Brand Name

Pravachol {Bristol-Myers Squibb}

Generic Name

pravastatin, pronounced PRAV a STAT in

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Drug Guide

The information contained in the following drug guide is intended as an educational resource only. This guide is not exhaustive and does not contain all available information about this drug.This guide is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatment.

The information provided in this guide does not replace the need for the advice and services of medical professionals or the need for medical examination. Always talk to your physician or pharmacist before taking any prescription medication or over the counter drugs (including any supplements) or before making any changes to your treatment. Only your doctor, nurse or pharmacist can provide you with safe and effective advice regarding your drug treatment.

The use of the information in this guide is at your sole risk. This information is provided "AS IS" with no warranties to accuracy or timeliness.

**All trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

What is Pravachol?

Pravachol is a medication that can help to lower your cholesterol, especially your “bad” cholesterol and triglycerides. Pravachol is effective at reducing the triglycerides, or fatty acids in your blood. If you have high levels of triglycerides you are at a greater risk of atherosclerosis, which is also known as clogged arteries. Pravachol is in the group of drugs called HMG CoA reductase inhibitors, and it is helpful at raising your good cholesterol.
Pravachol may also be used for purposes not described in this medication guide.

Key Facts About Pravachol

Adults and children ages 8 and older may be prescribed Pravachol.

Pravachol may help to reduce your low-density lipoprotein {LDL}, also known as your “bad” cholesterol.

Pravachol may be used to help raise levels of your “good” cholesterol, or high-density lipoprotein {HDL}.

Pravachol may be prescribed to help lower your levels of a type of fat in the blood stream or the blood tissue, called triglycerides.

Your doctor may have prescribed Pravachol for you to help lower your risk of heart attack, stroke, or other heart complications. This is important if you have risk factors such as type 2 diabetes and coronary heart disease.

In rare cases, Pravachol can cause a condition that causes a breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue, which leads to kidney failure. Tell your doctor immediately if you experience unexplained muscle pain, weakness or tenderness, especially if you also have a fever, extreme tiredness, and dark colored urine. This rare condition may be more likely to occur if you are an older adult, if you have kidney disease or poorly controlled hypothyroidism.

Pravachol is in FDA pregnancy category X. Pravachol is known to harm an unborn baby and cause birth defects. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant. Do not breast-feed if you are taking Pravachol, as it is known that Pravachol passes into breast milk.

You should refrain from drinking alcohol while taking Pravachol, as it can raise your triglyceride levels and cause potential liver damage.

You should limit your consumption of grapefruit and grapefruit juice daily, as it can interact with Pravachol and lead to potentially dangerous effects. Talk to your doctor about your grapefruit consumption.

Before You Take Pravachol

You should not take Pravachol if you are allergic to pravastatin.

You should inform your doctor if you have liver disease or kidney disease before taking Pravachol.

Let your doctor know if you drink 2 or more alcoholic beverages daily. Alcohol can increase the risk of serious side effects if you are taking Pravachol. Your consumption of alcohol may also raise your triglyceride levels.

If you have hypothyroidism or diabetes you should tell your doctor before beginning treatment with Pravachol.

Pravachol is only part of a complete program of treatment that also includes diet, exercise, and weight control. Follow your diet, medication, and exercise routines closely as directed by your doctor. You should try to avoid eating foods that are high in cholesterol.

Pravachol Drug Interactions

The following medications may increase your risk of serious muscle problems if taken with Pravachol. You should inform your physician if you are prescribed these medications while you are being treated with Pravachol:

• cancer medicines
• cyclosporine (Gengraf, Neoral, Sandimmune)
• danzanol (Danocrine)
• fenofibrate (Antara, Fenoglide, Lipofen, Lofibra, Tricor, Triglide)
• fenofibric acid (Fibricor, Trilipix)
• gemfibrozil (Lopid)
• niacin (Advicor, Niaspan, Niacor, Simcor, Slo-Niacin)
• steroids
• Tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medications, before starting treatment with Pravachol:
• cimetidine (Tagamet)
• statin medications like atorvastatin (Lipitor, Caduet), fluvastatin (Lescol), lovastatin (Altoprev, Mevacor), rosuvastatin (Crestor), and simvastatin (Zocor, Simcor, Vytorin)
• spironolactone (Aldactone, Aldactazide)

Other drugs you take that are not listed may interact with Pravachol. You should tell your doctor about all of the medications you use. This includes prescription drugs, vitamins, supplements and herbal products, and over the counter medications. You should not begin taking a new medication without telling your doctor first.

