Tablet

Bristol-Myers Squibb, Generic, Novopharm

Pravachol (pravastatin) is used to reduce the amounts of LDL (bad) cholesterol, total cholesterol, triglycerides (another type of fat), and apolipoprotein B in your blood. These actions reduce the risk of hardening of the arteries, heart attack, stroke and peripheral vascular disease.

Do not take Pravachol (pravastatin) if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment. Pravastatin passes into breast milk and may be harmful to a nursing infant. Do not take pravastatin if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Before using Pravachol (pravastatin), tell your health care provider about any of the following: if you are taking any prescription medicine (eg, fibrates), nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement if you have severe kidney problems if you regularly consume large amounts of alcohol if you have any other medical condition

Before taking Pravachol (pravastatin), tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, liver disease, drink alcohol or have blood or muscle disorder.

Other:  Sleep disturbance; depression; anxiety; nervousness; upper respiratory tract infection; blurred vision; double vision; joint pain.

How much medicine you take and how often you take it depends on many factors, including the condition being treated and the age and weight of the patient. If you have any questions about the amount and/or frequency of Pravachol (pravastatin) you are taking, talk with your health care provider. Carefully read the information provided with Pravachol (pravastatin) and reread it each time you get this prescription refilled. Take Pravachol (pravastatin) exactly as prescribed by your health care provider. You must carefully follow the cholesterol-lowering diet given to you by your health care provider. Pravachol (pravastatin) may be taken with or without food. Take Pravachol (pravastatin) at bedtime if you are taking medicines that weaken the immune system (eg, cyclosporine). If you are taking Pravachol (pravastatin) with a bile-acid reducing resin (such as cholestyramine or colestipol), take Pravachol (pravastatin) 1 hour before or 4 hours after taking the bile-acid reducing resin. Stop taking Pravachol (pravastatin) and contact your health care provider at once if you become pregnant while taking Pravachol (pravastatin). Contact your health care provider if unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness occur, especially if accompanied by general body discomfort or fever. You should stop taking Pravachol (pravastatin) briefly if any of the following occur: Blood infection; low blood pressure; major surgery; serious injury; severe metabolic, endocrine, or electrolyte disorders; or uncontrolled epilepsy. Pravachol (pravastatin) may cause dizziness and changes in vision. Use caution while driving or performing other tasks requiring alertness, coordination, or physical dexterity. Lab tests will be necessary before, during, and after the use of Pravachol (pravastatin). Be sure to keep appointments. Do not stop taking Pravachol (pravastatin) without checking with your health care provider. Do not take more medicine than prescribed unless advised to do so by your health care provider. Contact your health care provider at once if you feel like you have taken too much of Pravachol (pravastatin). Do not take any other over-the-counter or prescription medications without talking with your health care provider. This includes any herbal preparations or dietary supplements. If a dose is missed, take it as soon as possible. If several hours have passed or if it is nearing time for the next dose, do not double the dose to catch up, unless advised by your health care provider. If more than one dose is missed, contact your health care provider or pharmacist.

Store Pravachol (pravastatin) tablets at 77 degrees F. Keep tightly closed. Protect from moisture and light.