Pravachol (Pravastatin Sodium) Patient Information: How Should I Take the Drug at RxList

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May 27, 2012

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Cholesterol »

Cholesterol facts

High cholesterol is also referred to as hypercholesterolemia (hyper=high + cholesterol + emia = in the blood) or hyperlipidemia
Cholesterol is a fatty substance that is an important part of the outer lining of cells in the body of animals.
Cholesterol is also found in the blood circulation of humans.
Cholesterol in the blood originates from dietary intake and liver production.
Dietary cholesterol comes primarily from animal sources including meat, poultry, fish, and dairy products.
Organ meats such as liver, are especially high in cholesterol content.
LDL (low density lipoprotein) cholesterol is called "bad" cholesterol, because elevated levels of LDL cholesterol are associated with an increased risk of coronary heart disease.
HDL (high density lipoprotein) cholesterol is called the "good cholesterol" because HDL cholesterol particles pre...

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Pravachol Patient Information including How Should I Take

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking pravastatin (Pravachol)?

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to pravastatin, if you are pregnant or breast-feeding, or if you have liver disease.

Before taking pravastatin, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

diabetes;
underactive thyroid;
kidney disease;
a muscle disorder; or
if you are a heavy drinker (3 or more alcoholic beverages per day).

If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take pravastatin.

FDA pregnancy category X. This medication can cause birth defects. Do not use pravastatin if you are pregnant. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant during treatment. Use an effective form of birth control while you are using this medication.

Pravastatin passes into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not take pravastatin without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take pravastatin (Pravachol)?

Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Take pravastatin with a full glass of water.

Pravastatin can be taken with or without food.

Pravastatin is usually taken once a day. Try to take your dose at the same time each day. Follow your doctor's instructions.

To be sure this medication is helping your condition, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. Your liver function may also need to be tested. Do not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.

In rare cases, pravastatin can cause a condition that results in the breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue. This condition can lead to kidney failure. Call your doctor at once if you have unexplained muscle pain or tenderness, muscle weakness, fever or flu symptoms, and dark colored urine.

Pravastatin is only part of a complete program of treatment that also includes diet, exercise, and weight control. Follow your diet, medication, and exercise routines very closely.

You may need to take pravastatin on a long-term basis for the treatment of high cholesterol.

Store pravastatin at room temperature, protected from moisture, heat, and light.

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