Directions for Taking Pravachol

Take Pravachol exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take Pravachol in larger or smaller amounts, or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Pravachol should be once daily at the same time every day.

Pravachol can be taken with or without food. Avoid meals/foods that are high in fats or cholesterol. Pravacol will not work as well to lower your cholesterol unless it is combined with a lower fat/cholesterol diet plan.

Avoid alcohol while using Pravachol.

Avoid Grapefruit and grapefruit juice while using Pravachol.

Visit your doctor regularly to be sure that you are getting the best results from your dose. You will need to have your blood tested on a regular basis to be sure that Pravachol is not causing you harm and is giving you the best results.

You may need to stop taking Pravachol on a long-term basis for a surgical or medical emergency. Your doctor will inform you of when you should begin taking Pravachol again. Do not start or stop taking Pravachol at any time without consulting your doctor first.

Pravachol should be stored at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. Keep the pills in their original container and keep the bottle tightly closed.

If you miss a dose of Pravachol you should attempt to take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose do not take the missed dose in addition to your regular dose.

Pravachol Side Effects

If you experience any of the following adverse effects you should stop taking Pravachol and seek emergency medical help immediately:

• allergic reaction including breathing difficulties, hives and swelling of your face, lips, throat or tongue
• chest pain
• clay colored stools
• confusion or memory problems
• dark urine
• fever with exhaustion and dark colored urine
• high blood sugar signs, including symptoms like increased thirst, increased urination, hunger, dry mouth, fruity breath odor, drowsiness, dry skin, blurred vision and weight loss
• itching that is severe
• jaundice, a yellowing of your skin or eyes
• shortness of breath and wheezing
• stomach pain that is severe in the upper stomach along with nausea and vomiting
• swelling with weight gain and urinating less than usual or not at all
• vomiting
• weakness and unexplained muscle pain or tenderness that is unusual

Less serious side effects of Pravachol may include:

• diarrhea
• dizziness
• headache
• muscle pain
• skin rash that is mild

It should be noted that this is not a complete list of possible side effects of Pravachol. You should contact your physician for a complete list and medical advice regarding these effects.

Pravachol Description and Dosing

Pravachol is available in tablet forms in strengths of 10 mg, 20 mg, 40 mg and 80 mg. Pravachol Tablets are supplied as follows:

10 mg tablets are pinkish-peach, rounded, rectangular-shaped, biconvex, with a “P” embossed on one side and “Pravachol 10” engraved on the opposite side.

20 mg tablets are yellow, rounded, rectangular-shaped, biconvex, with a “P” embossed on one side and “Pravachol 20” engraved on the opposite side.

40 mg tablets are green, rounded, rectangular-shaped, biconvex, with a “P” embossed on one side and “Pravachol 40” engraved on the opposite side.

80 mg tablets are yellow, oval-shaped, with “BMS” on one side and “80” on the other side.

Your doctor will tell you the right dose of Pravachol for you. Do not attempt to change your dose or stop taking Pravachol without speaking to your doctor first.

If you suspect that you have overdosed with Pravachol you should seek emergency help immediately.

Ingredients in Pravachol

Pravachol has the active ingredient pravastatin sodium. Inactive ingredients are croscarmellose sodium, lactose, magnesium oxide, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, and povidone. The 10 mg tablet also contains Red Ferric Oxide, the 20 mg and 80 mg tablets also contain Yellow Ferric Oxide, and the 40 mg tablet also contains Green Lake Blend (mixture of D&C Yellow No. 10-Aluminum Lake and FD&C Blue No. 1-Aluminum Lake.

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The information contained in this drug guide is intended as an educational resource only. This guide is not exhaustive and does not contain all available information about this drug.This guide is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatment.

The information provided in this guide does not replace the need for the advice and services of medical professionals or the need for medical examination. Always talk to your physician or pharmacist before taking any prescription medication or over the counter drugs (including any supplements) or before making any changes to your treatment. Only your doctor, nurse or pharmacist can provide you with safe and effective advice regarding your drug treatment.

The use of the information in this guide is at your sole risk. This information is provided "AS IS" with no warranties to accuracy or timeliness.

**All trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners.