Pravachol (Pravastatin)

Do’s

• The dosage of Pravachol is based on your medical condition, response to treatment, age, and other medications you may be taking. Inform your healthcare provider about all the products you use, including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products.
• If you take certain other drugs to lower your cholesterol, such as bile acid-binding resins like cholestyramine or colestipol, take Pravachol at least 1 hour before or at least 4 hours after taking these medications to prevent any potential interactions that could affect its absorption.
• Take Pravachol regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. Remember to take it at the same time each day, even if you feel well. Most people with high cholesterol or triglycerides do not feel sick. It may take up to 4 weeks before you get the full benefit of this drug.
• For children aged 8 to 13 years, the recommended dose is 20 mg once daily, and for adolescents aged 14 to 18 years, the recommended starting dose is 40 mg once daily. Doses greater than these have not been studied in these patient populations.
• The recommended starting dose of Pravachol for adults is 20 mg daily, taken with or without food in a single dose at bedtime. The maximum recommended dose for adults is 80 mg taken once daily. 
• If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it's just a few hours before your next scheduled dose, take only one dose.
• Continue to follow your healthcare provider’s advice about diet and exercise while taking Pravachol, as it is part of a complete treatment program that may also include diet, exercise, and weight control.

Don’ts

• Do not change the way you are taking Pravachol without consulting your healthcare provider.
• Never try to catch up a missed dose by taking two doses at once, as this could result in dangerous side effects.

Common Side Effects: 

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Headache
• Common cold

These effects are usually mild and may go away within a few days or weeks. If they are more severe or do not go away, talk to a healthcare provider.

Serious Side Effects: 

• Muscle problems such as unexplained muscle weakness, tenderness, or pain
• Liver problems, which can manifest as tiredness, loss of appetite, pain in the upper abdomen, dark-colored urine, or yellowing of the skin or the whites of the eyes 

The listed serious side effects require immediate medical attention if experienced.

This is not a complete list of side effects, and others may occur. Individuals should contact their healthcare provider for medical advice about side effects.

Pravachol should not be used during pregnancy, as it can harm an unborn baby. Effective birth control should be used to prevent pregnancy, and the medication should be stopped and a doctor should be informed immediately if pregnancy occurs. It is also advised not to breastfeed while using this medication.

Grapefruit may interact with Pravachol and lead to unwanted side effects. 

Avoid eating foods high in fat or cholesterol, as this can reduce the effectiveness of Pravachol. 

Drinking alcohol should be avoided while on Pravachol, as it can raise triglyceride levels and may increase the risk of liver damage.

Pravachol should be stored at room temperature away from light and moisture. It should be kept away from children and pets. Properly discard it when it is expired or no longer needed.

Report any unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, weakness, cramps, or any brown or discolored urine to a healthcare provider immediately, particularly if malaise (a general feeling of being unwell) or fever is also experienced. Regular lab tests may be ordered during treatment, especially if symptoms of liver damage develop.

Prior to taking Pravachol, individuals should inform their healthcare provider if they have certain medical conditions, such as active liver disease, and discuss any potential risks or precautions associated with their specific health status.

This is not a complete list of warnings and precautions, and individuals should contact their healthcare provider for personalized medical advice and information about the use of Pravachol.