Pravachol

Drug Uses

Pravachol is used in combination with a cholesterol-lowering diet and exercise to reduce the levels of blood cholesterol. It may also be used for to prevent certain heart problems.

Usage

Use Pravachol as directed by your doctor. Pravachol may also be prescribed along with a different kind of lipid-lowering drug. However, you must space out both the medications by at least an hour.

Missed Dose

You may take the forgotten dose as soon as you remember. However, if it nearly time for the next dose then skip it and continue with your regular dose. But do not take a double dose.

Storage

Store it at room temperature.

Overdose

No specific information is available about a Pravachol overdose. But if you do suspect an overdose, then seek medical attention immediately.

More Information

The drug may cause light-headedness, dizziness, and faintness in some people. Do not consume alcohol along with the drug. Do not drive or handle heavy machinery until you know how to react to the drug. Use only if prescribed and exactly as prescribed.

Warnings/Precautions

Before taking pravachol, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other "statins"; or if you have any other allergies. 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. The rare development of severe muscle damage (see Side Effects) can infrequently lead to serious kidney problems. This medication is usually temporarily stopped 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), very low blood pressure, uncontrolled seizures. This drug may make you dizzy; use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery. 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 because they may be more sensitive to the side effects of the drug, especially muscle damage. This medication must not be used during pregnancy. If you become pregnant or think 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 since pravachol may cause fetal harm. A small amount of this drug passes into breast 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.

Possible 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 rarely lead to a very serious, possibly fatal, condition called rhabdomyolysis). Seek immediate medical attention if you develop: muscle pain/tenderness/weakness (especially with fever or unusual tiredness). Tell your doctor immediately if any of these highly unlikely but very serious side effects occur: yellowing eyes and skin, dark urine, severe fatigue, severe stomach/abdominal pain, persistent nausea, change in the amount of urine. 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 doctor or pharmacist.

More Information

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 are overweight. Also to help reduce your risk of heart attacks and strokes, check your blood pressure regularly, seek medical treatment if your blood pressure is high, and stop smoking. Consult your doctor for more details.