name and strength of the drug discussed above has been provided for clarity by drugstore.com, inc. and without the express permission of Medi-Span, and Medi-Span makes no representation as to the accuracy of such additional information.