Pravachol

Name:              Trade Name Pravachol

                         Generic Name: Pravastatin 

Purpose: 

To decrease total cholesterol, LDL, and triglycerides, and to raise HDL. You have active liver disease or unexplained elevated liver enzymes.

Action:            

Pravachol inhibits an enzyme necessary to produce cholesterol in the liver.  It also facilitates the removal of LDL cholesterol from the blood.

Dose:               

The dosing range is 10-80 mg at bedtime.  The Doctor wants you to start at _______mg.  Lower doses are used in patients with significant kidney or liver problems.

You should not take Pravachol if any of the following apply:

 Females who are pregnant, nursing, or likely to conceive.

 You take Erythromycin type antibiotics (Ery-Tab, E-mycin, Biaxin).

 You should be cautious about taking Pravachol with Lopid (Gemfibrozil), Tricor, or high doses of Niacin (Niaspan); however, combinations of these medications may be ordered by the Lipid MD with careful monitoring. 

 Use of Pravachol with Cyclosporine should also be closely monitored.

Possible side effects:

Pravachol is generally well tolerated; side effects usually have been mild and temporary.  Call your doctor or our office if you have:

GI problems, rash, fatigue, cold/flu symptoms, muscle aches, headaches, or dizziness.

Report muscle pain and brown urine to us immediately, particularly if accompanied by fever and or weakness.

Lab tests:

In addition or a lipid profile, the lab tests ALT and AST will be done periodically to help assess liver function.

Special instructions:

• Always take the prescribed amount of medicine.

   

• Avoid substantial use of alcohol.

   

• Have lab tests done promptly when ordered to avoid risks.

   

PRECAUTION

Women capable of childbearing must have a pregnancy test (serum HCG) before starting this medication. This is a category X drug and not recommended for use during pregnancy or lactation.

 Ver 12.