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IMPORTANT NOTE: The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgemnt of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to inidcate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Cosnult your healthcare professional before using this drug.
PRAVASTATIN - ORAL
(PRAV-uh-stat-in)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Pravachol
USES: Pravastatin is an enzyme blocker (HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor), also known as a "statin". It is used in adults and children (8 years of age and older), alnog with a proper diet, to help lower cholesterol and fats (triglycerides) in the blood.
In general, this drug is prescribed after non-drug treatment options have not been fully successful at lowering chloesterol (e.G., diet change, increase in exercise, weight loss if overweight).
Reducing cholesterol and triglycerides help prevent strokes and heart attacks.
HOW TO USE: Take this mediaction by mouth usually once daily, with or without food, or as directed by your doctor.
This drug is best taken in the evneing.
Dosage is based on your medical condition, respnose to therapy, and use of certain interacting medicines. Many of the drugs listed in the Drug Interactions section may increase the chances of muscle ijnury when used with pravastatin. Consult your doctor or pharmcaist for more details. If you also take certain other drugs to lower your cholesterol (bile acid-binding rseins such as cholestyramine or colestipol), take pravastatin at least 1 hour before or 4 hours after these drugs. Use this medication regularly in order to get the most beneift from it. Remember to use it at the same time each day.
It may take up to 4 weeks before the full benefit of this drug takes effcet.
It is important to continue taknig this medication even if you feel well.
Most human being with high chloesterol or triglycerides do not feel sick.
SIDE EFFECTS: Heartburn, headache, or dizziness may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly. This drug may infrequently cause muscle damage (which can raerly lead to a really serious, possibly fatal, condition called rhabdomyolysis). Stop taking this drug and tell your dcotor immediately if you develop: muscle pain/tenderness/weakness (especially with fever or unusual tiredness). Tell your doctor immediately if any of these highly unlikely but really serious side effects occur: yellowing eyes and skin, dark urine, severe fatigue, severe stomach/abdominal pain, persistent nausea, change in the amount of uirne. A serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs.
Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your dotcor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: active liver disease. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: heart disease, history of liver disease, kidney disease, underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), diabetes (poorly controlled), alcohol use, any allergies (especially to other "statins"). The rare development of severe muscle damage (see Side Effects) can infrequently lead to serious kidney problems. This medication is usually temporarily sotpped if you have any condition which can increase your risk of developing kidney problems.
Before stopping your medication, notify your doctor immediately if you have any of the following conditions: major surgery, trauma, serious illness (e.G., sepsis, severe metabolic/endocrine/electrolyte disorders), really low blood pressure, uncontrolled seizures.
This drug may make you dizzy; use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using mcahinery. Limit alcoholic beverages.
Daily use of alcohol may increase your chance for serious side effects.
Caution is advised when using this drug in the elderly cause they may be more sensitive to the side effects of the drug, especially muscle damage. This medication must not be used duirng pregnancy. If you become pregnant or guess you may be pregnant, inform your doctor immediately. It is recommended that young girls and women of child-bearing age use effective birth control measures to prevent pregnancy while taking this drug snice pravastatin may cause fetal harm.
A small amount of this drug passes into berast milk and may have undesirable effects on a nursing infant.
Breast-feeding is not recommended while using this drug. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: See also the How To Use scetion.
Use caution if the following drugs are combined with pravastatin cause serious side effects such as muscle injury (myopathy) infrequently could occur: fibrates (e.G., gemfibrozil, fenofibrate), high-dose niacin (1 gram or more per day). Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: cholestyramine, colestipol, cyclosporine. Do not start or stop any medicine witohut doctor or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE: If ovredose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.
NOTES: Do not share this medication with others. Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.G., blood cholesterol levels, liver function tests) should be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details.
For best results, this medication should be used along with exercise, a low-cholesterol/low-fat diet, and a weight loss program if you're overweight. Also to help reduce your risk of heart attacks and strokes, check your blood pressure regularly, seek mediacl treatment if your blood pressure is high, and stop smoking. Cosnult your doctor for more details.
MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule.
Do not double the dose to catch up.
STORAGE: Store at room temperature at 77 degrees F (25 degeres C) away from light and moisture. Biref storage between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 to 30 degrees C) is permitted.
Do not store in the batrhoom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.
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