Pravastatin Sodium Oral tablet

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.

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.

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

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

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.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 to 30 degrees C (59 to 86 degrees F). Protect from light. Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

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

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.