Pravachol

What is Pravachol

Pravachol blocks the production of cholesterol (a type of fat) in the body.

Pravachol is used to reduce the amounts of LDL (bad) cholesterol, total cholesterol, triglycerides (another type of fat), and apolipoprotein B (a protein needed to make cholesterol) in your blood. These actions are important in reducing the risk of hardening of the arteries, which can lead to heart attacks, stroke, and peripheral vascular disease.

Pravachol may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

General medical information about Pravachol

Do not take Pravachol without first talking to your doctor if you have liver disease.

Alcohol and Pravachol can both damage your liver. Discuss with your doctor the amount of alcohol that you drink so that it can be determined if Pravachol is the best choice for lowering your cholesterol.

Do not take Pravachol if you are pregnant, if you are planning a pregnancy, or if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Contact your doctor immediately if you experience unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness, especially if it is accompanied by a fever, flu-like symptoms, or yellowing of your skin or eyes.

Who should not take Pravachol

Do not take Pravachol without first talking to your doctor if you have liver disease.

Before taking Pravachol, tell your doctor if you
- have kidney disease,
- drink alcoholic beverages,
- have a chronic muscular disease, or
- have a blood disorder.

Your may not be able to take Pravachol, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

Pravachol is in the FDA pregnancy category X. This means that Pravachol will cause birth defects if it is taken during pregnancy. Cholesterol is very important for the proper development of a baby. Do not take Pravachol if you are pregnant or are planning a pregnancy.

Pravachol passes into breast milk and can harm a nursing infant. Do not take Pravachol if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Pravachol is not approved for use by children younger than 18 years of age.

How should take Pravachol

Take Pravachol exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

Take each dose with a full glass of water.

For the greatest effect, Pravachol is usually taken at bedtime or with an evening meal. It may also be taken several times a day. Follow your doctor's instructions.

Your doctor may want to monitor your liver function with blood tests before starting treatment with Pravachol and at twelve weeks after both the start of your treatment and any increase in dose. Depending on the results of these tests, your doctor can determine how much monitoring you will require.

Eat a low-fat, low-cholesterol diet. To see beneficial effects from Pravachol, avoid fatty, high-cholesterol foods.

Do not stop taking Pravachol without first talking to your doctor. It may be weeks or months before beneficial effects are seen from this medication.

Store Pravachol at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

If you miss a dose:

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take only your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.

What happens if you overdose:

Seek emergency medical attention.

Symptoms of a Pravachol overdose include nausea, diarrhea, stomach distress, and indigestion.

Avoid while taking Pravachol

Possible side effects of Pravachol

If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking Pravachol and call your doctor immediately:
- an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
- muscle aches, pain, or weakness;
- "flu-like" symptoms;
- decreased urine or rust-colored urine;
- blurred vision; or
- yellowing of your skin or eyes.

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take Pravachol and talk to your doctor if you experience
- gas, bloating, nausea, stomach upset, heartburn, abdominal pain, constipation, or diarrhea;
- a cough;
- headache; or
- insomnia.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect Pravachol

Do not take Pravachol without first talking to your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:
- cyclosporine (Sandimmune, Neoral);
- gemfibrozil (Lopid);
- niacin (Nicolar, Nicobid, others); or
- clarithromycin (Biaxin);
- erythromycin (E-Mycin, E.E.S., Ery-Tab, Ilotycin, Eryc, PCE, Ilosone, others).

The medications listed above may interact with Pravachol and damage your muscles.

Before taking Pravachol, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:
- other cholesterol-lowering drugs such as cholestyramine (Questran) or colestipol (Colestid); or
- warfarin (Coumadin).

You may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you are taking any of the medicines listed above.

Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with Pravachol. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.