What is this medicine?
PRAVASTATIN (PRA va stat in) is known as a HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor or 'statin'. It lowers the level of cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood. This drug may also reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, or other health problems in patients with risk factors for heart disease. Diet and lifestyle changes are often used with this drug.
This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
What is the price of this medication and similar alternatives?This pricing information is subject to change at the sole discretion of DS Pharmacy. This pricing information was updated 09/2009. For the most current and up-to-date pricing information, please visit www.drugstore.com. Actual costs to patients will vary depending on the use of specific retail or mail-order locations and health insurance copays.
| Pravachol 10MG Tablets | B-M SQUIBB U.S. (PRIMARY CARE) | 30/$119.99 or 90/$335.97 |
| Pravachol 20MG Tablets | B-M SQUIBB U.S. (PRIMARY CARE) | 30/$121 or 90/$339.97 |
| Pravachol 40MG Tablets | B-M SQUIBB U.S. (PRIMARY CARE) | 30/$169.98 or 90/$484.97 |
| Pravachol 80MG Tablets | B-M SQUIBB U.S. (PRIMARY CARE) | 30/$191.66 or 90/$529.1 |
| Pravastatin Sodium 10MG Tablets | TEVA PHARMACEUTICALS USA | 30/$18.99 or 90/$46.97 |
| Pravastatin Sodium 20MG Tablets | TEVA PHARMACEUTICALS USA | 30/$27 or 90/$44.67 |
| Pravastatin Sodium 40MG Tablets | TEVA PHARMACEUTICALS USA | 30/$25.99 or 90/$49.97 |
| Pravastatin Sodium 80MG Tablets | GLENMARK PHARMACEUTICALS | 30/$119.99 or 90/$329.97 |
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
- allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
- dark urine
- fever
- muscle pain, cramps, or weakness
- redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
- trouble passing urine or change in the amount of urine
- unusually weak or tired
- yellowing of the eyes or skin
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
- gas
- headache
- heartburn
- indigestion
- stomach pain
This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
How should I use this medicine?
Take pravastatin tablets by mouth. Swallow the tablets with a drink of water. Pravastatin can be taken at anytime of the day, with or without food. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed. Pravastatin has been used in children as young as 8 years of age.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
What may interact with this medicine?- alcohol-containing beverages
- cholestyramine
- colestipol
- cyclosporine
- erythromycin
- gemfibrozil
- herbal medicines such as red yeast rice
- medicines for fungal infections (examples: ketoconazole, itraconazole)
- niacin
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
Who should NOT use this medication?
- Active liver disease or unexplained, persistent elevations of serum aminotransferases.
- Pregnancy or lactation. Administer to women of childbearing age only when such patients are highly unlikely to conceive and have been informed of the potential hazards.
- Known hypersensitivity to pravastatin or any ingredient in the formulation.
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular check-ups. You may need regular tests to make sure your liver is working properly.
Tell you doctor or health care professional right away if you get any unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness, especially if you also have a fever and tiredness.
This drug is only part of a total heart-health program. Your doctor or a dietician can suggest a low-cholesterol and low-fat diet to help. Avoid alcohol and smoking, and keep a proper exercise schedule.
Do not use this drug if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. Serious side effects to an unborn child or to an infant are possible. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
If you are going to have surgery tell your health care professional that you are taking this drug.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
- frequently drink alcoholic beverages
- kidney disease
- liver disease
- muscle aches or weakness
- other medical condition
- an unusual or allergic reaction to pravastatin, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
- pregnant or trying to get pregnant
- breast-feeding
Can I stop taking the medication if I feel better?
As a general rule, you should always take your medications exactly as prescribed and do not change the dosage or stop taking the medication without first discussing it with your healthcare provider.
I am on so many medications; do I have to take them all?
This is called polypharmacy—many different medications being used at the same time by one person. Sometimes, being on multiple medications is acceptable and appropriate but at other times it may be problematic. If you are receiving your medications from multiple physicians you need to ensure that they all know what medications you are taking. The best way to do this is to make a list of all the medications you are currently using, including all nutritional supplements, homeopathic remedies, vitamins and over-the-counter drugs (if possible, also include all the diseases you have been diagnosed with). Give a copy to every doctor who takes care of you so they have it on file, this way they can avoid duplicating medications and perhaps even try to consolidate some. After every doctor's visit remember to update the list accordingly. Also, as much as you possibly can, try to use the same pharmacy to fill all your prescriptions, this way any potential drug interactions can be caught and averted.
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